SIMPSON BAY:--- Princess Juliana Int'l Airport operating company N.V. (PJIAE) is proud to announce that the Air Traffic Services Division has met all requirements in accordance with Amendment 1 to ICAO PANS ATM DOC 4444 that pertains to the implementation of the ICAO New Flight Plan on November 15, 2012.
PJIAE upgraded the AFTN (Aeronautical Fixed Teletype Network) with the latest communication system, the AMHS (Air Traffic Message Handling System) provided by UBITECH at the ATC Facility during the month of July, and also upgraded the automation system by RAYTHEON during the month of August 2012 in preparation of the ICAO New Flight Plan Implementation date of November 15, 2012.
The new flight plan was introduced to enable airlines to indicate the capabilities of their aircraft and better utilize the airspace, thus cutting cost on fuel and reducing delays.
Operator training and technical training on both systems were carried by Ubitech and Raytheon specialists. Flight Information Officers within Princess Juliana Int'l Airport Air Traffic Services Division were trained by local Air Traffic Control instructors.
PJIAE Air Traffic Services performed several successful tests with DCANSP in Curacao, FAA, and several Airlines flight plan dispatch centers.
Air Navigation Service Providers in the Caribbean, Central America, North America and Canada did not encounter any major errors during the transition period from November 12 to November 15, 2012. The official cut-over at midnight (Universal Coordinated Time) of the new flight plan was successful.
Safety and technology enhancement with an emphasis on cost effectiveness is the main focus of PJIAE and it is the intention to have one communication system operational within the Terminal Control Area of the airport.
PJIAE officials are currently in talks with airport authorities of the islands within its airspace about becoming user agents of the newly upgraded AMHS and Automation system at PJIAE.
