Thales upgrading air traffic management system in South Africa PARIS, May 23 (UPI) -- Thales of South Africa and Air Traffic Navigation Services are replacing South Africa's air traffic management systems. Legacy air traffic management systems of ATNS at three sites around South Africa will be replaced with Thales TopSky-ATC and Thales 970s radars. The companies will also provide support and maintenance for the new systems, Thales said. "South Africa is emerging as one of the fastest growing and complex ATM regions in the continent," Patrick Oszczeda, Thales South Africa's vice president and chief executive officer said. This technology acquisition will allow ATNS to deploy a truly future proofed technology capable of not only dealing with the issues and challenges of Africa today but also capable of growing and adapting as the airspace becomes more complex. We are proud to be associated with ATNS, especially as we explore new partnership strategies, which we believe will unlock ATNS's full potential for growth and other avenues of development. The sites for the new air traffic management systems and radars are Wakkerstroom, Potgieterus and Rhodes. "ATNS remains committed to the delivery safe and efficient operations to the ATM community," said Thabani Mthiyane, ATNS' acting chief executive officer. In delivering services to our customers and stakeholders, technology infrastructure and innovation play an important role in ensuring that we are able to do so. It was therefore important for ATNS to select a partner that will not only provide enabling technology, but will work with ATNS in ensuring that internal technology innovation capacity and capability is strengthened for the purpose of long-term joint development and cooperation. Thales South Africa is a subsidiary of the Thales Group, which has headquarters in France.