Azerbaijan invested $15B in aviation developing

Around $15 billion has been invested in developing the aviation sphere in Azerbaijan over the last 10 years, Abid Sharifov, the country’s deputy prime minister said Oct.23.

He made the remarks during the 35th session of the Interstate Council on Aviation and Airspace in Baku.

“Four new airports were constructed and two more were modernized, helicopter and aircraft fleets were fully renewed, the most modern planes such as the Airbus, Boeing and even Boeing Dreamliner were put into operation,” said Sharifov.

Further, the ground service was fully modernized and Azerbaijani Airlines CJSC (AZAL) received "4 Stars" from the British Skytrax for the quality of services, the deputy prime minister added.

Holding the next session of the Interstate Council on Aviation and Airspace in Baku shows that the problems of the aviation system are relevant and important for Azerbaijan, according to Sharifov.

The session is being attended by President of the Council of ICAO Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu and ICAO regional director Luis Fonseca de Almeida. Moreover, foreign ministers, transport ministers, heads of civil aviation services, aviation companies participate in the meeting.

The Interstate Council on Aviation and Airspace is headquartered in Baku. The session coincides with the 70th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Interstate Aviation Committee, the executive body of the Interstate Council on Aviation and Airspace.

The International Civil Aviation Organization is a UN specialized agency, established by states in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

ICAO works with the convention’s 191 member states and industry groups to reach consensus on international civil aviation Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies in support of a safe, efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.

Azerbaijan became the member of ICAO in 1992.