Aviation search, rescue management system goes digital

A $123 million digital aviation search and rescue management system was launched on Monday to improve coordination and response times during aviation emergencies, government officials said.
The Search and Rescue Information and Management System replaces manual data collection and chart plotting, allowing agencies to share information in real time and coordinate operations more efficiently at both the local and international levels.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the system will enable the rapid design and execution of search and rescue plans and enhance the reliability of emergency responses. Sixteen personnel have been trained to operate the platform, he added.
A similar digital system is being developed for the maritime sector, according to the ministry.
Before the system’s introduction, search and rescue planning relied on manually plotted charts and maps, with information gathered through extensive interagency coordination and significant human input.
Government officials, aviation regulators, defence officials and industry representatives attended the launch at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport control tower.