Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of a new building of the main air traffic control center of the “AzerAirNavitaion” Air Traffic Department under the “Azerbaijan Airlines” CJSC

- 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!