COMSOFT continues Papua New Guinea’s extensive ATC modernisation

Papua New Guinea Air Services Ltd (PNGASL) has contracted COMSOFT to complete their ATC transformation for safer and harmonised air traffic services to the region.

The PNG ADS-B/MLAT/ATM System project (PAMAS) will include complete ATM automation, full ATC and 3D control tower simulator. Implementation of COMSOFT’s complete ATM system for capital Port Moresby will enable its status as an international hub, while ADS-B ground stations throughout the country will also contribute to the overall coverage and precise surveillance within PNG’s complete Flight Information Region (FIR). Multilateration (MLAT) will also be delivered to the capital’s main terminal area.

The successful installation of COMSOFT’s AMHS technology for the country during 2013, coupled with COMSOFT’s vast experience with seamless and integrated Air Traffic Management solutions, led PNGASL to again opt for the German specialist’s expertise, to accomplish their essential improvements.

Captain Ted Pakii from PNGASL commented: “Our recent experience with COMSOFT’s solutions and skilled staff gave us great confidence in their abilities. COMSOFT successfully implemented AMHS ahead of our requested tight schedule, thanks to the good cooperation of PNGASL and COMSOFT staff. This further assured us of their reliability and advanced solution, which will bring further improvements to our air traffic surveillance.” 

COMSOFT’s ATM automation solution PRISMA will deliver the main ATM system, allowing a user friendly and flexible system for all data processing functions including pre-flight planning, en-route and tower control, including COMSOFT’s next generation of Surveillance Data Distribution system SDDS-NG, powerful ARTAS technology, Flight Data Processing System (FDPS), safety nets and R2D2. COMSOFT subcontractors Micronav and Frequentis will also provide 3D control tower simulator ATM, and Voice Communication systems at Port Moresby and five remote towers respectively.

As the third largest island country in the world air travel is essential for Papua New Guinea, including for domestic travel, due to difficult terrain. With the sudden growth in oil exportation from the country PNG’s actively expanding economy called for state-of-the-art ATM in order to cope with the increasing demands of their air services, and meet industry advancements.

The essential modernisation will bring PNGASL fully in line with the latest ICAO guidelines and the fully automated and scalable ATM automation solution will allow the seamless integration with neighbouring air traffic management systems for smooth aeronautical services across the entire air space of Papua New Guinea, as well as across neighbouring airspace.

PNGASL also added to the project a seven year maintenance contract – a prudent move enabling COMSOFT to provide long term support for the systems.