Afghanistan’s Air Traffic Control System

After years of war compounded by Taliban neglect, Afghanistan’s aviation infrastructure was severely deteriorated. The most pressing need: a modern air traffic control system to support the military and bring Afghanistan’s air transportation system to international standards.

Playing a lead role as prime contractor under the Air Force Contract Augmentation Program, RMS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IAP, provided overall project management and guidance in installing Afghanistan’s first procedural air traffic control system. Its installation in 2005 marked the first time that the U.S. government had financed a regional air traffic control system outside the continental United States.

Afghanistan’s low-level sector serves a mix of civilian and military flights – both fixed wing and rotor. From midnight to 4 a.m. local time, the high-level sector is host to one of the world’s busiest high-level airspace, connecting Asia and Europe as part of a modern Silk Road.

In difficult circumstances, RMS worked with subcontractors to establish, staff and run a non-radar positive control center for Afghanistan – a project that required extensive partnership with NATO forces and Afghan government officials.

Working under a follow-on contract, IAP in 2006 continued to provide air traffic management and maintenance services at multiple locations in Southwest Asia for the U.S. Central Command Air Forces, primarily to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan.