AEROTHAI selects Helios for safety assurance support

Aviation consultancy Helios has been appointed by Thai ANSP AEROTHAI to lead a two-year safety assurance project linked to their nationwide CNS/ATM system modernisation programme. The consulting team combines safety, technical and human factors experts from Helios and Egis Avia, as well as senior air traffic controllers from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) who have specific experience with some of the proposed new Thales TopSky systems.

Traffic volume in Bangkok FIR has grown swiftly in recent years. With expected growth of more than double in the next ten years, AEROTHAI has established a long-term project to replace the infrastructure and introduce new CNS/ATM systems across Thailand. There is therefore the need to develop the safety requirements and associated safety assurance in line with the project.

Comments Helios project manager Glen Smith: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract. We have ensured an integrated consultancy team, whose varying roles offer significant safety, operational, human factors and technical experience in similar implementations. We worked closely with the IAA on the procurement of the Co-operation of Air Navigation Service (COOPANS) programme, involving Thales TopSky equipment and with our colleagues from Egis Avia on several projects in recent years, all of which are relevant to AEROTHAI situation. We intend to put the basic building blocks in place quickly and efficiently, and then spend time looking at agreed areas of detailed risk analysis. It should enable us to work effectively with AEROTHAI to produce a safety case appropriate to the varying operational environments in Thailand, and ready for regulatory approval within the targeted timescales.”

AEROTHAI Senior Director, Safety and Standard Bureau, Chumnan Ruechai adds: “The Thailand Modernization CNS/ATM System (TMCS) Project marks an important step for AEROTHAI in the ICAO ASBU implementation plan. As we aim to meet the airspace users’ expectation of increased capacity, we need to ensure that safety requirements are met. Therefore, we are keen to work with Helios and our regulator to strengthen the safety aspect of the project. This safety case is vital to the success of the project and will help us deliver safe and smooth transition to the new system.”