Spotlight Episode 8 - United Arab Emirates

In this tenth episode of the IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Renz from the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association (PATCA). Renz shares his journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the challenges faced during training, and his involvement with IFATCA. He discusses the operations of PATCA, the organisation of air traffic control in the Philippines, and the impact of technology on their work. The conversation also touches on the importance of teamwork, stress management, and the camaraderie within the air traffic control community, including sports and team-building activities.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Sean Blair and Petro Pinnock from the Jamaica Air Traffic Controller Association (JATCA). They discuss the journey to becoming air traffic controllers in Jamaica, the history and structure of JATCA, the traffic flow and operations at Jamaican airports, and future developments in the aviation sector.The conversation highlights the challenges faced by air traffic controllers and the importance of their role in managing air traffic, especially in a tourist-heavy region like Jamaica. This conversation delves into the intricacies of air traffic control in Jamaica, focusing on vacation planning, external coordination challenges, automation, critical incident stress management, team resource management initiatives, and the impact of weather on operations. The speakers share insights into their unique cultural context and the importance of maintaining high service standards despite challenges.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Maitha Alobeidli, a senior air traffic control officer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They discuss the Emirates Aviation Association, the role of women in air traffic control, the challenges of managing air traffic, and the upcoming IFATCA Global Conference in 2025.Maitha shares her journey into aviation, the training process for air traffic controllers in the UAE, and the importance of community and recognition within the profession.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Wei Ting, aka Kathy, from the ROCATCA Taiwan, exploring her journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the structure and demographics of air traffic controllers in Taiwan, and the unique challenges faced in managing air traffic in a politically sensitive region. The conversation delves into the operational environment, the importance of teamwork among controllers, and the engagement with pilots to enhance understanding and cooperation. Wei Ting also shares insights on the impact of natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons on air traffic control operations.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, our host Thorsten Raue interviews Olga Toki, a member of the Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (ΕΕΕΚΕ-GATCA). They discuss Olga's journey into air traffic control, the challenges air traffic controllers face in Greece, including understaffing and outdated technology, and the importance of safety and teamwork in managing air traffic. The conversation also touches on the future of air traffic control in Greece, including ongoing projects and the need for improved systems.

In this fifth episode, IFATCA Spotlight heads to South America: host Thorsten Raue interviews Fedor Romero, an air traffic controller from Peru. Fedor shares his journey into air traffic control, detailing his training and experiences in Cusco and Lima. The conversation explores the current developments at Lima Airport, including the challenges of managing two runways and the need for more air traffic controllers. Fedor also discusses the role of SUCTA Peru, the association representing air traffic controllers in the country, and provides insights into the structure of Peruvian airspace.

In this episode, we shine a light on air traffic control in Belgium. Maryse and Jasper discuss the challenges they face as controllers in the heart of Europe. That includes batches of VIP flights arriving and departing to/from the very frequent international summits in Brussels.

In this episode, we examine the intricacies of air traffic control in India. Ram Charan Bairwa and Jerry, both experienced ATCOs, discuss the unique challenges they face, including severe weather events and the rapid growth of air travel in their country and region.

IFATCA Spotlight is proud to shine a light on Trinidad and Tobago in this second episode. Our colleagues from Trinidad & Tobago will host the Americas Regional Meeting from the 15th to the 17th of October 2024 in Port of Spain. Two ATCOs from the local association TTATCA talk about their work, local procedures and their association's plans for the America's Regional Meeting.

In its first episode, IFATCA Spotlight is proud to shine a light on North Macedonia, which will host the European Regional Meeting from the 15th to the 17th of October 2024 in Skopje. Two ATCOs, one from tower and one from ACC, talk about their work, local procedures and their Association's plans for the ERM.