Air Traffic Navigation Services: Flying High Into The Future

After an exceptional 2018/2019 financial year, Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) is poised to soar even further, as it builds on an exceptional record and heads into the next phase of its development

- Thomas Kgokolo

ATNS, which was formed back in 1993 and reports to the Department of Transport, has an exceptionally important mandate—to provide air traffic management services, training and related services in South Africa. In essence, this means that they are responsible that all air traffic in the country is managed efficiently and in accordance with the civil aviation regulations that govern the industry.

Not only does ATNS control all airspace in South Africa, but it is also in charge of around 6% of the world’s airspace and is playing an increasing role in training and developing airspace management across the African continent. ATNS operates from nine ACSA and 12 other aerodromes.

As a globally competitive employer of choice, ATNS is committed to diversity and inclusivity.

Experienced leadership

Under the leadership of interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo, ATNS has grown to not only fulfil its mandate but to also move into new and exciting areas that can see sustained growth in the near future.

Kgokolo, a chartered accountant and MBA graduate from GIBS Business School leads the organisation with a base of extensive business knowledge. The former CFO of the Competition Commission, who sits on the boards of the Mineworkers Provident Fund and Sizwe Medical Fund, is an integral part of the audit committees of the National Consumer Tribunal and the Financial Intelligence Centre. He also lectures corporate finance at GIBS part-time.

At ATNS however, under his watch the organisation has grown and experienced an exceptional financial year, raking in a number of awards and beating out a number of private-sector competitors in the process.