On 27th April the management of BULATSA and ROMATSA met online for the sixteenth meeting of the DANUBE FAB ANSP Board. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Georgi PEEV, Director General BULATSA, and Mr Adrian COJOC, Director General ROMATSA.
The meeting had a busy agenda, ranging from technical matters to more high-level political aspects. ANSP Board members were briefed on the progress of the latest round of DANUBE FAB strategic planning and reporting, status of the FAB procurements and the progress made on the FAB’s five High Priority projects.
During this meeting, attendees were updated on projects which have recently been completed within the FAB, most notably the inclusion of Slovakian airspace in SEE FRA (South-East Free Route Airspace) as of January 2021. DANUBE FAB also completed the deployment of Voice Over Internet Protocol and Datalink Services above FL285. The ANSP Board agreed to investigate options for expanding FRA further, and identify technical infrastructure projects that could be completed cooperatively between BULATSA and ROMATSA.
Participants were briefed on the potential impact on the FAB of the recently released Deloitte Report on the Future of EUROCONTROL. InterFAB events attended and planned were also discussed, notхing that DANUBE FAB expects to host a research workshop in Sofia in late 2022.
Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority (BULATSA) notifies aircraft operators and other users of the Bulgarian airspace that the distribution of aeronautical chart 1:500 000 on paper is suspended. The chart will be provided free of charge only in electronic form on the corporate website of BULATSA on the following address:
We would like to express our congratulations on this date to all professionals or just fans of aviation and cosmonautics!
BULATSA employees made their card with messages about aviation.
The second InterFAB Expert Talk hosted by FABEC on 24 March 2021 and attended by more than 80 delegates from all over Europe addressed complexities surrounding the interpretation of financial data by the European Commission’s Performance Review Body (PRB) and air navigation service providers (ANSPs). A presentation by Eckhard Drews, DFS Director Controlling, and Vitan Todorov, BULATSA Director Finance and Chief Accountant, explained how the term ‘economic surplus’ is interpreted very differently with profound repercussions on the reporting of financial results. We as ANSPs are often confronted by statements by the PRB that ANSPs are generating a lot of surplus, a term which is interpreted to mean profit ” said Eckhard Drews To illustrate the conundrum, Eckhard Drews showed the principle of the calculation of economic surplus by PRB and furthermore the transformation from the results of the statutory accounts to economic surplus. For some ANSPs there is a huge gap between both figures. For example, the economic surplus could show a positive result in the reporting, whereas the outcome of the statutory accounts may be negative.
The Expert Talk presented three different approaches to avoid misinterpretation of ANSP results. Firstly, there needs to be a recognition that costs may already exceed revenue in ANSP performance plans. Secondly, surplus should not be used by the PRB as representative of financial ANSP results. Thirdly, mixing planned and actual figures should not be relied upon to calculate the cost of capital. It is good that the PRB has taken the initiative to invent this concept of economic surplus, but it would be useful to discuss in greater detail what it shows and how it can be used ” said Vitan Todorov, BULATSA Director of Finance and Chief Accountant In one example, the PRB monitoring report released in October 2020 refers to ‘substantial surpluses’ during the reference period which ANSPs do not have to return to airspace users. In this case, the PRB is expecting ANSPs to use so-called ‘accumulated surplus’ to manage the equity gap in 2020 and 2021 to reduce costs during the crisis. There are additional factors to consider. Economic surplus can be positive or negative depending upon whether the costs to generate the output are higher or lower than the revenue. Furthermore, deviations from assumptions embedded in the performance plan can arise as a result of changes in forecast traffic volume and other risk-sharing mechanisms which take into account airspace capacity, punctuality and environmental performance. Air traffic service provision is generally seen as relatively low risk. However, we see nowadays it can be a very risky business. ANSPs do not intend to deviate from the plan but an ANSP has to manage the situation according to developments over the course of the reference period ” said Vitan Todorov.
