AZAL: Azerbaijan strengthens its position as key international aviation transit hub

Azerbaijan is firmly cementing its status as a pivotal international aviation transit centre. The country’s strategic location and advanced air navigation services have made its airspace one of the most sought-after in the Eurasian region.

The volume of transit traffic through Azerbaijan’s airspace has increased by 350% since 2014. Every day, approximately 900 aircraft traverse the country's airspace, with more than half of them being transit flights operated by major global airlines. EUROCONTROL forecasts that by 2030, the average daily flow of aircraft could reach 1,032, with peak days seeing up to 1,300 flights, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) told Caliber.Az.

The key to ensuring the safety and efficiency of these operations is Azerbaijan Airlines’ air navigation division, Azeraeronavigation, which plays a central role in managing air traffic. The AIRCON 2100 air traffic management system, developed by INDRA, a global leader in air navigation technologies, ensures the stable operation of both national and international aviation.

However, the growing intensity of air traffic requires the implementation of even more advanced solutions. As part of its long-term modernization strategy, Azerbaijan Airlines signed an agreement with INDRA on December 17, 2024, to transition to the cutting-edge MANAGAIR air traffic management system.

The upgraded MANAGAIR system will not only enhance flight safety and efficiency but also reduce the environmental impact of aviation. Compliant with the European ATM Master Plan, the system features:

• Optimized flight routes to reduce flight times and carbon emissions;
• Automatic detection and prevention of air traffic conflicts;
• Decision support and monitoring of compliance with established standards;
• Upgraded voice communication and messaging protocols;
• Enhanced meteorological information exchange for airports;
• Modernized landing procedures based on precise navigational data.

"Collaborating with INDRA gives us the opportunity to implement state-of-the-art technologies that meet global standards. This step will be a significant milestone in Azerbaijan’s development as a leader in international air navigation, providing the highest quality services," said Samir Rzayev, President of Azerbaijan Airlines.

The modernization of air traffic management is not just a technological breakthrough but also a strategic development for Azerbaijan's aviation sector, reinforcing its position as a leading aviation hub in Eurasia. INDRA continues to play a vital role in creating a secure and sustainable aviation sector worldwide.

By Khagan Isayev