DFS Aviation Services (DAS) and Azerbaijan’s Azeraeronavigation Air Traffic Control Department (AZANS) have signed a Letter of Understanding during Airspace World 2026 aimed at expanding cooperation on the development of Azerbaijan’s digital air navigation infrastructure.

The agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between the two organisations across air traffic management (ATM) technologies, operational systems, training and digital infrastructure development. DAS is a subsidiary of German air navigation service provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung.

NEXT-GENERATION ATM SYSTEMS PLANNED

According to the announcement, the cooperation will focus on the implementation of next-generation ATM systems for Azerbaijan’s international and regional airports using the DFS PHOENIX platform currently operated by AZANS.

The project is intended to improve digital integration, operational flexibility and regional coordination capability within Azerbaijan’s airspace management system. The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to support growing international transit traffic flows and increase overall airspace capacity along Europe-Asia air transport corridors transiting Azerbaijan.

Andreas Pötzsch, Managing Director of DFS Aviation Services, stated that the expanded cooperation would support the deployment of next-generation ATM systems across Azerbaijan’s airports and national airspace network.

INITIAL UPGRADES TO FOCUS ON REGIONAL AIRPORTS

The first phase of the programme will include ATM modernisation projects at Nakhchivan and Ganja International Airports. Planned upgrades include advanced flight data processing systems, inter-unit coordination and handover functionality, and enhanced integration with neighbouring countries’ air navigation systems.

AZANS Director Farhan Guliyev described the agreement as a strategic milestone intended to advance Azerbaijan’s air navigation systems towards a more resilient and technologically advanced operational environment.

Technical integration activities are expected to begin in the coming months, with phased deployment of the first systems planned from 2027 onwards.

TRAINING COOPERATION ALSO EXPANDED

The announcement also referenced the opening earlier this year of a modern training centre at the National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan in Baku, developed in accordance with DFS standards. The facility is intended to support regional professional training, innovation and human capital development in ATM operations.