TDA and FAA to Assist Croatia with Much-Needed Air Traffic Control Training

For Immediate Release

Washington, DC (23 March 1999) - The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Croatian Air Traffic Services Authority to help sponsor training for air traffic control officials. The MOU will be signed today at a ceremony in Zagreb, Croatia, by U.S. Ambassador William D. Montgomery, and General Director of the Air Traffic Services Authority (ATSA), Drazen Ramljak.

Following the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, Croatia lacked an adequate air traffic control training facility and turned to outside sources to meet its aviation training needs. As such, long-term air traffic safety improvements have become a priority. As a result of this need, Croatia plans on negotiating a $37 million European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) loan to purchase new air traffic control equipment over the next two years. With this anticipated procurement of new equipment, there will be a clear need for specialized training. This $140,000 TDA grant will provide the Croatians with this specialized training by introducing them to U.S. technology and equipment at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The FAA will contribute $55,000 toward this project by waiving tuition costs and personnel fees.

This training will take place after FAA officials have conducted a complete review of ATSA personnel and air traffic controller needs for the immediate and long term. In addition, FAA instructors will provide in-country training at facilities throughout Croatia. The assistance will also include help in determining future staffing and managerial needs for the ATSA.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency, an agency of the U.S. Government, helps form mutually beneficial relationships between U.S. private sector companies and overseas project sponsors. Last year, TDA provided assistance in 62 nations around the world.

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