A new Secondary Surveillance Radar commissioned by Malta Air Traffic Services was inaugurated today. The radar is the first of two to be installed. It will be used to monitor incoming and outgoing air traffic from Malta International Airport.

Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella told journalists that MATS had faced financial challenges during the Libyan Revolution because of the closure of the Libyan airspace but the company upgraded its Air Traffic Management System and also invested in new technical workshops and new cameras around the runways.  

The Minister said that MATS is currently building another Secondary Surveillance Radar in Fawwara. It is also embarking on a Data Link Communications project to simplify communication between pilots and ground control. In all, MATS is investing €15 million.

MATS Chairman Major Tony Abela noted that the company will be celebrating its 35th anniversary later on this week. A book on the first radars in Malta will be launched on the occasion and an open day at the Dingli Radar site will be held on Sunday.