BULATSA validates successfully a new SESAR technology

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BULATSA validates successfully a new SESAR technology

International projectsMedia centerNews

BULATSA together with its partners ROMATSA, Leonardo and EUROCONTROL Network Manager successfully completed the first validation within the NETWORK TBO project of the European Union SESAR 3 research and innovation program in the field of air traffic management. Co-funded by Horizon Europe and managed by the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, the validation exercise is a key step towards the final validation planned for 2025.

Within the framework of the validation, BULATSA and ROMATSA confirmed the smooth exchange of electronic OLDI messages with the Network Manager through LEONARDO’s technology for transmitting OLDI messages through the SWIM Yellow Profile. The new technology allows synchronization of aircraft trajectory information at the local and network level, which aids in 4D trajectory prediction, improves coordination in European airspace and ensures more efficient and safer operations in the future.

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BULATSA hosted a forum “Aviation in the Media”

Media centerNews

Journalists from various Bulgarian media outlets participated in a forum dedicated to aviation in the media, which BULATSA hosted in partnership with “Avioforum”.

In 4 modules, guest speakers from “Avioforum”, BULATSA, Sofia Airport and Bulgaria Air presented the various aspects of their work – challenges, interesting facts, terminology they use and other moments from their professional journey.

The aviation journalist and professional pilot Alexander Bogoyavlenski explained concepts from aviation terminology and made a general overview of the industry – airlines, manufacturers and aircraft incidents. Alexander Kolev and Ventsislav Nikolov from Sofia Airport spoke about the activities related to airport infrastructure and security, the areas of responsibility and control, aircraft servicing, handling companies and their rights and responsibilities.

The air traffic controller and head of BULATSA’s Training Centre Kamen Yordanov spoke about the activities of BULATSA, the method of personnel selection, the types of airspace and the planning of its use. Svetozar Tanev, Operations Manager of Bulgaria Air, spoke about the procedures and operational activities in civil aviation, the method of flight planning and the most important regulations in the field of ​​the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

The meeting marked the beginning of a series of seminars dedicated to the aviation industry, which is one of the fastest developing sectors in the global economy.

We thank all colleagues who are interested in the world of aviation and have shown interest in the way it intertwines with journalism.

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23RD DANUBE FAB GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING

ActivitiesDANUBE FAB ENMedia centerNews

The 23rd meeting of the DANUBE FAB Governing Council was held online on November 7, 2024, with high-level representatives from Romania and the Republic Bulgaria gathering virtually to reinforce their commitment to the goals of the Single European Sky (SES) and SESAR initiatives. In a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, the Council focused on strategic measures to advance airspace efficiency, safety, and sustainability in alignment with SES objectives.

Key discussions centered on the implementation of the DANUBE FAB Strategic Programme for 2025-2029, which outlines a clear roadmap for achieving SES targets across capacity, safety, and environmental performance. This plan, designed to meet the evolving needs of airspace users, will be further developed in consultation with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive alignment with SESAR advancements.

The Governing Council also reviewed high-priority SESAR projects involving ROMATSA and BULATSA, focusing on integrating advanced trajectory-based operations and automation. These SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking projects play a critical role in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the European Green Deal’s environmental goals.

Updates on upcoming Free Route Airspace (FRA) expansions through 2029-2030 underscored the importance of interoperability for seamless airspace use across EU and non-EU regions. Additionally, recent InterFAB coordination highlighted DANUBE FAB’s role in fostering unified responses to air traffic management challenges across Europe.

This online session reaffirmed DANUBE FAB’s alignment with SES and SESAR strategies, reflecting a shared vision for a resilient, sustainable, and integrated European airspace. As SES2+ transitions FABs to a voluntary model, DANUBE FAB remains steadfast in its commitment to cross-border collaboration and operational excellence.

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

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21ST DANUBE FAB SOCIAL CONSULTATION FORUM

ActivitiesDANUBE FAB ENMedia centerNews

The 21st meeting of the DANUBE FAB Social Consultation Forum (SCF) convened online on 31 October 2024, uniting representatives from BULATSA, ROMATSA, and their respective social partners. This meeting marked a significant opportunity to address the impact of the recently published SES2+ legislative package, which, among other changes, classifies Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) as voluntary entities. Despite this shift, DANUBE FAB stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to maintain and strengthen FAB cooperation to ensure continued operational efficiency and resilience.

Over the past year, the DANUBE FAB community has navigated a range of challenges, including fluctuating air traffic and evolving geopolitical conditions that impact airspace management strategies. At this SCF session, participants reviewed the latest outputs from recent DANUBE FAB ANSP Board and Governing Council meetings, touching on strategic planning, budgetary considerations, and high-priority projects like Free Route Airspace (FRA) and cross-border operations.

The session also fostered dialogue on shared social priorities, reflecting the SCF’s commitment to a balanced approach that considers social, economic, and operational factors. By bringing together social partners, this forum enables a collaborative and informed environment where best practices are shared, and actionable solutions are developed for mutual benefit.

DANUBE FAB’s dedication to an adaptive and cooperative framework remains unwavering as FABs transition to a voluntary status under SES2+. The continued engagement within the SCF exemplifies DANUBE FAB’s proactive approach to addressing challenges and fostering a resilient airspace in Eastern Europe.

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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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