The opening of a new building of the main air traffic control center of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department under the “Azerbaijan Airlines” Closed Joint-Stock Company has been held.

The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva.

Azerbaijan’s civil aviation is going through a period of rapid development. Particular attention is being paid to the modernization of the country’s air transport. The "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC, which has become a major regional airline, is one of the leaders of the region and the CIS for the number of new aircraft. The opening at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport of a new building of the main air traffic control center of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department further enhances the strategic importance of this airport.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the building and reviewed the center.

The president of the "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC, Jahangir Asgarov, informed President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva that the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department manages flights in the airspace and at all airports of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This organization exercises control over aircraft flights within the land and water borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan on an area of 165,400 square kilometers. The length of the air corridor served by this department exceeds 8,000 kilometers.

It was brought to the attention of the President that many airlines of the world flying from Europe to Asia and back give preference to the airspace of the Republic of Azerbaijan. From this point of view, the new building of the main air traffic control center of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department is highly important. It was noted that the total area of the new building is 5,000 square meters, while its height together with the control tower is 65 meters.

While visiting a virtual museum in the lobby of the building, the head of state watched a film about the activities of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department.

The building also houses the administration of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department, the Aviation and Meteorological Information Center, departments on the development and safety of flights of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department, rooms equipped with modern facilities for specialized training, meeting rooms, a canteen and other technical facilities.

The building also houses a new training complex for the development and training of air traffic controllers both in standard and emergency situations. President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva were familiarized with the complex. It was noted that the control tower has a simulator for radar control and visual review. There are also lounges for air traffic controllers.

The head of state reviewed the operating room of the main air traffic control center.

It was noted that the operating room manages and controls air traffic on the entire territory of Azerbaijan. This advanced system enables automation of air traffic along a certain route, in flight and during landing. It will provide safety around the airfield and increase the capacity of the airport and transit traffic. The system manages dispatch, radar and flight data, and flight plans online in conjunction with relevant air traffic control centers of neighboring countries.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the tower.

The control station commands a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. There are dispatcher desks equipped with automated flight control systems at the airport, a VHF air-to-earth radio system and a video surveillance system to monitor the movement of aircraft on the apron.

After reviewing the center, the President met with the department’s team.

Saluting the participants of the ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Good morning.

Today we are celebrating the opening of a new building of the air navigation control center. I congratulate you on this occasion. It is a wonderful building and its appearance is also nice. It is a beautiful monument of architecture. At the same time, the necessary equipment is available here. For those working here there are perfect conditions and cutting-edge equipment. Of course, the new center is different from the previous one. It has excellent opportunities for observation and both runways are clearly visible, which also means modern standards.

In general, a lot is being done in Azerbaijan to develop air transport. Air transport is a very important sector for any country. I can say that excellent results have been achieved in this industry in Azerbaijan. Over the past years, all our major airports have been repaired or new ones built. The airports in Ganja, Nakhchivan, Lankaran and Yevlakh have been reconstructed. At the same time, airports have been built in Gabala and Zagatala. Six airports have been constructed to fully address our needs today. Thus, Azerbaijan is creating excellent opportunities for the development of air transport for years to come.

In previous years, these airports were not in a very good state. They were practically in a dilapidated condition. Today, they meet the highest standards and passengers are provided with high-quality services.

Along with this, the construction of a new terminal of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport is coming to an end. A great job has been done there as well. The old airport terminal has been overhauled. I think that the new one will become one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Its external appearance, interior design and the entire infrastructure are at the highest level. I believe that this airport is an example of architecture and will be included in various catalogues because its structure, design and, in general, the approach used are very original and carry a lot of sense. When you look at it from above, it resembles a bird with outstretched wings. Our country is also going through a period of development.

Azerbaijan is developing fast. The construction of the airport in such a form has a symbolic meaning. At the same time, it means modernity and innovation. This airport will stand out in the world.

All the necessary measures are being taken for the development of air transport. Over the past 10 years we have purchased more than 30 new aircraft. We can say all of the purchased aircraft were manufactured by leading companies of the world. Thus, there are excellent opportunities for ensure the comfort and safety of passengers.

Besides, we have purchased about 20 helicopters. This is also a very important sphere both for the business sector and for oil and gas operations. In general, I believe that helicopter transport will be widespread in Azerbaijan in the future. As is the case in developed countries, this sphere should prove important for the future. In other sectors, in all the sectors related to transport, we have achieved good results.

Air transport, sea transport and railway transport! We are implementing major infrastructure projects. The construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is ongoing successfully. It will be a project that will connect continents, a project that will connect Europe with Asia. The new shipyard built in Baku recently will also be a great help for the transport infrastructure.

We will build ships of all types ourselves. So Azerbaijan and Baku have become logistical and transport centers of the world. The freight traffic in Azerbaijan is growing. Azerbaijan is expanding its capabilities as a transit country. There is a growing number of international flights. The companies operating in Azerbaijan are at the forefront of cargo transportation as well. In other words, all transport spheres are developing in Azerbaijan. We are addressing issues of passenger and freight transport and all other matters. This will significantly expand the capabilities of our country in the future. Azerbaijan has become an indispensable transit country.

This is our great advantage. Of course, the development of this industry will bring us greater profits in the future. Today, investments are measured by large numbers. And so it should be. The investment made in infrastructure leads to the overall development of the country. But, of course, as infrastructure is put in place, these investments will be recovered.

They will generate revenue for our country and develop our non-oil sector for a long time. Thus, they will ensure a successful development of our country.

The opening of this center today is an integral part of the work being done. Once again, I congratulate you on the opening of this beautiful building and wish you every success. Thank you!

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Then a picture was taken.

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The Baku airport terminal was built in 1933 and was intended to carry out passenger transport in Azerbaijan. The airport terminal meeting international standards was built in the country on the initiative of great leader Heydar Aliyev and put into operation in 1999. Runways and taxiways of the Baku airport were reconstructed, flight control systems upgraded, radio navigation and meteorological equipment updated and a number of other measures taken in a matter of a few years.

In recent years, Azerbaijan’s civil aviation has entered a stage of extensive development. The Nakhchivan airport meeting international standards became operational in 2004. In 2006-2008, within the framework of the "State program on the socioeconomic development of districts", airports were commissioned in Ganja, Lankaran and Zagatala. This was followed by the construction of airports in Gabala and Yevlakh. Besides, in an effort to bring passenger and cargo carriage to a modern level, the fleet of planes and helicopters was renewed.

The aircraft fleet of the "Azerbaijan Airlines" was replenished with new modern aircraft acquired from well-known manufacturers. Currently, the aircraft of the "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC operate flights to dozens of countries and cities around the world. One of the activities undertaken in the field of civil aviation in the country in recent years has been the construction of a new terminal at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva also reviewed the progress of construction and assembly work at the new terminal of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The president of the "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC, Jahangir Asgarov, informed the President about the work done.

It was noted that the purpose of the project is to further improve the level of service associated with the passenger and freight traffic and raise safety to international standards. After the commissioning of the new terminal, the airport will be able to process 3 million passengers a year. The floor area of the terminal, which meets the highest standards, is 58,000 square meters. After the commissioning of the new four-storey terminal built in the shape of a triangle, it will operate international flights. The existing terminal will be used for domestic flights.

The new terminal has modern escalators and passenger elevators. The latest scientific and technical innovations used in international aviation will be applied. Passenger service in the new terminal building will meet the highest standards.

The application of the latest equipment will enhance flight safety opportunities. The terminal building will operate aerobridges capable of receiving eight aircraft at the same time.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the interior of a new Airbus-340. After carefully examining the work done, the President gave relevant instructions.