PH needs to update aviation systems to keep up with technology: CAAP

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), through its Aerodrome and Air Navigation Services Safety Oversight Office (AANSOO), holds its inaugural Aerodrome and Air Navigation Services Safety Summit on November 12–13 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Izzy Lee, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — While the Philippines meets international aviation safety standards, it still needs to upgrade its systems and capabilities to keep up with the rapid development of technology, an official of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Thursday.

Speaking at the first Aerodrome and Air Navigation Services Safety Summit, CAAP Director General Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario said one of the industry’s biggest challenges is keeping up with the continuous growth in aviation.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagdami ng mga eroplano na lumilipad dito sa ating airspace, tuloy-tuloy ang paglaki ng mga airport facilities. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagdami, pag-increase ng passenger and cargo volume kaya dapat ‘yung ating infrastructure should be able to cope to this growth,” del Rosario said.

He stressed the need for continuous investment in training air traffic controllers, upgrading equipment, and strengthening safety surveillance and oversight procedures.

“Sila ang nagpapatakbo ng traffic ng movement ng mga eroplano, ng ating mga aircraft to ensure the flights arrive safely on their respective destination,” he said.

The  Aerodrome and Air Navigation Services Safety Summit, which runs from  November 12 to 13 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, is a platform for identifying ways to address common challenges in aviation safety.

The summit brings together aviation industry representatives, aircraft maintenance personnel, radar and navigation specialists, and air traffic management personnel to discuss audit findings and observations and share industry experiences and best practices in making sure passengers can travel safely by air.