Azerbaijan applies cutting-edge air control system at Zangilan airport

The Azerbaijan Air Navigation Services (AZANS) has announced the introduction of a new automated air traffic control (ATC) system at the Zangilan International Airport, which is currently under construction.

The relevant work is conducted as part of the restoration of the air navigation infrastructure for ensuring flight safety in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, according to the press service of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL).

On April 26, the system successfully passed the initial operation test with the joint participation of the AZANS representatives and the German DFS Aviation Services (DAS) company, which is responsible for the ATC system in Germany. The system is based on the modern Phoenix automated system developed by DAS specialists.

“The new international airports of Azerbaijan located in the liberated territories meet all modern safety standards and have a developed infrastructure that complies with the highest international requirements. The introduction of a new automated system at the Zangilan Airport will contribute to enhancing flight safety, as well as increase the airspace capacity,” AZAL President, Jahangir Asgarov, said.

“The cooperation between “AZANS” and “DFS Aviation Services” in the implementation of the Phoenix hardware and software system at the new international airports of Azerbaijan is of key importance in improving the level of flight safety,” Andreas Pouch, Managing Director of “DAS”, noted for his part.

German specialists trained the entire technical and operational staff of AZANS for using the novel system.

This is the second automated ATC system Phoenix, introduced for operation by control towers at the new airports in Azerbaijan. The first one was implemented by the German Air Navigation Service at the Fuzuli International Airport in August 2021.

The Zangilan International Airport, with a runway measuring 3,000 meters in length, will be equipped with the latest navigation infrastructure that meets all international requirements and standards. The airport is expected to go online some time in 2022.