The Ministry of Transport and Aviation yesterday said works are underway for the modernized revamp in the country’s aviation sector.

In a statement, the ministry described some of the devices expected during the upgrade.

“The work underway includes the acquisition of a new radar which is expected to go live over the next few weeks and the construction of an APP Building with state of the art simulators which will radically reduce training times for air traffic controllers,” the statement said.

Additionally, the ministry is also expanding its human resources.

It said it has recruited 10 new air traffic control trainees and has plans to recruit an additional 10 trainees.

Further, infrastructural developments are expected to get underway by the end of the year.

Included in that is the development of the Exuma International airport, in an effort to complete an expanded terminal and runway, in addition to a new fire station.

In addition, plans are also underway for North Eleuthera, and technical works are alos in effect for the selection of new airport sites for South Eleuthera and Long Island.

“Legislation has now been enacted for the modernization of aviation agencies including the creation of a Family Island Division of the Airport Authority which is to be shortly created and will bring for the first time a singular and undiluted focus of the redevelopment and operational needs of all family island airports,” the statement said.

“The management of the Leonard M Thompson airport in Marsh Harbour, Abaco will be fortified and supported through a technical support arrangement with VAG which currently manages LPIA and the terms of that arrangement are now being finalized.

“Finally the Government of The Bahamas recently entered into an agreement with the IDB for the preparation of certain select airports namely North Eleuthera, Exuma and Treasure Cay airports for public private partnerships which will assist in capitalizing the infrastructural redevelopment of these airports.”