At the U.S. Contract Tower Association meeting in Washington, DC, on Monday, SolaCom Technologies and AJT and Associates announced plans are proceeding on schedule to rebuild the Freeport International Airport in Grand Bahama.
Destroyed by Hurricane Frances, a category 2 hurricane that struck the Bahamas in September 2004, the airport is replacing the Control Tower cab which houses the air traffic controllers, with a new one designed and built by AJT, and replacing the Liberty-STAR Voice Communication System (VCS) with a new one from SolaCom. AJT is managing the project and installing the new equipment.
A unique aspect of the project is that AJT designed and built the control tower cab in Florida, then disassembled it and shipped in by truck and barge to the Bahamas.
“Using this approach, we were able to provide the highest-quality materials and construction at a lower cost,” said Bryan Brotheridge, senior project manager for AJT. “Although an unusual approach, we have done it before, and are pleased to provide a very high level of design and engineering expertise to ensure a successful project completion.”
The Liberty-STAR VCS will provide integrated radio/telephony controls on a digital platform to support nine operators in a unique, networked configuration: four in the control cab; two remote approach controllers; one remote radio controller; and two other remote sites linked to the switch, the companies said.
“This installation provides an excellent example of our ability to configure solutions tailored to the specific operating requirements of the customer,” said Franz Plangger, CEO and president of SolaCom.
“The Freeport International Airport required a unique system configuration. By working closely with the customer and our partner, we are able to ensure that they will get a system exactly suited to their needs. The fact that the airport authority chose to replace the Liberty-STAR VCS destroyed by Hurricane Frances with a new one from SolaCom is also a testament to their confidence in our equipment.”
The equipment passed a Factory Acceptance Test in Florida in May, and has been shipped to the Bahamas with the control tower cab. The new facility is expected to be operational in July 2006.
The Bahama Journal
