NAMA gets technological equipment to end harmattan haze, weather hurdles nationwide
The Federal Government has concluded plans to deploy new Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) in at least 11 airports nationwide to tame the dangers of flying during circumstances of harmattan haze and other related weather challenges.
The equipment, valued at several millions of dollars, will put an end to flight disruptions during harmattan season and other inclement weather conditions.
This was made public by the Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, who averred that installation will soon begin in the foirst set of airports before the end of first quarter.
Experts say an Instrument Landing System (ILS) enables aircraft to land if the pilots are unable to establish visual contact with the runway. It does this by way of transmitted radio signals.
The system operates as a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays. This enables a safe landing during Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), such as low ceilings or reduced visibility due to fog, rain, or blowing snow.
Business Hilights it several domestic flights operations were on cancelled for several days last December due to envisaged harmattan haze, but the good news is that “Come December this year, there should be no excuse of aircraft not landing in harmattan,” Akinkuotu said.
