Thales wins CAAS contract

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has awarded a S$300 million contract to Thales to provide LORADS III(Long Range Radar and Display System III), a new air traffic control system.

Under the contract, Thales will provide technical and operational training and will customise the new system to fit CAAS' requirements. A new regional Customer Support Centre will also be established for after-sales support.

In addition, LORADS III is expected to handle increasing air traffic at Changi Airport safely and make air traffic management procedures more efficient with advanced surveillance and communication technologies.

"More efficient air traffic management will bring about greater efficiency for airlines which in turn translates to more fuel savings," said Lim Kim Choon, director-general and chief executive officer of CAAS.

The first phase of LORADS III will be completed in 2010 and the second phase in 2012.