DOTC, Japan firm ink P900-M aviation consultancy deal

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) signed a P900-million consultancy contract with a Japanese consortium in its effort to modernize the Philippine air traffic systems.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza reportedly signed the contract with Eiichi Chaki, president of Aviation Systems Consultants Co., Ltd. (ASCO), the lead firm in the consortium that won the bid for the consultancy contract for a new communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system last Nov. 27.

The contract signing was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the DOTC central office at the Columbia Towers in Mandaluyong City.

Other contract signatories include Masaichi Yamamoto of Azusa Sekkei Co. Ltd. and Masami Kimishima of Katahira and Engineers International.

The DOTC said ASCO, in a joint venture with Airways International Limited, Azusa Co., Ltd., Katahira and Engineers International, won the bidding for the consultancy contract for the installation of a new CNS/ATM system.

The project will be funded by the overseas development assistance (ODA) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

In a statement, the DOTC said the bidding was made in accordance with the guidelines for the employment of consultants for projects funded by JBIC-ODA loans.

Funds for the consultancy contract will be sourced from the JBIC’s 25th Yen Loan Package, the DOTC said.

Under the project, DOTC aims to set up a “dynamic and integrated” new CNS/ATM systems using satellite technology to strengthen and improve the communications, navigation, and surveillance systems and automate air traffic management.

The DOTC said the CNS/ATM system is a satellite-based technology designed to effectively and efficiently control and manage the air traffic system within the Manila Flight Information Region.

“The project covers the establishment of priority elements of the new satellite-based CNS/ATM systems at selected airports/sites nationwide. It will also replace the aging and vital air traffic control equipment/facilities nationwide,” DOTC said.

The project will enhance safety, reliability and efficiency of air traffic and airspace systems in the Philippines, DOTC added.

The ASCO consortium will be partnering with Airways International Ltd. of New Zealand for the project.

DOTC said the CNS/ATM development project is in line with the global initiative development direction of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on air navigation systems.