DFS Aviation Services (DAS) and Azeraeronavigation Air Traffic Control Department (AZANS) of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC have signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) during Airspace World 2026. The agreement marks an expansion of the parties’ long-term strategic cooperation in air traffic management (ATM) and supports the next phase of development of Azerbaijan’s digital air navigation infrastructure.
AZANS and DAS, a subsidiary of the German air navigation service provider DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, have maintained close cooperation for many years across ATM technologies, operational solutions, training, and digital systems development. One of the key outcomes of this partnership was the opening in April this year of a modern training center at the National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan in Baku, established in accordance with DFS standards. The new center is regarded as a strategic platform for professional training, innovation, and human capital development in regional air traffic management.
Under the memorandum, the parties will further deepen cooperation in the development and implementation of next-generation ATM systems for Azerbaijan’s international and regional airports. The next-generation solution of the DFS PHOENIX platform — currently operated by AZANS and internationally recognized for its reliability — will be implemented in cooperation with DAS.
The new systems will significantly enhance digital integration, operational flexibility, and regional coordination capabilities in the management of Azerbaijan’s airspace. The project will support more efficient management of growing international transit traffic flows, increase airspace capacity, and contribute to the sustainable development of Europe-Asia air transport routes passing through Azerbaijan.
“We are proud to take our partnership with AZANS to the next level. This cooperation will enable the implementation of next-generation ATM systems across Azerbaijan’s airspace and airports,” said Andreas Pötzsch, Managing Director of DFS Aviation Services.
The initial phase of the project will include the modernization of ATM systems at Nakhchivan and Ganja International Airports. The planned upgrades will significantly improve the safety, efficiency, resilience, and scalability of airspace and airport operations. The new systems will include advanced flight data processing technologies, inter-unit coordination and handover functionalities, as well as enhanced integration mechanisms with the air navigation systems of neighbouring countries.
“This agreement marks an important strategic milestone for AZANS. Together with DAS, we are advancing Azerbaijan’s air navigation systems to a more modern, resilient, and future-ready technological level. Our goal is to establish one of the region’s most advanced and effective air traffic management ecosystems,” said Farhan Guliyev, Director AZANS.
Technical and integration activities under the project are expected to commence in the coming months, with the first systems planned to be deployed gradually starting from 2027.
DFS Aviation Services GmbH (DAS) is a subsidiary of DFS, the German air navigation service provider (ANSP). It employs more than 400 members of staff worldwide. DAS is a certified ANSP, provides air traffic services at regional airports in Germany and markets its ATM products and services worldwide. Its customers include air navigation services providers, airport operators, airlines and aeronautical authorities from around the globe.
Through its UK subsidiary, Air Navigation Solutions Ltd. (ANSL), DAS is also responsible for the provision of air traffic control at Edinburgh. In the Middle East, the subsidiary DFS Aviation Services Bahrain Co WLL and the DFS Aviation Services Middle East branch in Dubai support the local air navigation service providers in areas relating to ATC personnel and technology. In South America, DAS has a branch office in Lima. DFS Aviation Services additionally offers turnkey remote tower solutions via its Joint Venture Frequentis DFS Aerosense GmbH, together with Frequentis AG from Vienna.