The PRB introduced the term ‘economic surplus’ in a balanced paper presented to the Single European Sky Committee in 2015 as it can be used as a proxy for early indication of the economic performance of the ANSP under a performance plan, but it does not state that this can be used by the not so deeply involved community to measure ‘money left’ to the ANSP. Furthermore, surpluses/losses should be measured versus the results embedded in the performance plan. Subsequently economic surplus is analogous with economic profit rather than accounting profit and remains at variance with statutory terms. The PRB considers economic surplus as embedded in the cost of capital, whereas when calculating its value the PRB uses the weighted average cost of capital, which is a pre-tax value. Vitan Todorov argues the cost of equity is not a surplus by default but is part of the cost base, a factor recognised by ICAO. Many industries use established key performance indicators such as Earnings Before Tax (EBT) and Earnings Before Income Tax (EBIT). When assessing the financial situation of ANSPs, it would be better to use official established terms,” said Eckhard Drews.
A joint task force set up in September 2020, developed at InterFAB level with EUROCONTROL and the PRB, set in motion open and frank discussions to address these concerns. Among action points agreed to date, the task force recommends an additional footnote in performance reports to explain economic surplus does not reflect legal accounting values, in order to reduce the risk of misinterpretation. In conclusion, the presenters called for indicators outlining the financial results of ANSPs which are closer to those of the statutory accounts. Of particular importance, they warned that substituting ‘profit’ in place of ‘economic surplus’ indicates ASNPs have accrued a financial surplus which might not have actually been the case.
InterFAB Expert Talks provide a platform where experiences can be shared and views exchanged on the key issues which relate to data and performance in ATM. www.fabec.eu/ExpertTalks .
BULATSA implements a new air traffic complexity management system. The SESAR deployment modernization project 2015_217_AF4 aims at deploying the Traffic Complexity Assessment Tool (tCAT) in Sofia Area Control Centre (ACC). When the air traffic increases again, this tool will help to manage complex air traffic situations in Bulgaria and bring substantial performance benefits to the European aviation.
The tool uses Enhanced Tactical Flow Management System (ETFMS) flight data information, combined with other prediction data in order to evaluate the complexity of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) operation. It supports the planning of the Air Navigation Service Provider’s resources to manage the air traffic in a more efficient and cost-effective manner while optimizing capacity.
The SESAR project covers in full the existing regulatory gap in SESAR Deployment Programme (SDP) Family 4.4.2 “Traffic Complexity Tools” in Bulgaria. The Traffic Complexity Tools is the only one SDP Family within the Pilot Common Project (PCP) Sub-AF 4.2, related to “Automated Support for Traffic Complexity Assessment”, which remains in CP1 regulation under a different numbering “Sub-AF 4.3”, but with the same technical background.
In the framework of the CEF-funded projects coordinated by SESAR Deployment Manager, BULATSA is involved in 2 SESAR deployment projects as a Project Leader and in another 5 as a Project Contributor. Those, 7 in total, ATM modernization projects are in the areas of Network Collaborative Management, the initial System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and initial Trajectory Information Sharing.
The completion of the project was planned for 2020 but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed by a few months and the project is expected to be completed in September 2021. It will support the planning of the Air Navigation Service Provider’s resources to manage the air traffic in an efficient and cost-effective manner. It is expected that the project will bring the largest performance benefits in terms of capacity increase and reduction of delays in the en-route airspace.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was conducted by SESAR Deployment Manager, supported by the expertise of Network Manager (Eurocontrol), as part of a larger effort to assess the implementation of the requirements of regulation (EC) №716/2014 (The PCP Regulation). The analysis is based on the standard Eurocontrol methodologies for delay analysis in EATMN and assessment of benefits and costs of ATM investments. The results of the CBA, after having factored in the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, indicate a forecast cumulative Net Present Value of about 22 million euros by 2030.
User Feedback
“One of the first things I appreciated in the system is the ease of inputting data and new configurations as well as the contemporary and intuitive HMI, providing a much better presentation of operational information. The possibility to be able to see forecast and real radar data on the same screen is a lot of help when selecting the best sector configuration.”
Deyan Nikolov,
FMP Coordinator
“The system functionalities, related to ATCO workload assessment, have given us new possibilities to assess forecast air traffic situation and assist the opening and closing of sectors. The module for automated opening scheme optimization has made the selection of configurations much easier. The automatic data refresh and the simplified exchange with NM save us the additional time and effort and strongly support the ATFM process.”
Petar Papazov,
Head of Sofia FMP
“Unlike the legacy system, which provided archive only for the last observed air situation, the new tCAT system supports a full archive of each intermediate state of the traffic forecast. This detailed archive allows us to have a much deeper insight of the operational decision-making process and issue better targeted safety recommendations.”
