Thales and COCESNA Strengthen Air Navigation With the Signing of an Agreement to Implement Radio Navigation Systems at El Salvador's New Pacific International Airport

September 28, 2026

Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, and the Central American Corporation for Air Navigation Services (COCESNA) have signed an agreement for the installation of an air navigation radio navigation system at the new Pacific International Airport in El Salvador. The project includes the implementation of a Thales DVOR (Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range) DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) system and represents the first project under COCESNA’s regional air navigation systems renewal program, designed to address the operational needs of an aviation industry that is constantly evolving.

The solution combines navigation and distance-measuring capabilities to provide aircraft with accurate references during different phases of flight. As part of the system, Thales will install its fifth-generation DME, designed to deliver reliable and resilient guidance for en-route, approach, and terminal area operations. Its architecture enables integration with other radio navigation systems, such as CVOR, DVOR, and ILS, and facilitates adaptation to different air navigation infrastructure configurations. This technology contributes to optimizing operational efficiency while enhancing the safety and capacity of the airspace, both en route and in terminal areas.

The future implementation in El Salvador builds on a relationship of more than 25 years between Thales and COCESNA, during which Thales has provided various systems and technologies to support air navigation and air traffic management across the region. Thales has been present in Central America and the Caribbean for more than 40 years.

In 2024, Thales secured a contract to modernize radio navigation systems in Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. In this context, the Pacific International Airport project continues the implementation of this regional program, which aims to strengthen the safety, efficiency, and interoperability of air traffic management across Central America and the Caribbean.

“Modernizing air navigation systems is essential to support the growth and evolution of aviation across Central America and the Caribbean, where Thales has been present for more than 40 years. The implementation of the DVOR DME system at El Salvador’s new Pacific International Airport represents an important step in our collaboration with COCESNA and El Salvador, and reaffirms our commitment to providing solutions that contribute to safer, more efficient, and more resilient air operations across the region. This project marks another milestone and lays the foundation for continued joint work in areas such as airspace management and surveillance, space technologies, and digital capabilities,” said Paul Dambier, Thales Commercial Director for Central America and the Caribbean.

Thales’ fifth-generation DME features a new electronic architecture that reduces the system’s weight and energy consumption, adapting to the evolving operational requirements of modern aviation. With more than 1,500 Thales DME systems deployed worldwide, this solution incorporates the company’s expertise in navigation and air traffic management systems to contribute to safer, more efficient navigation, while preparing for the future needs of the industry.

Source : Thales