EVALUATION OF A PROJECT FOR MODERNIZING THE AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST

Under contract with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, WMA conducted a study of a proposed project in the Russian Far East by the team of Booz-Allen & Hamilton/Jerry Thompson & Associates (BAH/JTA). The BAH/JTA team proposed to perform a technical evaluation of the Russian Far East air corridor aimed at opening it fully to international commercial air traffic. The projected work included proposing an Air Traffic Management (ATM) system architecture for the Russian Far East, developing functional specifications to modernize, upgrade, and improve the overall system architecture, and identification of sources of funding to support implementation of an upgraded system.

In this study, WMA assessed the proposed scope of work, schedule, and cost. Additionally, we examined the social, political, and economic situation in Russia with respect to the project's scope, and we assessed the probability of obtaining U.S. and multinational finance for the project implementation. WMA also assessed the probable benefit to American industry, and lastly, we made several recommendations for change which were adopted.

During this study, WMA made several contacts with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), because we knew they were planning a major support effort for Russian ATC which partially overlapped the proposed work by BAH/JTA. Through our coordination and recommended approach to this project, both efforts were commenced in a coordinated fashion. Moreover, the chances of a successful project and ultimate implementation were improved.