Airways New Zealand has welcomed the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision that the current Aerodrome Flight Information Service remain at Milford Sound Piopiotahi Aerodrome.
In May 2020, Airways launched a review of the air traffic services it provides at seven regional airports which had reducing traffic volumes, including the Milford Sound Piopiotahi Aerodrome.
The purpose of the review has been twofold: to confirm that the right level of Air Traffic Control is provided at the airports, and that appropriate agreements are in place for funding these services.
"Our goal has been to make sure that there is an evidence-based service in place at all involved airports that ensures safety remains paramount, without imposing unnecessary cost onto the airlines and other operators that use the aerodrome," says Airways CEO Graeme Sumner.
The first step in the process has been for involved airports to undertake aeronautical studies to examine their individual airspace environments.
As operator of the aerodrome, the Ministry of Transport submitted the independent aeronautical study to the Civil Aviation Authority. Having reviewed the aeronautical study, the CAA has determined the safe level of service needed for the aerodrome to operate. This is for the air traffic service in the form of the current Aerodrome Flight Information Service to remain.
"Airways welcomes the CAA’s decision that the current Aerodrome Flight Information Service remain at Milford Sound Piopiotahi aerodrome," says Graeme.
"We will work with the Ministry of Transport to continue providing the service that the CAA requires, and will now enter into discussions regarding the commercial terms of the service."
