Azerbaijan signs agreement with NATS to modernize air traffic control services

The national air navigation control service provider of Azerbaijan,  Azeraeronavigation (AZANS), has announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with NATS, the UK’s leading provider of air traffic management services. The deal, announced on January 23, 2025, will see the partners combine to modernize air traffic control services in Azerbaijan airspace as the country bids to become a major player in the global aviation scene, sitting as it does at a key crossroad between east and west.

AZANS, part of state-owned AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines has entered into the strategic agreement with NATS “with the aim of conducting a comprehensive analysis and enhancing operational procedures, maintenance processes, and regulatory compliance, marking a significant step forward in strengthening Azerbaijan’s position in the global aviation industry.”

AZANSAccording to an AZANS statement, the collaboration between AZANS and NATS will focus on implementing four strategic initiatives, which include:

• Optimizing Air Traffic Management Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) procedures and systems to enhance flight safety and reduce delays.

• Enhancing compliance with international standards, ensuring efficiency and operational reliability.

• Adopting advanced technologies and global best practices to drive sustainable development and improve operational processes.

• Training and developing personnel capabilities, including specialized training programs, site visits, and joint workshops with NATS experts.

“With its strategic location, Azerbaijan airspace and Baku-Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) have a unique opportunity to become a key air traffic hub. The partnership with NATS will enable us to meet the highest standards of modern aviation, focusing on safety, environmental sustainability, and operational efficiency,” said AZANS Director Farhan Guliyev.

Martin Rolfe, NATS Chief Executive, added, “Azerbaijan is seeing rapid growth in its aviation sector and this agreement is an opportunity for us to share our experience of managing some of the busiest airports and airspace in the world. I’m looking forward to working together, learning from each other, and helping Azerbaijan fulfill its ambitions.”

Collab Media / ShutterstockThe AZANS statement concludes by stating, “This partnership will serve as a foundation for the further growth of Azerbaijan’s aviation sector, strengthening its position as a regional leader and establishing a reliable and efficient infrastructure for air carriers. The collaboration with NATS will enable the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, providing passengers and airlines with an enhanced experience, including reduced delays, improved flight safety, and support for sustainable development.”

Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the most modern carriers in the Caucuses and this move will see the nation continue on a path to cement its position in the wider region. The airline operates a fleet of 36 Western-built aircraft including types such as the Boeing 767-300ER, 777-200ER, 787-8, and Embraer ERJ190 regional jets. The airline lost one of the latter on December 24, 2024, when it sustained damage from an anti-aircraft missile and crash-landed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people onboard.

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