Air Traffic Control Services

The next generation of engineering talent from the Gulf state of Oman is to receive specialist training from air traffic management company, NATS.

Delegates from Muscat and Salalah airports will attend a series of 16 week courses run at NATS’ training college in Hampshire. Each will begin with English language lessons followed by expert ‘Air Traffic Safety for Electronics Personnel’ training.

The Omani Public Authority of Civil Aviation (PACA) aims for all its engineers to achieve ATSEP compliance by 2016 as part of its modernisation and transformation programme.

Saleh Abdullah Nasser Al-Harthy, Director Air Navigation Services at PACA, said: “Aviation in Oman is currently going through a rapid transformation and PACA is making huge investments in our technology, infrastructure and most importantly our people.

“NATS has an excellent track record of delivering Air Traffic Management solutions in the Middle East and it is of enormous benefit for our young engineers to be working with them. In our efforts to be renowned for aviation safety, security and the excellence of our people, PACA has selected NATS to help us achieve our goals.”

John Swift, NATS Middle East Director, commented: “This is a fantastic example of Oman investing in the development and skills of its people. These high-potential trainees will be able to return home with the knowledge and skills they need to support the transformation of their country’s aviation infrastructure.”

This is the latest in a series of contract wins for NATS to provide air traffic control training, while NATS is also able to provide training abroad.

Swift added: “NATS is very active in the Middle East and we’re delighted to be supporting Oman and the wider region in its development into one of the world’s most important aviation hubs.”