THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019
An advanced air traffic control training facility opened in Beirut, Lebanon this week uses pioneering simulation
technology developed by Airways New Zealand.
The completion of the 12-month project marks a significant step forward for Airways International, the commercial arm of
the New Zealand air navigation service provider, as the organisation advances its training related business in the
Middle East.
Airways developed and installed the air traffic control (ATC) tower and surveillance training simulators for the
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Lebanon at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
The facility was officially opened by the country’s Minister of Public Works and Transport Youssef Fenianos, and will be
used to train Lebanese air traffic controllers and students. Delegates from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) attended this week’s ceremony alongside Lebanese Government
dignitaries.
Airways’ innovative and highly realistic TotalControl simulation technology enhances the quality and speed of ATC
training, significantly reducing on-the-job training time while the industry worldwide is under increased pressure to
train enough air traffic controllers to meet demand.
The successful project showcases New Zealand innovation and Airways’ ability to compete on the world stage, Airways
International CEO Sharon Cooke says.
“The Middle East is a key target market and our work in Lebanon further cements our reputation in the region as a high
quality training technology and services provider.”
The TotalControl simulators installed in DGCA’s facility at Beirut International Airport imitate the full ATC flight
information region using high fidelity 3D graphics, developed in conjunction with Animation Research Ltd in Dunedin. The
same technology is used in Airways’ ATC training centres in Christchurch and Palmerston North, and in its training
academy in Kuwait, established in December 2018.
Airways has been delivering ATC training solutions and consultancy services to the Middle East region for more than 20
years. In the past two years the organisation has delivered training for customers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab
Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain.
ends