The Vice President of Thales in charge of Civil Radars Segment, Lionel DE Castellane, has announced that the phase 1 of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigerian airports (TRACON) is on track for completion by May 2024. This significant development was shared during a visit by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to Thales, a France-based global air surveillance radar provider.
Thales has been a key player in radar system installations worldwide, with a rich history of integrating its services into major airports such as London Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle in France.
The project, initiated through an agreement with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) in 2022, is now reported to be 80% complete. Castellane emphasized the urgency of upgrading the radar coverage at major Nigerian airports, including those in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, and Port-Harcourt.
While the first phase nears completion, discussions are underway regarding the financing of the second and third phases of the Total Radar Coverage project. This initiative is crucial for enhancing air surveillance and ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel in Nigeria.
