Serco to Continue Providing Air Navigation Services at Baghdad International Airport

Serco, the international service company, in cooperation with our Iraqi partner Al Burhan Group, has signed a new agreement with the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) to continue providing Air Traffic Control (ATC) services, training and support at Baghdad International Airport and extending our presence in Iraq.

Serco has been providing these services in Baghdad since January 2011. The partnership between Serco and the ICAA has achieved a number of successes. These include achievement of the Vertical Separation Minimum, to increase airspace capacity, and the successful training and validation of over 40 new Iraqi controllers, while continuously developing a solid foundation for re-building Air Traffic Services capabilities in Iraq.

This new 18 month contract, extending the agreement until January 2015, enables Serco to provide the ICAA with continued "On the Job Training" for new Iraqi air traffic controllers in the Area Control Centre as well as ATC training in the Control Tower at Baghdad International Airport. Under the new contract, Serco will also provide the Aviation Academy with additional Air Traffic Services Instructors to commence the training of up to 100 new Iraqi controllers which will help the ICAA build a sustainable ATC system in support of the country's redevelopment.

Commenting on the new agreement, Zafar Raja, CEO for Serco Middle East, stated: "The Iraq airspace is a critical corridor to and from Europe for the region's airlines and it requires safe, competent and efficient air traffic services delivery. We are thrilled that the ICAA continues to have confidence in Serco's ability to deliver on its promises and support in the commitment to train Iraqi nationals".

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