Continuing to develop dynamically, LGS constantly focuses its attention on the quality of the offered services - use of airspace and organisation of air traffic. In 2001, the company received ISO certificate which verified its performance in accordance with the ISO 9001:2000 quality standard. Introduction of a quality mechanism was an important indicator of the company’s growth. A lot of attention has been always paid to satisfy the needs of airspace users through systematic evaluation and monitoring of the offered services. In 2005, the international certification company BQVI extended the quality certificate ranking LGS among the best companies in Latvia which through recertification confirm their world-level quality.
In May 2001, LGS signed a contract with the US Trade and Development Agency on behalf of the Baltic air navigation service providers. The Baltics CNS/ATM Transition Feasibility Study aimed at development of National and Sub-regional Plans for Implementation of CNS/ATM (satellite-based and data links technologies) in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The Study was successfully accomplished in autumn 2004; the CASCADE referred to further is the first program within the given Plan.
Between 2003 and 2005, much effort was invested into design and introduction of a Safety Management System. LGS experts drafted an early version of a safety management handbook, effective since 2005. LGS uses a systematic approach to deal with all safety-related issues based on the flight safety policies of ICAO, as well as other air navigation institutions such as EUROCONTROL, IATA, and CANSO.
In 2002, the RVSM – reduced vertical separation minimum was implemented. Optimisation of the airspace continued between 2001 and 2005, taking into account the requirements of airlines and general aviation. Replacement of the ILS system in Riga International Airport has enabled new airplane landing schemes. New work places of ATRACC - automated air traffic management system were introduced in Liepaja and Ventspils to improve the quality of air navigation services at regional airports. Since 2004, Ventspils airport runs the Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS).
Another major project, CASCADE, is to complete soon. It was initiated to meet the need for enhanced safety and new technologies as the air traffic continues to grow persistently both in the Riga FIR and the Latvian airspace. LGS keeps pursuing the prospective technologies to do its best.
LGS development profile has been influenced by accession of Latvia to the EU and NATO as well as by the Single European Sky programme, which within next few years will be an important factor in development of air navigation in Europe. The SES allows air navigation specialists in the EU member states to harmonise their work and to introduce standards related to training of corresponding specialists. LGS experts actively participate in debates of this programme and they have drafted proposals for changes in the company operational profile.
LGS celebrates its 15th anniversary in October 2006. The company is proud of its achievements in the past, and keeps climbing towards new heights.
