Azeraeronavigation Air Traffic Department (AZANS) has appointed CAA International (CAAi) to support the further development and maturity of its Safety Management System (SMS). The 16-week programme will build on the findings of an independent audit conducted in 2025 by UK CAA and CAAi experts in collaboration with NATS.
The contract, signed yesterday (27th May 2026) at Airspace World 2026 in Lisbon, will see CAAi and UK CAA subject matter experts work with AZANS to translate previous audit findings into a structured and practical improvement plan. Initially focused on strengthening the existing SMS, it will also enhance internal capability and support long-term sustainability. Activities include an evidence-based review of SMS frameworks and governance, alongside targeted recommendations to strengthen oversight, performance monitoring and organisational accountability. The programme will also support the development of Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs), reinforce safety and Just Culture principles, and provide practical tools, templates and training to support effective implementation.
Delivery will follow a phased approach, beginning with a diagnostic review to establish baseline SMS maturity and priority areas. This will be followed by targeted support to strengthen governance and processes, alongside training, workshops and mentoring to build internal capability. The programme will conclude with a focus on enhancing safety assurance and embedding sustainable improvements. The programme has been designed to support AZANS in strengthening internal capability and embedding sustainable safety management practices aligned with operational priorities.
AZANS provides air navigation services across Azerbaijan, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within its airspace. With traffic increasing significantly, flight volumes rising by around 20% year-on-year and further growth expected, the operating environment is becoming increasingly complex. In this context, a robust SMS is essential to proactively manage risk, maintain safety performance, and support continued growth.
Photo: Left to right – Giancarlo Buono, Safety and Airspace Group Director at UK CAA, Alejandro Polo, Head of International Development & Operations at CAAi, Fabiana Sarnataro-Blake, Senior Manager, International Development & Operations at CAAi, Farhan Guliyev, Director of Azeraeronavigation Air Traffic Department (AZANS)
Fabiana Sarnataro-Blake, Senior Manager, International Development & Operations at CAAi, commented:
“We are pleased to be supporting AZANS in strengthening its Safety Management System at a time of significant growth in air traffic. Having also supported the delivery of the 2025 independent audit alongside UK CAA experts and NATS, we are pleased to continue working with AZANS as the organisation progresses in the next phase of its SMS strengthening journey. This programme will provide a structured and practical pathway to enhance safety governance, build internal capability, and support the continued enhancement of safety performance in line with international best practice as demand increases.”
Farhan Guliyev, Director of AZANS, added:
“At AZANS, we consider safety management to be one of the strategic priorities of our organisation. Cooperation with CAAi and UK CAA will make a significant contribution to establishing a more resilient, agile, and proactive safety management model aligned with international standards. Our goal is to maintain the highest safety standards amid growing air traffic and further strengthen our position as one of the leading air navigation service providers in the region.”
Photo: Left to right – Giancarlo Buono, Safety and Airspace Group Director at UK CAA, Farhan Guliyev, Director of Azeraeronavigation Air Traffic Department (AZANS)
Delivery of the programme is expected to commence in the coming months and is expected to be completed in phases this year.
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