Enhancing integrated and qualified air traffic controlling is highly important to provide safe and efficient aviation service, according Ethiopian Air Traffic Controllers Association ( EATCA).

This was stated at the opening session of the 28th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting to be held until November 9 in Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Air Traffic Controllers Association Vice President, Dereje Lemma told ENA that air traffic controlling technology has to grow in technology and manpower in order to support the fast growing aviation industry of Ethiopia.

It has been working with national and neighboring counterparts to enhance air traffic efficiency, he added.

According to him, the association has been playing vital role in developing the quality of air traffic by creating various platforms to discuss with the stakeholders of Ethiopian in the aviation industry.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Transport Ahmed Shide said air traffic controlling is one of the most complexes, dynamic, highly sensitive and stressful profession. It requires high level of concentration, carefulness and responsibility.

He added that the Ethiopian government is highly committed to the growth and development of the aviation industry in general and air traffic service in particular.

The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority has been training traffic controllers and other staff and the government will implement various plans to modernize the air traffic control system, the Minister stated.

More than 300 people are participating in the three-day meeting which will discuss the role of air traffic control system to enhance the security and quality of aviation industry.