Laos improve Air Traffic control

Lao PDR’s Ministry of Public Works has signed an agreement that allows CIT Lao Ltd to continue the maintenance and improvement of air traffic control and communication systems in the country.
Vientiane Times reported the extension gives the company until 2019 to compete the system upgrade.
It was signed off on by the Department of Finance’s acting general director, Onida Souksavath and CIT Lao Ltd chairman, Jos van Shaik.
Air Traffic Management general director, Somchit Vinitkeophavanh, said: “There are still many challenges ahead as the ASEAN Economic Community approaches and one major area is air traffic.”
Since 2005, the government has sought assistance from international aviation authorities and purchased new equipment manned by overseas technical staff, who maintain air traffic control service systems, including training Lao staff to take over the work.
“The new contract will provide continuity with the previous contract on maintenance along with the purchase of some new equipment for air traffic communication systems… The original agreement was signed in 2011 and ended this year,” he cited.
Aviation observers suggested the improvements were a response to shortcomings that came to light after the Pakse air disaster in October 2013, Lao Airlines flight, QV 301, ditched into the Mekong River less than 6 km from the airport runway. All 49 passengers and crew were killed in the accident, the worst air disaster to occur in the country.
Air traffic control and navigational systems were identified as requiring an upgrade to improve aviation safety in the country following the crash investigation.