BIA Gets State-of-the Art Digital Voice Communication Switching System

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. has taken steps to implement modern and state-of-the art technologies and equipment required to maintain safe flight operations in Sri Lanka’s airspace. 

Accordingly, the 20-year-old air operation communication system used for air operations at the Katunayake, Bandaranaike International Airport has been replaced with the latest Digital Voice Communication Switching System (DVCSS). This was installed on 26 August, at the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at the airport.

The official launch of this new DVCSS took place at the initiative of Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva, with the first call through the system from Katunayake to Ratmalana airport.

The system, made in Italy according to European standards, has been installed at a cost of Rs. 670 million. The new system with Voice Over IP technology has the potential to instantly connect air traffic controllers at the ATCT with the flight, all due airports, and the radar tower, enabling to maintain simultaneous communication, clarity of communication, and credibility at a very high rate. The installation and maintenance of the system are carried out by Sri Lankan engineers at the Electrical, Electronic, and Aviation Engineering Division of the airport. The total installation also includes a VHF air-ground communication system. 

Expressing views on the occasion, the Minister said that the new system would increase the safety of Sri Lankan airspace. “The airspace and airports have been designated as safe zones, and the International Civil Aviation Organization has extended us a special commendation on this,” the Minister said. He also said that the old radar system at Piduruthalagala being used at present will also be replaced with a new radar system using the latest technology available in the world. “This will take place by next October,” he said.

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Major General (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri, and several officers also participated on the occasion.

(Source: Daily Mirror)