World ATM Congress Concludes with Record Breaking Attendance

The third edition of World ATM Congress concluded Thursday 12 March, outstripping last year's attendance records. As the largest air traffic management (ATM) exhibition, World ATM Congress had 6,929 attendees, 199 exhibitors, and 313 conference delegates.

The Congress opened on 10 March with a statement by Ana María Pastor Julián, Spain's Minister of Transport and Public Works who stressed the importance of aviation to tourism and the Spanish economy and highlighted progress in the Spanish air traffic management sector. She told the Congress attendees "You have the commitment of Spain."

During the three-day event, 199 companies hosted stands highlighting the newest and most innovative approaches to air traffic management. The Congress featured aviation leaders and experts from around the world discussing pressing topics, including how best to harness the powerful impact of the data revolution and the possible impact of disruptive factors on the air traffic management industry. The   exhibition floor included simulations of air traffic control towers, simulators, and visualized models illustrating air traffic solutions that improve safety and efficiency. This year also included many smaller theatres hosting presentations and discussion opportunities covering topics such as integrating remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into the air traffic system and the use of remote towers.

"I could not be happier with the success of this year's World ATM Congress," said Peter F. Dumont, President and CEO of the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), which co-produces the event. "For the third straight year, we have had record numbers of attendees and exhibitors. I have heard so many enthusiastic endorsements about the event from our industry, including 'It's like an ATM supermarket.' The formal Congress presentations addressed ways of improving our worldwide air traffic control systems. Casual conversations on the Exhibition floor led to new partnerships and exchanges of ideas. Top executive participation at this event meant that significant business agreements and contracts were not just proposed, but finalized."

CANSO Director General Jeff Poole, said: "The successful combination of top-level conference; busy and informative Exhibition; and numerous workshops, demonstrations, and presentations has rightly attracted leaders and decision-makers from across the aviation industry in record numbers. World ATM Congress has developed year by year as it reflects the feedback and views of those attending to produce a compelling event. In its third year, the Congress has successfully fulfilled its original aim of becoming the premier ATM global event, organized by the industry, for the industry, which has shown massive support, commitment, and appreciation."

World ATM Congress is organized by CANSO in association with ATCA and will reconvene 8-10 March 2016.