With the installation of new radar, the country’s airspace will totally come under strong surveillance and be more secure than before.
At the same time, it will also help to identify international aircraft flying over the country’s sky and generate more revenue.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Mahbub Ali said this while speaking as the chief guest at a formal agreement signing between Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and French radar maker Thales LAS to install state-of-the-art radar with CNS-ATM system at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, at a city hotel on Thursday.
CAAB chairman Air Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman and Vice Chairman of Thales LAS Nicholas signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Secretary to the Ministry Mohammad Mokammel Hossain and French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean Marin were present during the signing.
The state minister said, “The new sophisticated radar would bring the entire airspace of the country under surveillance. As a result, it will be possible to identify all the foreign aircraft traveling on international routes using the sky of Bangladesh and over-flying charges from them will increase. With the installation of these new and sophisticated radar and ATC towers, the country’s airspace will be more secure, aviation will be more secure and the revenue from the aviation sector will increase.”
"Today we are witnessing a major step forward in the development of the aviation sector. In addition to the installation of radar and ATC towers, the project will also install more equipment related to communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management. This will remove the current technical constraints on air navigation in the country and also meet the obligations of international airlines.
The country’s air navigation will be timely and of international standard,” added the state minister.
He said, “The present government is working for the development of Bangladesh by giving importance to the aviation sector. Under the strong leadership and guidance of Prime Minister and Leader of the People, Sheikh Hasina, the aviation sector of the country is developing and becoming international. The scope of air connectivity of the country is increasing through development and prosperity.”
“Work is underway to ensure timely expansion of aviation infrastructure across the country, increase passenger service, improve technical and public skills, and ensure safe and smooth aviation. As part of this, various development projects have already been completed in all the airports of the country and the work of some more groundbreaking development projects including construction of state-of-the-art third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is progressing at a fast pace, ” he further added.
It may be mentioned that this project adopted by CAAB for modernization of communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Public Procurement on June 08 this year.