Euro-Asia leaders meet up in Istanbul

The second CANSO EURO-ASIA CEO Summit convened this week at Istanbul Airport, bringing together CEOs and experts from air navigation service providers (ANSPs) across the Euro-Asia region, with key participation from Central Asian countries. Organised by CANSO and hosted by Türkiye’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ), the summit provided a platform to address critical issues in air traffic management, including regional collaboration, innovation, and the transformation of air traffic patterns.

Simon Hocquard, Director General (DG) of CANSO, expressed the importance of being together and collaborate with the regional stakeholders for the future of air traffic management and air navigation safety in the Euro-Asia region. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling the complexities of modern airspace management and noted: “The challenges we face as a global aviation community are interconnected. It is only through cooperation and the sharing of information and best practices that we can continue to ensure the safety and efficiency of our airspace.”

In his opening address, Dr. Cengiz Paşaoğlu, DHMİ’s Deputy Director General, expressed his gratitude to come together with the regional CEOs, DGs and experts from CANSO and Euro-Asia region. He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in shaping the future of air traffic management and the need for innovative strategies to enhance the safety, efficiency, and capacity of regional airspace, particularly in light of the increase in air traffic in Euro-Asia.

During the meeting, presentations were made on the CANSO Data Exchange network, traffic evolution, shared strategic goals, ATC systems and R&D projects. The long-term regional initiatives and future summits were also important topics of discussion, with the goal of ensuring sustained progress in the region's air traffic management. 

With participation from Air Navigation Service Providers and CANSO representatives, the summit set the stage for increased collaboration and shared solutions to tackle the challenges of air traffic growth across Euro-Asia. The outcomes of this summit are expected to influence the future direction of air traffic safety and operational efficiency in the region.