Latest news with #UKDepartmentforTransport
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan certifies aviation security officers under UK-led training, aims for stronger global compliance
KARACHI: Pakistan's civil aviation regulator on Tuesday said all officers in its aviation security directorate have been internationally certified as security inspectors, following a UK-sponsored training program conducted by instructors qualified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The certification, delivered by the UK Department for Transport (DfT), marks a key step in boosting Pakistan's compliance with global aviation security standards. Officials said the move is expected to strengthen oversight, improve regulatory capability and bolster Pakistan's standing under ICAO's global audit regime. 'This training will play a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of our national aviation security inspectors and help increase compliance with international standards,' the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said in a statement. The training, conducted in Pakistan by ICAO-qualified UK instructors, officially recognizes all officers in the CAA's Directorate of Aviation Security as certified Aviation Security Inspectors, a designation that enables them to conduct safety and compliance assessments in line with international protocols. Pakistan has previously ranked high in South Asia on ICAO's Effective Implementation Rating, a global benchmark that measures a country's adherence to international aviation safety and security practices. The assessment is conducted under ICAO's Universal Security Audit Program (USAP), which evaluates how well member states implement aviation security oversight systems. The PCAA informed it was also expanding safety inspector training through international academic placements, adding two officers had been selected for fully sponsored postgraduate programs in France and South Korea, secured through ongoing coordination with both countries' civil aviation authorities.
BBC News
01-05-2025
- BBC News
Isle of Man runway closures for air traffic control breaks ease
Daily runway closures at the Isle of Man Airport are being eased as a result of the ongoing training of new air traffic introduced in summer 2023, the restrictions came into force to allow Air Traffic Controllers to meet their minimum rest break requirements in response to staff bosses said the rise in available staffing meant a "significant number" of the current two 35-minute closures at 08:30 and 11:00 BST "would no longer be necessary". While some closures would "still happen", they would "mostly" be when during periods when no flights were scheduled, airport bosses said. Airlines would be made aware of the timings which would be updated each month and were "tactical to a fluid schedule".The reduction in aerodrome closures has been made possible due to the ongoing training of air traffic controllers, which has meant the airport could adjust staffing are currently 15 staff in Air Traffic Control, which includes members who are fully and partially trained, as well as students. Security upgrade An upgrade of two security machines at the facility to meet standards set by the UK Department for Transport has also on the first replacement machine would be paused during the TT period to "minimise disruption", with the second due to take place after racing move would mean that only one scanner would be operational at a time meaning longer queues for passengers going to airport bosses said additional staff would be on site to "manage passenger flow".An airport spokeswoman said although the work had originally been planned to take place during the quieter winter period, supply chain issues "affecting the availability of critical parts" meant it was necessary to complete the project during the "more advanced" C3 scanners, which allow passengers to leave liquids and electrics in their bags during security checks, were not being installed as their size would "require major terminal redevelopment, which is not currently viable", she authorities had "not mandated the use of C3 technology at this time", so while future upgrades were planned it was "not currently a requirement", she added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
ITV News
30-04-2025
- ITV News
Isle of Man airport to reduce daily closures in air traffic control ahead of TT races
Staff at the Isle of Man airport have confirmed there will be a reduction in the number of closures within air traffic control (ATC), ahead of the annual TT races. Ronaldsway Airport has faced significant disruption since September 2023, due to a shortage in qualified ATC staff. The runway has been closed daily twice a day to allow for necessary rest breaks, which is a regulatory requirement for those working within ATC. Currently the scheduled rest breaks are between 8:30-9:05am and from 11:00-11:35am. However, staff at the airport say 'a significant number of these closures will no longer be necessary', due to 'ongoing training of air traffic controllers'. Ronaldsway Airport have been contacted for further information regarding the updated closure times. A lack of air traffic controllers has led to daily closures of the runway at Ronaldsway for a couple of years. In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for the airport said 'training a new air traffic controller can take between three to four years'. Experienced controllers coming from other airports also require 6-18 months for an Isle of Man certification, allowing them to operate within the island. Staff say the new change will lead to 'fewer disruptions during the day, especially when flights are delayed'. Other operational updates shared by the airport included updated security measures. New machines will be installed in the coming weeks in the central search areas of the main terminal, ensuring compliance with the UK Department for Transport. Airport officials say liquids under 100ml must still be placed in a clear plastic bag, and laptops must be removed from hand luggage during screening. Work to upgrade the system will begin from May 1, meaning only one security machine will be available in the time leading up to the Isle of Man TT. The TT races are due to run from Monday 26 May to Saturday 7 June.
