Government and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have signed an air traffic control memorandum of cooperation, Management and Technology Minister, the Hon. Dr. Grant Gibbons revealed yesterday.

The memorandum is a partnership between Government and the FAA to ensure continued aviation safety as the US discontinues its operation of the Civil Air Terminal.

"What is most pleasing to the Government of Bermuda is that the memorandum joins us to the FAA in a five-year renewable working partnership,'' he said.

Earlier this month US and UK governments signed an accord recognising mutual interest in safe, orderly and efficient control of aircraft operating in Bermuda airspace. The Bermuda/FAA agreement, signed on Monday in Washington takes that accord a step further by providing new arrangements for air traffic control around Bermuda, he said.

These agreements "will play a significant role in aviation in Bermuda from now on, in the wake of the departure of the US Navy,'' said Dr. Gibbons.

"This working partnership will benefit Bermuda, the US, the UK, air carriers and the passengers they fly to, from and over Bermuda every day.'' The division of air traffic control responsibilities under the Bermuda/FAA arrangement include that: The FAA provide air traffic control services for any en route trans-Atlantic air traffic passing through Bermuda air space.

Bermuda provides tower air traffic control services at Bermuda's international airport for all flights landing and departing the Island, to a distance of eight miles.

The FAA will provide air traffic approach control services for all flights on behalf of Bermuda. Although Bermuda will retain formal accountability for approach control the FAA will provide the service from its New York Centre on behalf of Bermuda. The two sides have agreed on a number of cost-sharing responsibilities in equipment maintenance and operations as well.

"The agreement has resulted in the installation in Bermuda of an impressive array of navigational aids and communications equipment to help the FAA fulfil its en route and approach control responsibilities,'' said Dr. Gibbons.

"This new equipment has been set up to send radar and radio electronic data to New York where FAA air traffic controllers can continue to provide the same high level of radar services the US Navy has long provided for Bermuda.'' The agreement benefits the UK and US because it helps fulfil their commitments to the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) while the FAA will benefit from enhanced management of air space around Bermuda.

Data sent from the Island will help reduce time and distance separation restrictions and permit access to the most efficient cruising levels.

Air carriers will enjoy more fuel efficient flying, and with radar separation, fewer flight delays while passengers could benefit from airline savings and less turbulence as ideal altitudes are made readily available.

"The agreement benefits Bermuda because it maintains a sophisticated radar and air navigational service for the Island,'' said Dr. Gibbons.

"This service will result in significant savings for Bermuda since the FAA will be able to handle our approach control through existing staff at its New York Centre, removing the need for Bermuda to hire at least four more air traffic controllers.'' The FAA will also be responsible for the enhancement of radar equipment and share maintenance costs with Bermuda.

At the request of the FAA, the ministry of Management and Technology has Bermuda signs new air traffic control agreement From Page 1 to release memorandum text.

The two agreements were made necessary by the planned closure of the US Naval Air Station and the cessation of services provided for Bermuda by the US Forces since the 1941 Lease Bases Agreement with the UK.

That agreement led to the construction of Kindley Air Force Base.

After the Second World War, authority for international air space around Bermuda was delegated to the US government by the ICAA.

The US government, through its Department of Transportation and the FAA, in turn delegated air space within a 180 mile radius of Bermuda to the US Navy.

That arrangement remains in place until June 1 when responsibility transfers to the FAA and Bermuda Government.

SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE -- Putting pen to paper at the Federal Aviation Administration building in Washington DC on Monday are FAA deputy administrator Mrs. Linda Hall Dachsle and Bermuda Government Minister for Management and Technology the Hon. Grant Gibbons. Looking on, from left, are FAA deputy director for the Office of International Aviation Mr. John Hancock, Bermuda Government Bases Transition Manager Mr. Ken Stubbings and FAA director for the office of international aviation Mrs. Joan Bauerlein.