Signing an EGNOS Working Agreement (EWA) between ALBCONTROL and ESSP represents a significant milestone, as it marks a strategic commitment to support the safety and efficiency of Air Navigation Services within the Albanian airspace. By formalizing its cooperation with the European Satellite Services Provider (ESSP), ALBCONTROL paves the way for the implementation of EGNOS-based procedures in the near future.

The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is a satellite-based augmentation system that improves the performance of Global Positioning System (GPS). By adopting EGNOS in the near future, ALBCONTROL will benefit from enhanced situational awareness, improved flight safety, and increased operational efficiency. It will enable more accurate and smooth approach and landing flight procedures, especially in adverse weather conditions, thus optimizing air operations.

This agreement underscores ALBCONTROL’s dedication for aligning with European aviation standards and adopting innovative technologies that support performance-based navigation (PBN), directly contributing to the modernization and interoperability of the European Air Traffic Management (ATM) network.

By adopting EGNOS-based LPV approaches, ALBCONTROL will:

• Improve precision landing capabilities with LPV 200, particularly at airports where traditional ground-based navigation infrastructure is limited or unavailable. 
• Reduce operational minima (e.g., lower decision heights/visibility requirements), enabling more reliable operations in adverse weather conditions. 
• Support the modernization of Albania’s aviation infrastructure in line with ICAO’s Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and SESAR objectives. 

This initiative also reflects ALBCONTROL’s commitment to implement sustainable and cost-effective solutions that benefit both commercial and general aviation stakeholders. 

When asked about Albanian LPV Procedures Implementation Plans, Dorian Kolonja, ALBCONTROL Director of Operations, states that there are currently two International Airports in Albania which will benefit for EGNOS-based procedures implementation: Tirana International Airport (LATI) and the new Vlora International Airport (LAVL):

• For Tirana Airport (LATI), there are already published RNP procedures with LNAV/VNAV minima, and they are only pending flight validation before publishing a new chart that includes all three lines of minima (LNAV, LNAV/VNAV and LPV), which is expected to become operational later this year.
• For Vlora Airport (LAVL), -which should become operational by summer 2025 [ED1] - RNP procedures for both ends down to the three lines of minima are being currently designed, with the aim to publish them in AIP before Spring 2026.

ESSP (European Satellite Services Provider) is the certified Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) under EASA oversight, and it is responsible for delivering the EGNOS Safety of Life (SoL) Service for Aviation across Europe. As a key facilitator, ESSP ensures that the Service meets international aviation safety standards and provides the necessary technical and operational support to users of EGNOS. ESSP’s role involves offering this service to airspace users, which range from commercial airlines to air defense forces, and ensuring that the service is provided according to the higher standards and optimal reliability.

The use of EGNOS is expected to play a key role in future air traffic management systems, particularly as Europe is progressing in the implementation of the Single European Sky (SES), which aims to improve the efficiency of airspace use across the continent.

The EGNOS Working Agreement (EWA) provides a formal mechanism for ESSP and ALBCONTROL collaboration and acts as a facilitator for the implementation of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN): it helps participating entities to have a clearer regulatory and operational framework for implementing EGNOS-based navigation procedures, in particular instrument approach procedures down to LPV minima.

This EWA facilitates ALBCONTROL to comply with international aviation standards, including ICAO requirements for performance-based navigation (PBN). In this sense, EGNOS is increasingly being used across Europe to reduce dependency on ground-based infrastructure, supporting the European Navaids rationalization plans.

This agreement also highlights the inclusive nature of the EGNOS service, whose benefits extend beyond the borders of the European Union. Although Albania is not an EU member state, its integration into the EGNOS operational framework demonstrates the strategic importance of enabling access to advanced satellite-based navigation services for all countries within the EGNOS service area. This milestone reinforces the commitment to a unified and interoperable European airspace, where safety, efficiency, and technological advancement are shared priorities, regardless of EU membership.