Georgian, Czech companies sign deal to update Georgian air navigation system

Georgia's air navigation service provider Sakaeronavigatsia and Czech company ALES have signed an agreement on updating and configuring a backup system used at Georgian airports, the Economy Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The LETVIS ATC systems of the airports in the capital of Tbilisi, the western city of Kutaisi and the Black Sea coastal city of Batumi will be subject of the update.

Gocha Mezvrishvili, the Sakaeronavigatsia Director General who signed the deal from the Georgian side, said the need to upgrade and configure the systems was prompted by “structural and procedural changes” in the airspace.

He named changes in horizontal and vertical boundaries of the key monitoring area, the absolute height of the transition set for the aircraft altitude measurement, and transition echelon among reasons for the required update.

Mezvrishvili further noted the data obtained as a result of software configuration was required for SMM observers, as they were able to perceive the complete picture of the airspace, ensuring the safety of flights.

The Ministry said the Czech company would provide system upgrade and configuration services in “full compliance” with ICAO/EUROCONTROL recommendations.