MINSK, 15 May (BelTA) – An air traffic control center of the state enterprise Belaeronavigatsia opened in Minsk's residential district Sokol on 15 May, BelTA has learned.
The opening of the air traffic control center is a significant event not only for the air transport industry but the country as a whole. A lot of accompanying tasks had to be accomplished in addition to building the facility and installing complicated equipment. First of all, it was necessary to establish tight cooperation with all the agencies involved in flight operations, including ties with the neighboring countries. It was necessary to upgrade the hardware of the automated air traffic control system and train professionals to man the center.
The air traffic control center was built to improve air traffic service procedures, enhance the throughput capacity of Belarus' air space, and improve the quality of air traffic control services and the level of safety of flights. The air traffic control center will also bolster the country's transit potential.
Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak said: “Today's event is important not only for Belaeronavigatsia but for the entire air transport industry. The opening of the center, the start of its operation represent investments in safety, the achievement of a new, more up-to-date level of hardware.” In his words, by building this facility the Transport and Communications Ministry underlines the work the ministry does to realize international agreements in the area of air transport. In conclusion the official congratulated the personnel and the management of Belaeronavigatsia on the 25th anniversary.
Belaeronavigatsia Director General Leonid Churo said: “It is a milestone event for our enterprise. The first stone was placed into the foundation of the air traffic control center exactly five years ago. The center is fitted with cutting-edge equipment. It will allow Belaeronavigatsia to triple throughput capacity.”
Transport and Communications Minister Aleksei Avramenko and Director of the Aviation Department of the Transport and Communications Ministry Artyom Sikorsky also took part in the opening ceremony.
The investment project to build the air traffic control center was implemented in line with the government program on developing Belarus' transport complex in 2016-2020. Belaeronavigatsia financed the project out of its own pocket.
The air traffic control center is located in the residential district Sokol (30km away from Minsk and 10km away from the Minsk National Airport). The location was not chosen by accident – a large number of air traffic control specialists live there. Up to 500 people are expected to work in the new air traffic control center.
The beautiful seven-floor building occupies a total area of about 10,000m2. However, the original architecture comes secondary to the cutting-edge equipment that has been installed in the building.
For the sake of security access to the facility is restricted. The perimeter is surrounded by a double fence, intrusion sensors, and a smart video surveillance system with nearly 100 cameras.
An area control center on the fifth floor of the building is the heart of the complex. Cutting-edge equipment – computers and display means – have been bought for it. The integrated airfield and area control system has been upgraded taking into account heightened requirements of the present time. The room is fitted with modern air conditioning and fire extinguishing systems. The room is separated into ten sectors. Some of them are backups. Since the air traffic volume grows every year, the number of air traffic control officers may be increased in the future.
A spacious café and recreation rooms are also available for the personnel.
The construction of the air traffic control center is the key project in Belaeronavigatsia's work in the last five years. The center's opening became a new stage in the development of the country's air traffic control system. Better air traffic services and safer flights will make Belarus' airspace even more attractive for air carriers, thus increasing the country's transit potential.
