CANSO's First-ever Global ATM Operations Conference a Great Success!

CANSO held our first ever Global ATM Operations Conference last week, March 11-12, in Amsterdam following ATC Global. By all accounts the event was a success! We had a charged two days of great conversation, networking, and planning. The conference was attended by over 90 aviation industry veterans representing almost every region of the globe.

Our focus was on assessing, debating and determining the proposed work activities of the Operations Standing Committee (OSC). The draft work programme is robust and the challenge is to scope it to a meaningful, achievable series of initiatives. The conference provided an opportunity for all members to provide input to ensure the OSC is focused on the right work activities and to prioritise the needs globally and regionally.

The conference was addressed by Presidents, CEOs and Directors General from companies, associations, and government bodies. They in turn joined us in round-table discussions to develop plans in moving us forward. Service providers, controllers, systems developers, airline representatives – experts from diverse segments of our industry sat face-to-face and shoulder-to-shoulder discussing real ways of improving operational efficiencies.

The OSC has five defined Work Streams:

• ATM Operational Efficiency
• ATM Operational Harmonization
• ATM Standards of Excellence
• ANSP and Industry Partnership
• Efficient and Collaborative Use of Airspace

The conference explored ideas for work activities under each work stream. Further we discussed how best to get the work done and CANSO’s role in making that happen. A variety of “Best Practices” were shared, in particular focusing on areas for improved utilisation of airspace. We were offered a very interesting perspective from the World Meteorological Organization and we had an engaging group discussion on Collaborative Decision Making and traffic flow management practices.

A full report containing presentations and the outcomes of the meeting will be posted on the CANSO web site, but the presentations are ready for you to view now here.

Please provide your comments, feedback, or input by emailing me at dan.smiley@canso.org