Six-month project with Tetra Tech and The Aviation Group will produce a roadmap for safe, sustainable aviation growth across Belize’s airports and airspace
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) today announces the kick-off of a technical assistance project to develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the country’s inter-airport system capacity and route efficiency. The work is being carried out by Tetra Tech, an international aviation and engineering consulting firm,
and is expected to take approximately six months.
The study will examine how aircraft move through Belize’s airports and airspace today. It will then recommend practical ways to handle more flights safely and with fewer delays. The goal is to get the most out of existing runways, routes and air traffic systems before the country commits to major new infrastructure spending.
The project covers the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and domestic airports with scheduled service, including San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, Corozal and the Belize City Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airstrip. Particular attention will go to the busy PGIA–San Pedro corridor. International links to the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America are also in scope.
“This CONOPS is a first of its kind for Belize. It is intended not just to bring order to airspace management for a thriving aviation sector, but also to prepare us for a possible doubling of air traffic by 2045 as projected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA),” said Nigel Carter, Director of Civil Aviation.
The work will proceed in four phases:
- Kick-off and data gathering (Month 1). A three-day on-site visit to Belize, including a kick-off meeting at BDCA offices in Ladyville, interviews with stakeholders, and visits to air traffic control facilities and selected airports.
- Capacity assessment (Months 2–3). Analysis of current and future traffic demand, delays, peak-hour operations, air navigation technology and procedures, compared against International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Tetra Tech will use 3D visualization tools to map air traffic movements.
- Draft Concept of Operations (Months 4–5). A plan focused on efficient route use, demand management, coordination among stakeholders and safety, prioritizing improvements that need little capital investment.
- Final report (Month 6). A final CONOPS with recommendations, alternatives and a prioritized implementation roadmap, presented in person to the BDCA and stakeholders.
The BDCA will work closely with the Central American Corporation for Air Navigation Services (COCESNA), airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders throughout the project.
The study will not affect flight schedules or airport operations. Travelers and the public should notice no disruption while the work is under way.
About the Belize Department of Civil Aviation
The Belize Department of Civil Aviation regulates and oversees civil aviation in Belize, working to keep the national airspace system safe and efficient.
The post Belize Department of Civil Aviation launches study to expand Air Traffic Capacity and improve Route Efficiency appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Six-month project with Tetra Tech and The Aviation Group will produce a roadmap for safe, sustainable aviation growth across Belize’s airports and airspace The Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) today announces the kick-off of a technical assistance project to develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the country’s inter-airport system capacity and route efficiency.
The post Belize Department of Civil Aviation launches study to expand Air Traffic Capacity and improve Route Efficiency appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.