Aviation Leaders From Over 130 Countries Participate in World ATM Congress 2017

The fifth annual World ATM Congress concluded Thursday, 9 March. As the world's largest air traffic management (ATM) exhibition, the Congress attracted a record-breaking 7,757 registrants and 230 exhibitors from 131 countries.

Íñigo de la Serna Hernáiz, Spain's Minister of Public Works and Transport, opened the three-day Congress and the keynote speakers were Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport and Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of IAG and Chair of the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The conference explored how best to 'create the right culture' to facilitate desired change resulting from new technologies, new entrants to airspace such as drones, competition, and pressure to improve performance. Several events took place, including the European Commission's Single European Sky Awards and the IHS Jane's ATC Awards.

Five theatres featured over 120 hours of education, including panel discussions, technical presentations, and product demonstrations and launches, from nearly 100 leading aviation professionals from industry, government, labour, and educational institutions.

"World ATM Congress continues to grow and expand its reach," said ATCA President and CEO Peter F. Dumont. "The event provides attendees with the inside information they need to safeguard the airspace, grow their businesses, and advance their careers. World ATM Congress brings together governments, industry, academia, and frontline users from across the world, all with the aim to enhance and improve the safety and efficiency of the global airspace. As the aviation industry continues to modernise, World ATM Congress has become fertile ground for the conversation and technologies that will shape aviation for years to come."

CANSO Director General Jeff Poole said, "World ATM Congress is produced by the industry for the industry and importantly, meets the needs of the industry. This year, the content was richer than ever in every respect. The event is driven by the exhibitors, speakers, and visitors and we work hard to satisfy their requirements. It is also where the most senior aviation leaders and other important stakeholders come speak to the entire ATM community in one place and discuss their expectations and requirements. World ATM Congress will continue to listen to the needs of the industry and its stakeholders and reflect them as it develops the event in the years to come."

World ATM Congress is operated by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) in partnership with the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), with support from platinum sponsors Boeing, Indra, Leonardo, and Thales. World ATM Congress will reconvene 6-8 March 2018. Exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2018.