Manila: Department of Transportation (DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the introduction of new air traffic control (ATC) simulators signifies a significant advancement in modernizing the nation's aviation sector and enhancing the skills of aviation personnel.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez stated that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines' (CAAP) newly acquired Aerodrome, Enroute, and Approach Simulators align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for the DOTr to upgrade aviation facilities and equipment, as well as upskill personnel to ensure passenger safety.

Lopez emphasized the importance of modernizing systems alongside aviation infrastructure like runways and terminals. The CAAP air traffic controller program offers free specialized training to students, guaranteeing employment for those who pass qualifying exams at airports across the country, he noted.

CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario, speaking at the facility's inauguration, mentioned that the new simulators will reduce the training program duration from nine months to six months. He highlighted that the Air Traffic Service has long aspired to have new, top-of-the-line simulators, which have now become a reality.

Del Rosario also pointed out that the new facility will address the shortage of aviation safety and ATC personnel, caused by fatigue at regional airports and the migration of workers to more lucrative jobs overseas. The PHP253 million facility includes three state-of-the-art, 360-degree simulators that meet International Civil Aviation Organization standards, particularly in Competency-Based Training and Assessment, and will decrease reliance on live operational traffic for training purposes.