The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is pleased to sign a new contract with Airways International Limited (AIL) for the provision of Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) in New Zealand.
The agreement includes developing a future service model alongside AIL and in consultation with key stakeholder groups. It follows 12 years of trusted service and is a positive step to ensure that Aeronautical Information Services needs continue to be met now, and in the future.
Director and Chief Executive Keith Manch said that the agreement provides certainty and confidence for the New Zealand public and the aviation industry.
“Aeronautical Information includes information such as navigation, meteorological (MET), NOTAM, traffic control and airport conditions. This can vary widely between different sectors and aeronautical activities including visual flight rules (VFR), instrument flight rules (IFR) and in general, airline, recreational and commercial aviation.
Providing this service ensures the flow of aeronautical information needed to ensure safe and efficient air navigation remains consistent and standardised.
This is a key part of supporting activities that require a safe aviation system, such as the wider transport network and the economy,” says Manch.
The new contract includes retaining baseline services, as well as allowing for development to keep up with both international regulatory standards, and technological advancements. This allows for a transition to digitised aeronautical information management in the future.
The CAA is required under section 39 of the Civil Aviation Act 2023 to provide aeronautical services and to meet The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (or notify differences) for Aeronautical Information Services and for Aeronautical Charts.
Aeronautical Information Services are provided under contract by Airways International, the commercial arm of Airways New Zealand. The services are delivered by Airways International’s Aeropath team. The contract covers six years of service with the right of renewal.
“We look forward to an on-going relationship with Airways International, which has proven to operate efficiently and effectively for more than a decade,” adds Manch.
