Saudi Air Navigation Services Company (SANS) has started tests for 128 females who have applied to join the second batch of the air traffic control program.

Only 15 candidates will be selected from a total of 73 applicants in Jeddah and 57 in Riyadh.

Bander Al-Saleh, public relations officer at SANS, has pointed out that his company has achieved 97 percent Saudization.

The company recruited 252 Saudis, including 17 women, this year to work in its different departments, he said, adding that 12 females who will graduate as air traffic controllers are expected join work soon.

As for Saudi Vision 2030, Al-Saleh said his company has three projects including one to develop a surveillance network that will enhance efficiency, quality of performance and safety of operations.

The second project is the Saudi Future Airspace Concept, which will increase the capacity to meet rising demand especially as the Kingdom expects 30 million pilgrims by 2030.

The third project is the Development of Air Navigation Systems and Procedures, which will introduce a new air traffic control system at all Saudi airports.

"All these projects are expected to be ready by 2020, which will make it a year of achievements," Al-Saleh said.

SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE