23RD DANUBE FAB ANSP BOARD MEETING

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23RD DANUBE FAB ANSP BOARD MEETING

ActivitiesDANUBE FAB ENMedia centerNews

The 23rd DANUBE FAB ANSP Board meeting, held on October 30, 2024, brought together representatives from BULATSA and ROMATSA to discuss strategic initiatives for managing the DANUBE FAB Functional Airspace Block. In light of the upcoming SES2+ framework regulation, which is expected to redefine Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) as voluntary, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the increasing demands of air traffic, ambitious environmental targets, and the challenges posed by a changing geopolitical landscape.

During the meeting, the Board reviewed the objectives of the DANUBE FAB Strategic Programme, which focuses on future airspace needs, including enhancing capacity, improving safety, and increasing operational efficiency. Updates on high-priority Free Route Airspace projects highlighted ongoing efforts to expand cross-border operations and ensure regulatory compliance. The Board also expressed strong support for the InterFAB platform, recognizing its importance as a forum for aligning regional strategies within the European air traffic management framework.

Furthermore, ROMATSA and BULATSA presented recent advancements in their collaboration within the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. These projects aim to refine trajectory-based operations by leveraging advanced automation and air-ground synchronization to enhance sustainability and efficiency across the region, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal objectives.

As FABs transition to a voluntary role under SES2+, the DANUBE FAB remains dedicated to creating a resilient, safe, and environmentally responsible framework for Eastern European airspace. This meeting reaffirmed a shared vision for effectively managing regional airspace in a flexible and forward-thinking manner.

For additional information, please visit www.danubefab.eu or contact us at contact@danubefab.eu.

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Publication of Aeronautical chart 1:500 000, new edition

Media centerNews

Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) notifies aircraft operators and users of the Bulgarian airspace regarding the publication of Aeronautical chart 1:500 000, edition 11.0

The chart is available on the flight information portal of Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) – https://b-flip.bulatsa.com/.

Changes in edition 11.0:

  • Implementation of new temporary reserved area – LBTRA92;
  • NDB BOZ completely withdrawn;
  • Implementation of information about new aerodromes – Panicharevo (LBPN), Sapareva banya (LBSP), Belozem (LBBM), Pravets (LBPV) and new heliport – Dolna Mitropoliya (LBDH).
  • Update of information about Kazanlak aerodrome (LBKL).
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International small goal football tournament “55 years BULATSA”

Media centerNews

Over a hundred competitors, air traffic controllers and employees of BULATSA from all over the country and guests from Romania and Turkey participated in the international small goal (7-a-side) football tournament “55 years BULATSA” in the Albena resort.

After many contested and intriguing matches, the Sofia team won the cup, defeating Chaika Air Base in the final. The bronze medals went to Gorna Oryahovitsa and friends, and the Varna team took fourth place. After them, from fifth to eighth place in the final ranking finished the teams of Constanta, Bucharest, Istanbul and Burgas.

The top scorer of the tournament with 9 goals was Dimo Tyufekchiev and the best goalkeeper was Stoyan Georgiev, both from Chaika Air Base.

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The BULATSA tower at Sofia Airport was transformed into the colors of the national tricolor banner

Media centerNews

For Unification Day, the Sofia aerodrome control tower was transformed into a symbol of national unity. Dressed in the tricolor banner, it reminds us of the long way we have come as a nation, as well as our achievements in the field of aviation.

This unique building is not just a workplace for air traffic controllers, but also a symbol of the progress and development of our country. The aerodrome tower is a source of pride for Bulgarian engineering and was realized by an entirely Bulgarian team. More than 10 years ago, along with the foundations, a time capsule was laid containing two maps and a message for future generations. Today, as the world becomes more interconnected, Sofia Airport plays a key role in connecting Bulgaria to the rest of the world. With its unique architecture and technical solutions, the BULATSA tower remains a symbol of the modernity and safety of Bulgarian aviation

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“Open Days” at BULATSA

Media centerNews

BULATSA opens its doors again on September 12 and 25 for everyone who wants to learn more about the Air Traffic Controller profession and get to know the enterprise’s work up close. Those wishing to participate in the initiative must register on the enterprise’s website www.bulatsa.com at “Open Days” at BULATSA – BULATSA

The Open days are traditional for BULATSA, and the visitors attend a presentation by experts from the BULATSA Academy which is the only certified organization in Bulgaria for the training of Air Traffic Controllers, according to the requirements of the European Union and the applicable national legislation.

The participants will be able to see in real time the work of the Air Traffic Control Centre and the air traffic controller training simulators as well as ask any questions regarding the work of BULATSA.

