AAI puts world class navigational facility at Agartala airport

Guwahati: The Airports Authority of India (AAI), a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is adding world-class air navigational facilities to Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (MBB) in Agartala to enable highest safety standards and on-time operation of aircraft. The communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) department of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (MBB) in Agartala, in co-ordination with AAI's headquarters team, has started upgrading the old 'Doppler very high frequency Omni Range' (DVOR) and High Power Distance Measuring Equipment (HPDME) with state-of-art facilities imported from South Korea and Canada, respectively.

"The work of upgrading these equipments started from July 5, 2018 and after hard work of CNS personnel, it was commenced on Thursday early morning hours as per international standards," said a press release. The commissioning ceremony was marked by a puja at the site in the presence of Airport Director (officiating) SD Burman, CNS in-charge PK Handa and senior officials of MBB Airport, Agartala.

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What is the use of DVOR and HPDME?

DVOR and HPDME are used in aviation for navigational purposes. DVOR provides the angle to the aircraft relative to the earth's magnetic north, while HPDME provides the distance of the aircraft with respect to the ground station. Together they provide polar co-ordinates to fix aircraft position in the sky. Previously MBB Airport, Agartala used to have analogue-based DVOR and HPDME for navigational purposes. With the growing demand of air traffic in the Indian airspace, there was a need to upgrade these facilities with cutting edge technology so as to cater to the needs of present-day aviation requirement, considering all international safety standards. With this requirement, these state-of-art facilities have replaced the second-generation facilities with the latest technology, which will enhance safety and security in the Indian Airspace.

Airports Authority of India

AAI manages a total of 129 airports in the country which include international, customs, domestic airports and civil enclaves at defence airfields. AAI also provides air traffic management services (ATMS) over entire Indian air space and adjoining oceanic areas with ground installations at all airports and 25 other locations to ensure safety of aircraft operations.

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