HungaroControl becomes the first EU ANSP to join SOCEA

HungaroControl has formally joined SOCEA, the regional safety coordination platform for European and Asian air navigation service providers (ANSPs), bringing together ANSPs from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. This cooperation platform is the first step towards a closer strategic collaboration and coordination across the region, contributing to more efficient European air traffic flows. 

SOCEA (The Regional Air Navigation Safety Coordination Platform for European and Asian ANSPs) unites members committed to modernising air navigation services. Their common objective is to enhance aviation safety and the efficiency of air traffic flows through innovative solutions, thereby enhancing the development of the global aviation ecosystem.  

“It is a great honour for us to become the first EU air navigation service provider to join SOCEA. We believe that a strong partnership between Europe and the Asian region in the field of air traffic management is not only highly beneficial for all parties, but also of crucial importance, given that a significant portion (55%) of the traffic we handle originates from this region. Our membership will allow us to build a bridge between Europe and the SOCEA countries, fostering dialogue and cross-border cooperation, as our strategic goals are fully aligned” said Ferenc Turi, CEO of HungaroControl. 

HungaroControl’s SOCEA membership also strengthens our ability to align and represent policy interests internationally. “Our objective is to be drivers of the future of European air traffic management. With regional presence in Europe and by our membership in SOCEA, we are well positioned to represent the interests of the ANSP community” – Ferenc Turi added. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, SOCEA President and Deputy Director General of DHMİ in Türkiye, Dr. Cengiz Paşaoğlu, emphasized the importance of the occasion: “HungaroControl’s accession strengthens SOCEA both technically and operationally. Their expertise and active participation will contribute greatly to our shared mission of enhancing safety, efficiency, and interoperability across the European–Asian air navigation region.” 

HungaroControl is committed to contributing to SOCEA’s professional activities through the launch of joint operational and technological projects. These include the development of innovative traffic flow and airspace-management solutions with the potential to increase capacity. According to Ferenc Turi, HungaroControl’s technological excellence enables the company to be regarded amongst Europe’s leading air navigation service providers, as demonstrated by the recently commissioned Modular Integrated Remote Tower System solution (mirTWR). He believes that there are mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities in the technological area as well. “I look forward to deepening our cooperation, and I am deeply grateful to all partners who supported HungaroControl’s accession” – emphasised Ferenc Turi.