The Minister of Transport of South Africa, Mr. Jeff Radebe, says the rate of traffic growth in Africa’s air transport industry makes it necessary to review the air navigation facilities on the continent. Mr. Radebe posits that air traffic and navigational aids are a crucial part of safety of air transport industry and calls for a replacement of old and outdated navigation equipment.

“You cannot have a year-on-year growth rate of 6% in aviation for the continent and expect to maintain a safer, more economically operated route if you have not dealt with the core instruments which contributes to being able to fly safely and efficiently,” he notes.

He equally stresses the need to give more attention to ground-related safety issues such as poor ground operations, inadequate infrastructure, poor aircraft maintenance, lack of planning, poor safety oversight and lack of skilled personnel, among others.

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