Combining sky forces

Volume 48, No. 11, June 29, 2006

Chief Executive Officer, Greg Russell and DCAF AVM John Blackburn officially open the Joint Airservices/RAAF Terminal Control Unit at Perth.

AIR Force and air navigation service provider, Airservices Australia have announced an important first step towards integrated air traffic management and more efficient management of Australian airspace.

The Joint Airservices/RAAF Terminal Control Unit was officially launched this month at the Airservices Australia facility at Perth International Airport by Airservices Chief Executive Officer, Greg Russell, and the DCAF, AVM John Blackburn.

All air traffic control services for Perth, RAAF Base Pearce and Jandakot airports will be provided from the same facility.

RAAF Base Pearce controllers now provide air traffic control services in the same operational room with Perth Airservices terminal controllers.

The Pearce/Perth air traffic control integration is the first initiative of ‘Project Genesis’ which, in time, proposes a single national air traffic management platform through integration of Defence and Airservices air traffic management, air traffic control training, licensing and maintenance.

The next phase of Project Genesis is the potential transfer of RAAF Base Tindal and Darwin airbase (NT) approach services into Airservices Brisbane air traffic control centre.

Project Genesis is also evaluating the potential for provision of other services to the Air Force including radar surveillance capability and the consolidation of other Air Force approach services to Brisbane and Melbourne ATC centres.

Mr Russell said air traffic control consolidation by Defence and Airservices had been subject to significant review and consideration over many years and Project Genesis would implement the future national air traffic management system.

AVM Blackburn said Project Genesis would overcome the difficulties encountered by two different air traffic management systems being used by Defence and Airservices to control their respective air spaces.

Both AVM Blackburn and Mr Russell commended staff for creating a system that will enhance national security and air safety and result in greater efficiencies.

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