.SCOTT

By SYLVESTER MWALE –

VICE-President Guy Scott has hailed the role of air traffic controllers in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the air travel and sustainability of the aviation industry.
Dr Scott said at the fundraising dinner for the guild of air traffic controllers on Friday evening that Government appreciated air traffic controllers’ role.
He said in a speech read for him by Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President, Davies Mwango that Government would continue to support the air traffic controllers.
He said the commitment had been demonstrated by the release of US$30 million towards the purchase of Zambia Air Traffic Management Surveillance Radar (ZATMSR) to address the current and future traffic demand.
Dr Scott said the purchase of the ZATMSR was important as the country looked forward to becoming a hub for the air transport in the region.
“Our gathering here will enable us to interact and support the guild of air traffic controllers of Zambia meet her objectives of ensuring air safety, regularity of air navigation and the aviation industry at large,” he said.
The Government also recognised the importance of the aviation industry in the economic development and contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).
Dr Scott noted that Government had shown commitment by embarking on an ambitious airport infrastructure development throughout Zambia.
He, however, said that the ambitious programmes could only be sustainable by equipping air traffic controllers with the right tools and recognising them as the undisputed professionals of the aviation industry.