SubscribeNational Air Traffic Services (NATS) has won its first overseas Air Traffic Control (ATC) contract.
The contract, when signed with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), will be for the provision of air traffic control services for Royal Air Force Gibraltar and will be worth £3.5 million over 3 years. It is NATS’ first international win and the latest competitively won air traffic control contract in its portfolio.
Lawrence Hoskins, Commercial Director said, “This is fantastic news for NATS. The award is particularly significant as it forms part of our core strategy to expand our airport business both in the UK and overseas.“
The three year agreement encompasses the approach radar and airfield air traffic control service and additional support functions such as bird scaring and medical assistance. Existing air traffic controllers and support staff from Gibraltar airport will be offered the opportunity to move across to the NATS Gibraltar operation when the contract starts in early 2006.
Brandon Chapman, Director of Airport Services added: “We are determined to expand our airport business and winning this competitive contract at Gibraltar airport has been a key objective. We have a proven track record in delivering safe air traffic control services and look forward to working closely with the RAF. We are committed to delivering a first class service with safety at its heart.”
Phil Mallion, Command Secretary, HQ British Forces Gibraltar said: “The contract assessment was made on technical and commercial grounds. NATS have been awarded the contract as we believe they have demonstrated value for money and a firm understanding of our requirements. We look forward to working with NATS over the next three years.”
NATS currently provides airport air traffic control services at 14 of the UK’s major airports including Heathrow, the world’s busiest for international traffic and Gatwick which is the world’s busiest single-runway airport.
NATS safely handled over 2.2 million flights through UK airspace in 2004/2005 financial year, an increase of 4.8 per cent on the previous year. Despite rising traffic levels, service delivery showed significant improvement, with the average delay per flights attributable to NATS in 2004/2005 falling to just 20.9 seconds in 2004/2005, compared to 40.6 seconds in 2003/2004, a reduction of 48.5 per cent.
- NATS operates at all seven BAA airports. It also handles traffic at other key regional gateways such as Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow and at developing airports such as London City, Luton, Southampton and Farnborough.
- In each case, NATS operates under contract to the airport operator, won on a competitive basis against other service providers.
