A contract to explore
modernizing ground-based air traffic management in Venezuela, awarded this
week to a Boeing-led team, could be the first step toward development of a
space-based architecture that will make flying safer and more efficient around
the world.

The Venezuelan government, through funding provided by the U.S. Trade and
Development Agency export promotion program, has chosen The Boeing Company
, Innovative Solutions International, Design Operations Requirements
Strategies International, and Grupo Efezeta C.A. of Venezuela to perform a
modernization study for applying space-based solutions to the country’s radar-
based air traffic management system.

Under the terms of the contract, Boeing will assist in the development of
the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management
(CNS/ATM) transition plan for Venezuela’s Ministry of Infrastructure.
The
Boeing team will assess current system capabilities and recommend long-term
solutions and a transition plan for moving from a ground-based navigation
system to a satellite-based one and for implementing CNS/ATM technologies.

“This is a solid vote of confidence for our capabilities in the CNS/ATM
arena,” said Jim Albaugh, president, Boeing Space & Communications.
“This
represents a growth area where Boeing can apply its core capabilities to help
ensure safe, modern and efficient air traffic management systems for
generations to come.”

The eight-month study, of which $500,000 is funded by the U.S. Trade and
Development Agency, takes into account the anticipated increases in overall
air travel volume and the system infrastructure capacity needed to ensure
effective air traffic management.
It also will provide the basis for the
Venezuelan Ministry of Infrastructure’s investment decision over the next
10 years.

Headquartered in Vienna, Va., Innovative Solutions International is an
international engineering and consulting firm specializing in satellite-based
navigation, CNS/ATM system architecture and design, and criteria and procedure
development.

Based in Anaheim, Calif., the Boeing CNS/ATM program is managed by
Commercial Information Systems, a business unit of Boeing Space &
Communications.
Commercial Information Systems specializes in the deployment
of communication and network systems, high-bandwidth satellite communication
services, global network management systems and space-based imaging services.