The tool uses Enhanced Tactical Flow Management System (ETFMS) flight data information, combined with other prediction data in order to evaluate the complexity of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) operation. It supports the planning of the Air Navigation Service Provider’s resources to manage the air traffic in a more efficient and cost-effective manner while optimizing capacity.
The SESAR project covers in full the existing regulatory gap in SESAR Deployment Programme (SDP) Family 4.4.2 “Traffic Complexity Tools” in Bulgaria. The Traffic Complexity Tools is the only one SDP Family within the Pilot Common Project (PCP) Sub-AF 4.2, related to “Automated Support for Traffic Complexity Assessment”, which remains in CP1 regulation under a different numbering “Sub-AF 4.3”, but with the same technical background.
In the framework of the CEF-funded projects coordinated by SESAR Deployment Manager, BULATSA is involved in 2 SESAR deployment projects as a Project Leader and in another 5 as a Project Contributor. Those, 7 in total, ATM modernization projects are in the areas of Network Collaborative Management, the initial System Wide Information Management (SWIM) and initial Trajectory Information Sharing.
The completion of the project was planned for 2020 but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was delayed by a few months and the project is expected to be completed in September 2021. It will support the planning of the Air Navigation Service Provider’s resources to manage the air traffic in an efficient and cost-effective manner. It is expected that the project will bring the largest performance benefits in terms of capacity increase and reduction of delays in the en-route airspace.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was conducted by SESAR Deployment Manager, supported by the expertise of Network Manager (Eurocontrol), as part of a larger effort to assess the implementation of the requirements of regulation (EC) №716/2014 (The PCP Regulation). The analysis is based on the standard Eurocontrol methodologies for delay analysis in EATMN and assessment of benefits and costs of ATM investments. The results of the CBA, after having factored in the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, indicate a forecast cumulative Net Present Value of about 22 million euros by 2030.
User Feedback
“One of the first things I appreciated in the system is the ease of inputting data and new configurations as well as the contemporary and intuitive HMI, providing a much better presentation of operational information. The possibility to be able to see forecast and real radar data on the same screen is a lot of help when selecting the best sector configuration.”
Deyan Nikolov,
FMP Coordinator
“The system functionalities, related to ATCO workload assessment, have given us new possibilities to assess forecast air traffic situation and assist the opening and closing of sectors. The module for automated opening scheme optimization has made the selection of configurations much easier. The automatic data refresh and the simplified exchange with NM save us the additional time and effort and strongly support the ATFM process.”
Petar Papazov,
Head of Sofia FMP
“Unlike the legacy system, which provided archive only for the last observed air situation, the new tCAT system supports a full archive of each intermediate state of the traffic forecast. This detailed archive allows us to have a much deeper insight of the operational decision-making process and issue better targeted safety recommendations.”
Due to the abrupt change in the air traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, BULATSA suspends the recruitment of air traffic controllers until 2022.
The aviation sector is one of the most significantly affected by the crisis and after the anti-epidemic measures introduced by the states, the traffic reached unprecedented low levels, with decrease of almost 88% compared to 2019.
According to initial forecasts, the expectations were for a smooth recovery in the summer of 2020 to minus 50%, and at the end of the year to reach minus 20%. However, the actual reported values were minus 58% compared to 2019.
The latest forecast for recovery of the aviation sector in Europe is for a gradual increase in the air traffic over the next 4 years. The expectations for a possible reaching the levels of 2019 are not until the year 2025.
Taking into account the difficult economic situation in the aviation sector, BULATSA reconsidered its plans for selection and training of air traffic controllers, and decided to temporarily suspend the admission of candidates for the profession.
Those, who have submitted documents for participation in the selection for this year, will have to apply again and meet the requirements as set at the time of announcing a new session.
According to initial plans, the resumption of the campaign for recruitment of new candidates for air traffic controllers is expected to happen after the first quarter of 2022, but the decisions in this regard will be taken after taking into account the current situation. For more information, follow our website and Facebook page.
The Gate One annual CEO Meeting took place on the 22 February 2021. At their virtual event, Gate One CEOs exchanged views with Mr Iacopo Prissinotti, Director NM of EUROCONTROL, on the most important recent developments in the ATM sector, including the impact of CoViD-19, the environmental challenges the aviation sector is facing, SES 2+, network performance and the Deloitte review of EUROCONTROL activities
BULATSA has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) under the “BULATSA contribution to Iris validation” project. It is part of ESA’s Fifth Tender Procedure for Bulgaria under the Cooperating States Plan and describes the participation of BULATSA in Phase 2 of the large-scale Iris project.
