The Malta Air Traffic Services is in the process of becoming one of the EU’s most technologically advanced air traffic coordinators, according to the centre’s head of technical services.

Speaking during an official visit by Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella,  Frank Dimech, head of technical services, said that the €7 million technology upgrade should be up and running by next summer.

The technology upgrade, which involves the installation of more than 20 high powered servers and super computers, was approved in 2011 but installation on the highly specialised equipment only began last June after a lengthy procurement period.

Mr Dimech said the installation was being carried out by Italian air traffic systems specialists Sil-Ex which would choreograph the introduction while the current 15-year-old system was still in use.

“We can’t just stop using the technology we had before. So this process is lengthy one,” Mr Dimech said.

Leading Minister Vella around the centre’s dark room, chief operational officer Robert Sant explained that the current system relies heavily on information sharing with a large chunk of radar coverage being provided by Italian and Greek systems.

“We experience around six black-outs a year from a system of six radars (meaning there is never any total blackout). This can be a bit touch and go especially if a black out lasts for a whole day,” Mr Sant said.

“This new technology will put Malta on the forefront of air traffic management, It is very exciting,” Mr Sant said.

Island’s parking problem extends to MIA

The view from the centre’s air traffic tower was rather grim earlier today as Mr Sant expressed his concern at the airport’s increased lack of space, although the issue is being addressed.

Mr Sant explained that in recent months several airlines had not been able to carry out overnight stays at the airport as there had not been anywhere to keep the large airbuses.

Minister Vella said he would commit himself to fixing the problem.