In a continuous and sustained effort to roll out its 20 year Master Plan aimed at enhancing efficiency and better provision of services in the aviation industry, the Civil Aviation Authority has in the last five years implemented a number of infrastructural developments to meet anticipated traffic forecasts by the year 2022.
The Master Plan was reviewed in 2002 following a study by the LPA Group, a transportation consultancy from the United States of America. The plan highlights a number of projects the bulk of which have been implemented over the years.
The most recent is the installation of the intelligent automated car parking facilities for ease of entry into and parking at the airport. The modern and cost effective system commenced on 1 October 2009. It charges users according to time parked at the Airport and brings with it improved revenue collection, enhanced security, and vehicle number plate recognition among other benefits.
Two years earlier, CAA had expanded the Arrivals Hall, installed two state-of-the-art baggage conveyor belts and refurbished the Departures concourse. An Air Traffic Control Radar to enhance management of the national airspace was also installed. Construction of an ultra-modern VVIP reception facility which has enhanced the country’s ability to receive several VVIP guests simultaneously was completed in 2007.
Other completed projects include installation of two Passenger Boarding Bridges, an Escalator at the terminal building, Security Watch Towers to enhance surveillance and a new Aircraft Parking Apron able to park 20 medium sized jets.
The Arrivals Hall at Entebbe International Airport is now more spacious and provides more efficient and hassle free Immigration and Customs services.Â
A Departure Passenger Handling System (DPHS) to enhance speed and efficiency of handling departing passengers has also been commissioned. The system issues boarding passes and baggage tags automatically.
Improved Airport facilities and services are key in attracting new Air Operators who in turn increase traffic to the country, which is why Uganda’s exports to world by air markets have recorded an impressive 24% annual average growth for the last six years.
The refurbished facilities have capacity to cater for up to 2.5 million passengers ayear. In 2008 the Airport handled 959,256 passengers
Safety is one of the key tenets of the aviation industry and in this respect; the following have been done:-
·        Procurement of Very High Frequency (VHF) extended Range and High Frequency (HF) Radios to enhance national coverage and improve on ground to air and air to ground communication.
·        Installation of VHF Radios at all CAA managed upcountry aerodromes.
·        Implementation of the North Africa Satellite Programme (NAFISAT).
·        Mapping of Entebbe International Airport, Kasese, Arua and Gulu Aerodromes was done using the World Geodetic System (WGS, 84) in preparation for the introduction of satellite based Global Air Navigation Systems (GNSS).
·        Deployment of a mobile Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at Gulu Airport.
In line with the President’s election Manifesto, the expansion of Kasese Airport is on course with land owners to be affected by the project compensated. Kasese Airport Runway is due to be expanded from 1750 to 2500 metres and 30 to 45 metres wide in order to accommodate aircraft type B767. The project in Kasese is estimated to cost Shs. 22 billion and is envisaged to boost tourism, agriculture and mining in the region.
Arua Airport is also a beneficiary of the rehabilitation programme with construction of a new and larger passenger terminal building having commenced in July 2009. Plans for a new Aircraft Parking Apron, a longer Runway and new staff quarters are in advanced stages.
The other aerodromes that have had significant civil works implemented include Kidepo and Moroto where new passenger terminal buildings have been erected; and Jinja and Tororo where the old buildings have been rehabilitated and associated aeronautical infrastructure given a new lease of life to make them fully operational.
The above success have not been attained without challenges. Some of the major challenges are attraction of more Airlines and traffic to Entebbe, environmental management, low traffic and costly aviation fuel.
In spite of numerous industry challenges, a number of opportunities abound. New aviation management technology is one such great opportunity. The emergency of Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) which Uganda has embraced will offer more direct flights between any two destinations.
It is anticipated this will cut on air navigation costs. Under this new concept, equipment like the B7E7 aircraft are well equipped to reduce on fuel consumption. Lowered costs of managing air travel will translate in lower fares and hopefully give more opportunity to travel. All Airports would benefit from the heightened turn-over.
The emerging regional trading blocks will also widen the air traffic catchment area, strengthen Airports bargaining power and stimulate competition. The East African Airports Authorities and the East African Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency are good strategies for addressing some of the challenges that cut across the region.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
