SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
THE HON ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development
and Local Government
leader of the house
Thursday, 13 May 2010
045/2010
Historic air traffic agreement between Airservices and RAAF
The Rudd Labor Government has overseen an historic agreement to implement an
integrated, cutting-edge national air traffic management system between the Royal Australian
Air Force and Airservices Australia.
By purchasing and developing compatible equipment and technology together, the RAAF and
Airservices will provide better value for money and potentially save taxpayers millions of
dollars.
It will deliver safer and better planned air traffic control over the nation’s skies.
And it will reduce overlaps, increase cooperation, improve communication between civil and
military air traffic control and deliver better training of air traffic controllers.
This historic agreement will make sure Australian aviation remains at the forefront of
technologically advanced air traffic management and safety.
It is a significant milestone that delivers upon one of the major commitments outlined in the
Government’s Aviation White Paper.
Airservices and the RAAF have signed a Joint Operational Concept to develop and implement
harmonised civil and military air traffic management systems.
Both the RAAF and Airservices will be undergoing major equipment upgrades and
replacement over the next five to seven years.
This approach will ensure alignment of multi-million dollar procurement processes scheduled
to replace ageing and separate air traffic management infrastructure and systems in both
organisations.
Under the harmonised arrangements, the Government will ensure that the unique operational
requirements of the RAAF are maintained.
The joint purchasing of air traffic management equipment and technology will include
automation systems, tower automation systems, radar and navigational aid equipment, and
training and simulation systems.
The RAAF and Airservices will approach the international market with a Request For
Information to establish what technologies and resources are available to deliver the next
generation of air traffic management, taking in account the specific needs of both
organisations.
Media Contact:
Colin Campbell (Minister Faulkner)
0407 787 181
Moksha Watts (Minister Albanese)
0413 389 070
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