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Continuing ban
Listen to article It appears the UK's ban on PIA flights isn't going anywhere, because regulators there still question our flag carrier's safety credentials. The UK Department for Transport surprised some aviation watchers with its decision, because even post-Brexit, its policies usually align with the EU's aviation regulator. Remember the EU removed the ban on PIA earlier this year and PIA has since restarted flights to Paris, with more destinations coming soon. However, despite initial reports that the ban would be lifted, British authorities are still unconvinced, and although they haven't given a specific reason, there have been a few unflattering incidents in the past few months. One major embarrassment in the interim period since the EU's ban removal and the UK's review of its ban was an incident where a Lahore-bound PIA plane's wheel apparently fell off during or just after take-off from Karachi. PIA, Pakistani regulators and planemaker Airbus are still investigating that incident. The UK routes are critical for PIA if the airline is to be made profitable, either pre- or post-privatisation. The large number of British Pakistanis makes London, Manchester and Birmingham extremely popular destinations, and PIA faces little competition in terms of direct flights. British Airways is the only airline currently offering direct flights between the UK and Pakistan — three flights per week between Islamabad and London. However, for PIA to capitalise on the routes, it would not only need to address safety, but also quality and cost. Virgin Atlantic, one of the world's top-rated airlines, quit Pakistan in 2023 after deeming the routes "low yield operations". Meanwhile, Middle Eastern airlines compensate for the additional travel time by offering a world-class flying experience, even in economy class. Conversely, PIA downgraded its business class product to "executive economy" in the face of complaints about the service quality and condition of seats and the cabin in general.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Funds in place for Borders Railway extension study
A funding package has been confirmed to allow a feasibility study into extending the Borders Railway to go ahead. The UK Department for Transport has committed up to £5m towards the project with that sum matched by the Scottish government. The funding had previously been agreed through the Borderlands Growth Deal but the new UK Labour government wanted to carry out a spending review before releasing its share. It paves the way to appoint a project manager to assess the "benefits and challenges" of extending the line beyond Tweedbank and on to Carlisle. More stories from South Scotland Listen to news for the Scottish Borders on BBC Sounds The news comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of the opening of the line between Edinburgh and the Borders later this year. Both the Scottish and UK governments agreed in 2021 to provide £10m towards exploring the feasibility of progressing the line from Tweedbank to Carlisle. However, it has taken four years for the funding package to be finally unlocked. UK government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: "It's great news that the UK Department for Transport has now confirmed up to £5m towards feasibility work to explore the potential to extend the Borders Railway from Tweedbank to Carlisle. "We look forward to working with deal partners as the feasibility work progresses." Scotland's Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the Scottish government remained committed to providing £5m towards taking the project forward. "We welcome the news that the UK government will now match our commitment of up to £5m for a feasibility study to extend the Borders Railway and are supportive of partners securing a project manager with the technical expertise to deliver the project well," she said. Rail Minister Lord Hendy added: "I'm pleased to commit to the progression of the Borders Railway extension, which would open up the route for more people to explore the region's picturesque landscapes and rich heritage, and I look forward to seeing how the proposal develops." Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine said they were making "significant strides" towards the extension of the line. "We have already seen the positive impact the Waverley line has brought to the Borders," he said. "This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of partnership in driving positive change and transforming our region for the better." Patience plea over Borders Railway extension plans