Iris is a project funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and launched in 2007 through a public-private partnership with Inmarsat, a leader in satellite technology. The project aims to develop an air-to-ground satellite communication system for the needs of ATM. The development and implementation of a satellite-based DLS service (data-link services) is necessary due to the limited capacity of the current service – VDL Mode 2.
Currently, Iris has completed Phase 1 of the examination, with the participation of representatives of the European industry (the German Aerospace Research Center (DLR), Thales Alenia Space, Airbus, etc.), as well as European air navigation service providers (ANSPs).
In support of the modernization of ATM systems and given the limitations of the current VDL Mode 2 service, BULATSA monitors the developments in the industry. After series of meetings with Inmarsat and exploring the opportunities provided by ESA’s Cooperating States Plan, BULATSA decided to participate in Phase 2 of Iris.
Phase 2 of the project was officially initiated in March 2020 and includes testing of the service in European airspace. European ANSPs and specially equipped aircrafts will validate the developed functionalities in a real operational environment. In this phase, Inmarsat and ESA should prepare the service for pan-European certification. The goal is for Iris to enter by 2028 as the main means of communication between air traffic controllers and pilots via satellite-based data link.
BULATSA’s participation in the project covers the preparation and conduct of validations, demonstrations and concomitant documentation with operational and technical focus in cooperation with Inmarsat, Eurocontrol, European ANSPs – DFS, DSNA, ENAIRE, LFV, LVNL, Nav Portugal, Romatsa, skyguide, representatives of the industry, etc.
The “BULATSA contribution to Iris validation” project was approved by ESA within the Fifth tender procedure for Bulgaria under the Cooperating States Plan, which was opened at the end of 2019. The project with ESA is planned to be implemented in the period from February 2021 to November 2023, with financing from the fund for cooperating states of ESA E/0908-10 – PECS Bulgaria, according to the Contract between BULATSA and ESA No. 4000133824/21/NL/SC.
In connection with the introduction of strict anti-epidemic measures in the country, BULATSA temporarily suspends the planned activities for conducting the FEAST Part II test, for candidates participating in the autumn selection for air traffic controllers for 2020.
The candidates admitted to the FEAST Part II test will be further notified of the test dates. The expected start for the continuation of the selection is in the first week of January 2021.
BULATSA and ROMATSA, long-standing partners in DANUBE FAB, continue to work on the effective management of the ongoing DANUBE FAB activities in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has a negative global impact on the aviation sector.
The regular sessions of the DANUBE FAB governing bodies (ANSP Board and Governing Council) were held by videoconference on 28th and 29th October, 2020. During the meetings the parties committed themselves to using the current crisis for revision of the strategic activities of DANUBE FAB in order to better synchronize them with the current situation and the latest EU legislative proposals in the field of ANS. The participants were informed about the free route airspace developments in DANUBE FAB and the plans in 2021 for Slovakia to join the Republic of Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary in SEE FRA. As a result of the activities of the Inter-FAB Coordination platform in Europe, Baltic FAB, DANUBE FAB, FAB CE and FABEC have signed a joint declaration on cooperation in the field of air navigation information management (AIM) to achieve the objectives of the SES.
On November 19, 2020, a regular online meeting of the DANUBE FAB Social Consultation Forum (SCF) was also held. The meeting was attended by representatives of the management of BULATSA and ROMATSA, as well as the social partners in both enterprises. The achievements of DANUBE FAB in 2020 were discussed, as well as the challenges in the context of the long-term and short-term impact of the pandemic on aviation.
BULATSA and ROMATSA continue to closely monitor the developments internationally and present coordinated positions on behalf of DANUBE FAB through the various international channels and cooperation mechanisms.
We use cookies in our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of the cookies explicitly. Visit Cookie Settings to know more about the cookies used on our website.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
Cookies used
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
1 year
This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Cookies used
Cookie
Duration
Description
pll_language
1 year
This cookie is set by Polylang plugin for WordPress powered websites. The cookie stores the language code of the last browsed page.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Coocies used
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
2 years
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_G_B6F5KKJXTX
1 minute
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid
1 day
This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Cookies used
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
