Global ATM industry leaders discuss challenges of implementing a new generation of ATM technologies and procedures

While there was general agreement by the panel of global industry leaders that both SESAR and NextGen would be implemented the panel thought these were the critical moments for the programmes as the deployment phase was now being planned in detail. For airlines the questions are what do I need to buy, when do I need to buy it, what will it cost and what will be the benefits? said Simon McNamara, Deputy Director General, European Regions Airlines Association. I dont know of any technology project of this magnitude which would not now be focusing on the end customers and bringing the customers along.undertaking advanced sales and marketing work with individual customers.

The live debates featured presentations and video interviews by industry leaders from EUROCONTROL, SESAR JU, Swiss Air Force, DFS, Thales, Brussels Airport CDM (Belgocontrol), Boeing, Airbus ProSky, European Regions Airlines Association (ERA) and Northrop Grumman.

An interview with SESAR JU Executive Director Patrick Ky, as he assessed progress on and challenges to the SESAR programme, is now available alongside all speaker presentations and discussions by accessing the virtual event debates here.

The second event in the ATC Global Virtual Event series on 13th July was attended by more than 360 international ATM professionals. Over 730 ATM professionals from 77 countries have attended the two live events, delivered free of charge to the global ATM community. The events have featured debates, video presentations, a resource centre, networking lounge and an exhibition with participants interacting with visitors from North and South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Far East. The ATC Global Virtual Event Series provides a regular accessible meeting point for all worldwide industry stakeholders in a way which has not been possible before.

It is a great way to meet and listen to the industry experts and gather different perspectives by leveraging web technologies, said Vikram Prasad, Director ATM Strategy & Business Development, Tectura Corporation.

Antonio Jose Locandro Herrera, GIS Specialist, COCESNA commented: It's an excellent experience to be part of the ATC Global Event series, an opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious event and for those of us who probably would find it difficult to travel to the Live Event. Both of the Virtual Events have had key speakers talking on the latest developments and giving a guide on how things are moving forward on a global scale.

Exhibitors in the exhibition hall included Metron Aviation, STR-SpeechTech, Brussels Airport CDM, Adacel, LAIC, Telvent and Thales.

Philippe Avezou, External Communications Manager, Thales Air Systems commented: This event is an added bonus to exhibitions we normally attend, acting as an online platform to stay connected to customers, clients and industry partners all year round. Having seen the success of the first event, ATC Global Virtual will only become more popular as people begin to realise the benefits it can bring.

Free registration for the series is can be found at www.atcglobalhub.com/virtual.

The next virtual event will be held on 19th October 2011, presented in the Virtual Centre from UBM Studios. If you are interested in speaker or exhibitor opportunities, please contact: Joanna Mapes Tel: +44 (0) 20 79218545 E: joanna.mapes@ubm.com.