Pardubice, Czech Republic August 6th, 2012— ERA a.s., (ERA) announced that its Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) system in Namibia (already the largest system of its kind in the world) will be even further extended starting this year by a number of 7 additional ground stations. This second extension comes after the implementation of the original national WAM system (finalized in Dec 2011) and the first extension which will be put into operational use by the end of 2012.

The new stations will be strategically deployed around Namibia’s capital (Windhoek) to provide coverage to lower altitudes for its two airports – Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport and will provide WAM redundancy for both airports.

At this time ERA is working on the final details of implementing the first extension of the system which will provide coverage of Caprivi Strip on the north of the country as well as coverage to lower altitudes around Walvis Bay on the Namibian coast.

The original system deployed by ERA is the largest system of its kind in the world by both area and number of ground stations, consisting of 36 ground stations deployed across the entire country. With both phases of extensions, the number of stations will increase to 54.

The WAM system was certified according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as safe and capable of supporting aircraft separations as low as 10 nautical miles across Namibian air space. The Safety Case was a study of Austro Control GmbH. The system is capable to handle a reduced separation of about 5 nautical miles within the Terminal Control Area provided the runway is served by rapid exit taxi way.

Vladislav Hofman, Managing Director of ERA stated that “This extension builds on the success the wide area multilateration system deployed to monitor Namibian air space in December 2011. ERA is proud to have been a significant part of such a significant project and takes it as an important step forward in implementing next generation surveillance”.

About Namibian Civil Aviation Administration

The Aviation Administration & Navigation Division is responsible for the installation, maintenance, renewal, calibration and modification of all radio navigation, communications and instrument landing systems required for safe and expedient air traffic operations in the Namibian air space. Deputy Director Mr. T. Günzel oversaw and managed the entire project for the division. Victor Likando the Chief Air Traffic Controller (CATCO) of Namibia mentioned that he is indeed privileged and honoured to manage Air Traffic Control in Namibia, having the latest technology in the world, which enhances safety and efficiency in Air Traffic Management.