Airservices to invest $200m in infrastructure over next 12 months

Chief Executive Officer, Greg Russell, said the 2010/11 capital expenditure program was the largest by Airservices since the organisation was formed 15 years ago. It will result in upgrades to navigational equipment and infrastructure at many major and regional Australian airports. Airservices is committed to ensuring the future of a safe, efficient and robust air traffic system in Australia, Mr Russell said. By investing in new and emerging technologies, we will be establishing the foundation for Australias next generation air traffic management environment. Airservices has also committed to recruiting close to 100 air traffic controllers and more than 70 aviation fire fighters throughout the year. Coupled with our commitment to ongoing training of existing staff, recruitment over the coming year will ensure that we are well placed to meet the demands faced by increasing passenger numbers, larger aircraft and an ageing workforce, Mr Russell said.

Key projects to be undertaken during 2010/2011 include:

• a new surface movement radars in Brisbane and Perth
• replacement or upgrading of key en route radars and instrument landing systems
• construction of new air traffic control towers at Melbourne, Adelaide, Rockhampton and Broome
• refurbishment and reopening of Karrathas air traffic control tower
• upgrading aviation rescue and fire fighting training facilities in Melbourne
• upgrading fire stations at Sydney and Melbourne, the commencement of new fire stations in Brisbane and Broome, and the roll-out of new fire vehicles and equipment.

Work is also continuing on the Air Traffic Control Future Systems project which provides opportunities for closer cooperation with Defence and neighbouring air navigation service providers.