Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing Director, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, has stressed the need for the Africa Indian Ocean Region Satellite Network (AFISNET) to explore new frontiers in satellite communication for greater efficiency and cost effectiveness.
He said this could be achieved by adopting new technological solutions.
Abdulsalam, represented by his Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Emma Anasi, made the point when NAMA hosted the inaugural meeting of AFISNET evaluation and re-engineering audit in Lagos.
The meeting is part of efforts to ensure maximum availability and integrity of communication network in line with the standard of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
It provided a platform for AFISNET members to exchange ideas on network performance and improvement as well as appraise infrastructure, identify gaps, and make recommendations.
NAMA, an aeronautical service provider, uses AFISNET satellite to provide air traffic services (voice coordination with adjacent FIRs), AFTN, and extended range VHF coverage.
AFISNET comprises NAMA (Nigeria), GCAA (Ghana) ASECNA (Francophone countries), and Roberts FIR (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, et cetera).
It was established for sharing satellite infrastructure to ensure seamless air traffic control in West Africa.