MORE investments are needed to improve aviation industry services in the country to meet increasing demand of modern communication technology in the industry.

Tanzania Air Traffic Controllers Association (TACTA) has also called on the government to increase personnel in the industry which now experiences a shortage of between 30 and 50 per cent.

Speaking at the Association's Annual General Meeting in Dar es Salaam, TACTA President, Mr Johannes Munanka said modern communication equipment is also a challenge that should be addressed to improve the country's economy and air safety.

"Equipment like the Surveillance System need to be worked out for the country to compete effectively as we receive many local and international flights due to rapid growth of tourism and other economic activities," he said.

Overall, he said the country's air traffic is relatively safe and that few accidents that were reported in the past were caused by other factors and not any defects in the air control system despite its current minor weaknesses. He, however, stressed on the need for the country to procure modern and sophisticated radar to effectively monitor its skies.

Opening the meeting, Acting Director General of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), Mr John Njau said the authority will do all in its means to enable Air Traffic Controllers discharge their duties to the best of their ability.

He said air traffic is increasing at a considerable rate with old technologies being replaced by new ones, thus making review of air traffic management and systems necessary. He admitted, however, that Tanzanian air controllers still work using outdated technology and pledged that his authority is working to improve the situation.

"I would like to assure you that the authority is very much committed to adhering to aviation safety standards," he stressed.