How AI aids air traffic mgt operational efficiency, says NAMA’s Director, Ihenachor

The Director of Electronic Engineering Services (DEES) of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Teresa Ihenachor has listed key data sources that fuel Artificial Intelligence (AI) in aviation including radar data, radio frequency (RF) data, surveillance data, voice and data link communications, GPS data, instrument landing system (ILS) data, meteorological data, and airport operational data among others.

She further stated that incorporating AI into these data streams can empower Nigeria’s air traffic systems to anticipate and respond to challenges more proactively, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.

By fully leveraging this vast data pool, Ihenachor said the agency can create smarter, more responsive air traffic control systems, capable of meeting the demands of modern aviation.

In Nigeria’s air traffic systems, harnessing this wealth of data according to her is crucial for advancing air traffic management and ensuring seamless safe air travel.

She however challenged air traffic engineers not to relent on efforts to sustain the gains recorded so far by being more committed and innovative in performing their professional duties in line with ICAO standards and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs).

She stated that the engineers and by extension, the agency were committed to fixing many of the navigational infrastructure challenges that NAMA may be facing such as a few obsolete equipment, insufficient spares and training in some areas.

She commended all Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) nationwide for working tirelessly to give pilots the required confidence in the sky while the controllers comfortably provide separation and guidance while also relying 100% on CNS/ATM systems monitored and maintained by ATSEPs.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Air Traffic Engineers (NAAE) with theme, “The integration of AI in CNS/ATM Systems and the Economic implications for the Aviation Industry: The Role of the ATSEPs”, Ihenachor said NAMA is keeping pace by acquiring some of the latest state-of-the-art technologies that contribute to the improvement of the safety of Air Navigation infrastructures for safe and seamless air traffic operations in Nigeria.

With the continuous evolution and advent of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and gradual transition from the conventional CNS systems to the Future Air Navigation systems, she said, “Our ATSEPS will need recurrent training and retraining to ensure that we sustain the tremendous improvements recorded in our airspace safety

and reliability with very minimal equipment downtime and zero incidence reported due to CNS systems failure.”

“Though we may be facing some challenges due to a few obsolete equipment, insufficient spares and training in some areas, it is not enough to relent on our efforts to sustain the gains recorded so far by being more committed and innovative in performing our professional duties in line with ICAO standards and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs):, she stated.

She imagined a future where AI, powered by quantum computing, can predict weather patterns with unparalleled accuracy, optimize flight paths in real-time, and even anticipate potential equipment failures before they occur.

“Can you picture a world where the airspace is managed autonomously, and potential hazards are prevented before they happen? This future isn’t far-fetched; it’s the promise of technology.”

Describing AI as a game-changer in aviation, the NAMA director explained that the technology is no longer a futuristic concept; hinting, “It’s here, transforming the way we operate. From predictive maintenance to self-healing systems, AI is already making a huge impact. AI-powered systems analyze data from aircraft components to predict potential failures, reducing unscheduled maintenance by 20% at Delta Air Lines.”

ATSEPs, as the backbone of CNS-PS/ATM systems, she reiterated play a critical role in this transformation.

“Our responsibilities have always been focused on the safety, accuracy, and integrity of the systems that underpin air traffic management. With the integration of AI, our role is now evolving to include new competencies and adaptability to modern tools and processes.”

“We are not merely adapting to changes but are positioned to drive innovation that defines the future of air traffic safety and management. By embracing AI, we can enhance safety.  AI systems can detect anomalies, predict potential hazards, and provide real-time alerts”.

Wole Shadare