Celebrating 100 years of Air Traffic Control

When the Apollo crew first stepped on the moon’s surface 53 years ago, the spaceflight Commander, Neil Armstrong, promptly uttered his most famous words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. One hundred years ago, these words would have resonated well with those who issued the first Air Traffic Control licence in the United Kingdom, more than 12 000 kilometres away from South Africa.

Air Traffic Control has since evolved – and in so many ways.

So has technology.

Aviation specialists – read Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) – are now smarter, intelligent and most eager to learn. What’s more, the eligibility requirements for this noble profession have ensured that only the best applicants are selected and trained. Hence the industry uses the moniker “Modern ATC” to describe today’s perfectly equipped ATC.

Pandemic Blues

The Covid-19 pandemic – one of the most devastating pandemics in medical history – wreaked havoc across the face of the entire earth for two successive years. It left nothing but misery and devastation in its wake. Nevertheless, during the pandemic, the industry witnessed the extreme passion, commitment and dedication of its personnel. At the time, weekly statistics from various Air Traffic Services Units across the country were concerning. The coronavirus infection rate was on a high trajectory and hope was fading with each passing day.

Still, ATCs were rostered for their shifts as usual. They reported for duty and carried on managing the South African airspace. Some ATCs fell gravely ill, yet they went on to make full recoveries.

ATNS CEO, Nozipho Mdawe, said the resilience and determination shown by the ATCs is unmatched, immeasurable, and highly commendable. She also recognised the challenges and risks the ATCs’ families faced and the role they played during the pandemic.    

“As you carry out your duties today, tomorrow and the day after, kindly know that you are valued, appreciated and recognised – and fully so. I plead with all of you to stay true to your calling at all times”.

The pandemic has since subsided and remains undetected in some areas, leading governments around the world to systematically ease and subsequently lift all social and travel restrictions. Even though the economic recovery has been slow, one can see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. The future is promising.