DILI, 24 november 2021 (TATOLI) — The government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) is currently planning to manage Timor-Leste’s airspace, which could produce significant revenue for the country.
It is estimated that Timor-Leste would produce more than US$1 million annually through its airspace management.
“Today, I informed Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruka about our plan to manage Timor-Leste’s airspace as it will produce revenue for the nation,” Minister of Transport and Communications, José Agustinho da Silva made the comments after having a meeting with Ruak at his residence in Dili, on tuesday.
According to the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), foreign aircraft must pay to fly over other countries.
Many countries rent their airspace to foreign airlines, allowing them to fly through it, he said.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Timor-Leste had held a number of discussions with Australia, one of Timor-Leste’s closest and neighboring countries to develop the nation’s Airspace Management in accordance with the regulations of ICAO to manage and control its airspace.
Since Timor-Leste got its independence in 2002, the nation allowed all foreign airlines to fly over its airspace for free.
Journalist: Antónia Gusmão
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
