Page 19 - Perspective 2019 sample a4 size

PERSPECTIVE Journal Vol. 2019
Propagating Air Power to the Masses 19

Globally, there are two major users of airspace today—the civil and the military sec-
tor. Both aviation sectors are essential to our national stability and economy. The
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF)
have a long history of collaboration, with the two agencies both recognizing the

importance of aviation security and the significance of working towards a safer Phil-
ippine sky.

In order for the PAF to perform its duties in protecting and defending the Philippine
airspace, a standardized global positioning system (GPS) is crucial especially in the
PAF’s tactical operations.

The CAAP, on its part as the country’s air navigation and air traffic service provider,
is continuously working towards the improvement of the Philippines’ aviation infra-
structure. Among these recent improvements is the communications, navigation,
surveillance/ air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system. The P10.8-billion new air

traffic system, completed in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA), allows for more heads-up in aerodrome traffic surveillance, in reduc-
ing the workload of air traffic controllers (ATCs), in reducing CO2 emissions, and in
promoting greener skies, thus increasing situational awareness and efficiency of air
traffic management.

By promoting the requirements of the CNS/ATM technology, the country is now able
to monitor 100% of the Philippines’ airspace as assigned by the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This kind of airspace modernization is providing advancements to a wide range of
industries, including private pilots, commercial airlines, air traffic service providers,
and military aviation utilities. The modern system not only improved the operation-
al efficiency of air traffic management but also increased it’s the operational safety
levels while also lowering operating costs.

In showing commitment between CAAP and PAF, the system, centrally housed at
the Air Traffic Management Center in Pasay City, also has PAF personnel on-duty.
The presence of PAF in the center is not only to serve as military component but
also to increase coordination between the armed forces and the country’s civil avia-

tion authority. With the coordination, the country’s air transport industry and air de-
fense is benefitting from increased airspace flexibility, better airspace surveillance,
safer air traffic service provision, and better overall efficiency of the country’s skies.

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