Albania

SAL’s association with Albania extended over several years. Advice was requested and provided on subjects related to the organisational structure for a civil aviation authority with responsibility for air traffic services, legislation and airport management. This remains the basis for their Directorate of Civil Aviation within the Ministry of Transport.

During the early period, SAL was asked whether it was possible to provide second user equipment. From this request a radar project was initiated at Rinas International Airport.

As a result of approaches made to the UK CAA on behalf of the Albanian air traffic services agency, an agreement was reached under which surplus equipment would be made available to ANTA on the understanding that it would not be sold. As one of the first items, SAL removed a Plessey ACR430 primary surveillance radar from Sumburgh airport in the UK, shipped it to Rinas, now Mother Theresa airport, installed it and re commissioned it on site.

SAL was committed to provide spares support for the radar. A second set of transmitters and receivers, together with a complete turning gear system was provided to give initial support.