A HAMPSHIRE based air traffic management company has been awarded a new contract overseas.

NATS (National Air Traffic Service) has won the contract with the Civic Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which aims to advance its air navigation services to the next level.

NATS, based in Swanwick, fought off competition from four other international groups, being awarded four of the five work packages available.

The contract will include work on air traffic management operations through practical assistance giving controllers the skills for high intensity operations on two runways and preparing them for working on three runways.

NATS experts will also provide help on air traffic control training to enhance training practices and use its safety expertise to enhance CAAS' risk management and safety.

Finally it will share data analysis tools and techniques that can measure the effectiveness of CAAS' operations.

The work, which is already underway, will run for 27 months.

Bosses at NATS, which has already been working with CAAS for the past four years, say this partnership will strengthen the firm's presence by expanding its office in Singapore that was established last year.

Catherine Mason, Managing Director, Services, NATS, said: “Singapore is a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia.

“Air travel in Southeast Asia is continuing to grow and Singapore is perfectly placed to drive and support these favourable economic conditions.”