What is Air Traffic Management or ATM?

Air Traffic Management is the collective term for the management, procedures, technology and human resources employed to ensure aircraft are guided safely through the sky. Until recently, ATM was regarded as the ground-based system for controlling aircraft movements (hence its historic term ‘Air Traffic Control’) but this definition is being challenged by the new generation of satellite-based and in-cockpit automation technology which is changing the way aircraft navigate and are separated. ATM is therefore the best term for describing this new process of ‘airspace capacity management’. ATM is increasingly concerning itself not just with safety and minimizing delay, but also in improving environmental efficiency and improving capacity, as well as reducing costs for airspace users.

The biggest challenge facing ATM is the airspace fragmentation that results from its organisation based on national borders. Whereas aircraft travel the global skies without noticing borders, pilots are handed over from nation to nation when they cross each boundary. CANSO is working with all its aviation partners to harmonise the ATM systems and procedures in order to deliver a seamless global airspace for all aircraft operators.

Becoming an Air Traffic Control Officer

Becoming an ATCO involves a great deal of training and once qualified there is a significant amount of shift work required. However, the rewards and job satisfaction are usually very high and ATCOs take a great deal of pride in their vital and highly skilled role.

CANSO does not handle questions on becoming an air traffic controller. The best way to get more information is to contact the ANSP in your country. You can find links to many ANSPs on our CANSO worldmap. Alternatively, you can contact IFATCA, the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations, at www.ifatca.org