The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency  (NAMA), said it has held a three-day training workshop on Aeronautical Information Management(AIM) and collaboration of procedures for top-level management staff of the agency.

A statement issued by the agency said that the participants were drawn from the Aero-Comms and Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) departments of the agency across the country.

According to NAMA, the workshop that was held in Lagos, was centred on the collaboration, harmonisation and synergy among critical personnel of the agency, highlighting the importance of integrated procedures to enhance seamlessness and efficiency in the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of aeronautical data.

In his remarks while declaring the workshop open, the Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ahmed Umar Farouk, noted that the training workshop had become imperative as the agency and the aviation industry in general had gone digital in most of their operations, processes and procedures.

He charged participants to “brace up for automation which has come to stay in NAMA.”

The NAMA MD, who was represented by the Director of Air Traffic Services, Mr. John Tayo listed the benefits of collaboration between communication and information services integrated procedures to include ensuring implementation of real-time updates of critical data such as Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and weather reports; creating protocols for collaboration during emergencies to ensure rapid dissemination of vital information; and conducting joint training programmes and simulation exercises to improve coordination and response times.

He listed other benefits to include: developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that outline the specific roles and responsibilities of communication and information services personnel in various scenarios; ensuring that personnel are cross-trained to understand the workflows and challenges faced by their counterparts; developing automated systems for data transfer to minimize human error and enhance efficiency, among others.

“Aero-Comms and AIS departments are the backbone of information management in NAMA given that without information and data, air traffic controllers cannot function, just as pilots cannot fly. The world has moved from analogue systems into digital dissemination of Aeronautical Information hence the need for Aeronautical Information Management system which is strictly the responsibility of the two departments “, Farouk said.