ICAO meeting pictures

Informal CAR/SAM ATS/COM Meeting: a bi-regional success

Montego Bay, JAMAICA, March 26, 1998:

The informal meeting sponsored by ICAO to discuss communication difficulties between the Caribbean region and the South American region adjourned with multi-lateral agreement concerning the solution to many of their problems. The meeting which was attended by representatives of JAMAICA, COCESNA, USA, COLUMBIA, ECUADOR, PANAMA, SURINAME, VENEZUELA, IATA, ICAO SAM, ICAO CAR and SCSI, came to the conclusion that most of the communication problems that currently exist between the two regions could be solved by the expansion of the MEVA network into the northern (regional border) countries of the SAM region. SCSI ( MEVA service provider) proposed an interim solution of leasing MEVA compatible satellite earth terminals to several countries that urgently require communication upgrades to facilitate 10 minute air traffic separation on existing congested routes that use 15 minute separation. Additional issues of ATN/AFTN routing and connections were discussed. The delegates returned home with hope for concurrence from their respective governing bodies and prospects for a quick and lasting solution to a long term and difficult problem.

The meeting was hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of JAMAICA and held in beautiful Montego Bay. During the evenings the attendees enjoyed local entertainment and the wonderful hospitality of their Jamaican hosts. A hearty thanks to Col. Lewis, JAMAICA DCA, and his staff for a very well planned, successful and enjoyable meeting.