International Air Traffic Controller Day is a professional holiday of air traffic controllers and workers engaged in air traffic control. Air Traffic Controller’s Day is celebrated annually on 20 October. It was on this day in 1961 in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, that the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations was established. This event, important for cargo and passenger air traffic control standardization, marked the beginning of a new professional holiday. The passengers safety in the sky depends not only on pilots, the reliability of aircraft, technical personnel of airlines, however, on air traffic controllers. The work of the air traffic controller requires the highest professionalism, responsibility and psychological stability. The representatives of this profession have a huge responsibility for the safety of those who are in the sky.

Air traffic controller is a specialist who manages air traffic from the ground. Its main function is to ensure the safe, orderly and regular movement of aircraft within the area of responsibility assigned. Air traffic controller informs aircraft crews about the situation on the flight route and at airfields, provide meteorological information, and maintain radio communication with pilots in accordance with the rules of radio exchange. As well as input into automated air traffic control systems the necessary data to assess the air situation.

Air traffic controllers of the Air Traffic Services Department of the SUE “Tajikairnavigation” are also responsible for ensuring flight safety in the airspace of the Republic of Tajikistan and, using their highly professional skills, ensure the safety of passengers and crews during services at all airports of the country.

In order to improve the qualification and skills of air traffic controllers by the SUE “Tajikairnavigation” General Director Loik Begijonzoda is taking effective measures and creating modern conditions for their activities. The opening of the modern building of the SUE “Tajikairnavigation” Control Tower on 27 June 2019 with the participation of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Honourable Emomali Rahmon is one of the state independence fruits that contributing to improving the level and quality of air navigation services in the airspace of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Enhancement of knowledge and skills of the enterprise air traffic controllers is under management’s attention, and necessary conditions are created for their improvement. This process is facilitated by modern simulator complexes and classrooms. Advanced training of air traffic controllers in foreign universities abroad is another step in ensuring the activity of air traffic controllers in accordance with international standards.

We congratulate the SUE “Tajikairnavigation” air traffic controllers on their professional holiday – International Air Traffic Controller Day and wish to be masters of the highest level and always ensure the full safety of air traffic.