CANSO Latin America and Caribbean region embraces collaboration and innovation

CANSO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, showcases the value of regional focus in transforming air traffic management (ATM) in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The CANSO Latin American and Caribbean Conference 2019 took place in Willemstad, Curaçao, on 18-20 November. The theme was ‘Shaping the future of ATM through collaboration and innovation’, and the event explored the latest initiatives and key developments that are improving the performance of aviation across the region.

The conference was opened by Simon Hocquard, Director General of CANSO, host Micilia Albertus-Verboom, Director General of DC-ANSP and Chair of the Latin America and Caribbean CANSO CEO Committee (LAC3), Julio Siu, Deputy Regional Director, ICAO North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) Office and Mrs. Zita Jesus-Leito, MBA Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, Government of Curaçao. These remarks outlined the importance of seamless coordination between the aviation community in the region, and how innovation is driving change in the industry.

Led by regional key players and ATM experts, the conference explored the cross-industry partnerships and operational improvements that are enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of ATM; from collaborative decision-making (CDM) and data sharing, to coordinated contingency planning and a shared safety culture. Participants also discussed the latest innovations in airborne mobility, including drones and drone management, and the challenges and opportunities associated with emerging technologies.

Simon Hocquard, Director General of CANSO, said: “Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the fastest growing and most exciting air transport regions in the world. The aviation industry supports 7.2 million jobs and contributes USD 156 billion in GDP in the region. With this growth expected to continue there are two things we can do to improve our industry. Firstly – we must embrace new technology and innovations. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we must work together. The Latin America and Caribbean Conference provides a vital stepping-stone in achieving this, bringing key players together to share knowledge and expertise and find new ways of working. I am grateful to everyone who participated and supported the event for their hard work and commitment to transforming aviation in the region.”

Mrs. Zita Jesus-Leito, MBA Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, Government of Curaçao said: “We welcomed the opportunity to host the CANSO Latin America and Caribbean Conference 2019. I am sure that it was a learning experience in terms of collaboration and aviation technical developments but also in terms of the culture and the hospitality of Curaçao. This conference gave additional momentum to the development of aviation and air navigation services in the region.”

Micilia Albertus-Verboom, Director General, DC-ANSP and Chair, Latin America and Caribbean CANSO CEO Committee (LAC3): “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to host the CANSO Latin America and Caribbean Conference 2019. The conference emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation, and was a unique occasion for regional ATM leaders and stakeholders to discuss how to address current and future challenges.”