South Africa’s air traffic management body, the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) has decided to lend a hand in the push for the growth of the drone industry in the country.

The organisation recently announced that it will be partnering with drone services provider Ntsu Aviation Solutions to offer RPAS training and associated services.

“South Africa’s current aviation infrastructure landscape is dominated by Multi-National Companies that have established vertical value chains,” the ATNS said in its announcement.

“This is largely due to a lack of capable local suppliers to provide much-needed services. To address this challenge, ATNS has developed an Incubation strategy, as part of its broader Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme, aimed at accelerating the development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), by providing such with the necessary support, that include among others, training programs, advisory and support services, to establish their businesses within the aviation sector.

“ATNS has entered into an agreement with Ntsu Aviation Solutions (Pty) Ltd for the provision of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) training, in line with the ATNS RPAS Management Strategy.”

The proposed RPAS training will include basic training; intermediate training; advanced training; Remote Pilot Licence (RPL); as well as endorsement for flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

As part of the partnership agreement, the ATNS also presented its new best friend with five new drones, which will be used in the latter’s operations, and also during training.

Ntsu Aviation Solutions founder, Sam Twala expressed delighted at the prospect of working with yet another big aviation stakeholder in South Africa.

“I am looking forward to working with ATNS team in the interest of advancing usage of drone technology in South Africa for the benefit of citizens and most vulnerable communities,” Twala said.

“Some of the areas we will explore together include training (skills development beyond licensing); drone traffic management (a critical enabler for drone deliveries and long-distance operations); ATS equipment calibration (CNS – Navaids, comms and surveillance); and many other operations within the aerodrome environment.

“Thank you to ATNS for walking to talk!”

A state-owned company, the South African Air Traffic and Navigation Services provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa and also covers a large part of the Southern Indian and Atlantic Ocean, comprising approximately six percent of the world’s airspace.