The building of BULATSA has a special access regime and everyone who has signed up for participation needs to bring an identity document and be there no later than 08:30 a.m.

BULATSA Academy is accepting applications for the autumn Air Traffic Controller recruitment campaign which closes on September 30. After that the opportunity to apply continues but those admitted will be included in the spring session of 2025.

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Students from the Technical University on internship at BULATSA

Media centerNews

BULATSA provided an opportunity for a summer internship to the third-year students specializing in “Aviation Engineering and Technologies” at the Technical University of Sofia.

During the internship, they were introduced to the key activities provided by BULATSA, particularly the functions and responsibilities of the engineering-technical personnel (ETP) and air traffic controllers (ATCOs).

For the second consecutive year, the internship focused on the “pseudo-pilot” position on the simulator used for the training of both Bulgarian and foreign ATCOs. In addition to the theoretical part, numerous practical exercises were conducted, allowing students to experience the nature of an ATCO’s work. This experience stimulated and increased their interest in applying to the “Become an Air Traffic Controller” campaign – https://www.bulatsa.com/etapi-kandidatstvane/.

Based on a signed cooperation agreement between BULATSA and the Technical University of Sofia, after completing their third year, students are eligible to take the FEAST test, which is part of the selection process for air traffic controllers. Those who pass the test successfully can, if they wish, work as pseudo-pilots while continuing their studies, and after obtaining their university degree, they can undergo training to become air traffic controllers.

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The BULATSA basketball team won a championship title

News

BULATSA “Fly-By” basketball team won its first championship title in its history after winning the trophy in the Third Division of the National Amateur Basketball League (NABL).

In the last match for the title against the AK-47-ers team, Boris Matrakov led Fly-By to the trophy with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 5 assists. Petar Zagorov also performed excellently, contributing 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks, and Georgi Tunev finished with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Boris Matrakatov also won individual awards for Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer in the playoffs.

Fly-By, which finished fourth in the regular season, remained undefeated in the playoffs on their way to the title. Until that moment, the achievements of BULATSA’s basketball players included the bronze medals of the Fourth Division in the 2021/22 season and the “Veselin Gospodinov” Sportsmanship Cup from the 2022/23 season were recorded in the business card of the BULATSA basketball players.

The next challenge for the team is the hosting of an international, friendly mini tournament, which will be held in Sofia on October 30 under the title “55 years BULATSA” and will take place with the courtesy of NABL (https://nalb.bg/). Guests will be the teams of the air traffic controllers from Romania, Serbia and North Macedonia.

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BULATSA planted 55 trees in Vitosha Park

Media centerNews

BULATSA employees and their families, together with commercial enterprise State Forestry – Sofia, planted 55 coniferous trees in Vitosha Park on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the founding of BULATSA.

As part of the initiatives to mark this anniversary, a mass walk to Black Peak was organized at the weekend, in which participated over 200 people.

Caring for nature and green practices, as well as striving to achieve a more sustainable future, are part of BULATSA’s value system.

The airport centers in Varna, Burgas, Plovdiv and Gorna Oryahovitsa also joined the initiative.

“We want to leave a green footprint on the earth as well”, was the motto of the celebration.

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The Air Traffic Controllers of BULATSA in the Europe’s TOP 10

News

The air traffic controllers of BULATSA are in the top 10 in Europe in terms of serviced traffic. On 15 June, 3 711 aircraft flew through Bulgaria and were serviced 3 499 aircraft, which is 42 more flights than those serviced on the first Sunday of August 2023.

The record high traffic placed the Sofia Area Control Center (ACC) among the top ten of their colleagues in Europe during the intense summer season. This places BULATSA air traffic controllers eighth in Europe after London ACC, Karlsruhe ACC, Maastricht UAC, Marseille ACC, Wien ACC and Madrid ACC, and second in the region – right after Ankara ACC.

The safe and efficient traffic service was ensured by the use of eleven operating sectors, combined in a sector configuration reflecting the specific load and complexity in the western part of Bulgaria.

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Day Without a Car

News

BULATSA celebrates the World Environment Day, 5 June with the eco-initiative “Day Without a Car – TOGETHER for Cleaner Air”, which takes place for the second year in a row.

BULATSA’ employees volunteered to participate in the campaign by using alternative transport or carpooling to and from work, reaffirming their concern and commitment to the protection and enhancement of the environment and the actions towards a more sustainable future.

All participants received reusable glass bottles as part of the company’s policy to promote a circular economy and reduce plastic waste.

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