World ATM Congress Opens in Madrid

The third edition of World ATM Congress opened today at the IFEMA Feria de Madrid and is expected to top last year's record attendance of 6,265 individuals from around the world. This year's Delegate Conference features a new format and a strong programme of high level speakers discussing the key challenges facing the industry. The Exhibition offers 104 free education sessions in multiple theatres, including the WiMAX Forum. In three short years, World ATM Congress has grown to become the largest air traffic management (ATM) exhibition in the world.

Peter F. Dumont, President and CEO of ATCA, said, "World ATM Congress offers a venue for international experts to discuss and develop diverse solutions to common problems. For 60 continuous years, ATCA has staged the largest ATM event outside of Europe, ATCA Annual Conference and Exhibition. Our experience enables us to constantly assess and respond to the changing needs of the ATM community. World ATM Congress is firmly established as a place to conduct business, present new products and solutions, and secure contracts. Since our first event just two years ago, World ATM Congress has won two event industry awards and has seen a 38 percent increase in exhibiting organizations, making it the largest ATM show in the world. This is a testament to the value that we deliver to our exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees."

Jeff Poole, Director General of CANSO, said, "World ATM Congress is the must-attend annual focus for the air traffic management industry. It sets the agenda for the industry by bringing together the latest thinking, demonstrating the latest technology, and showcasing the latest solutions to transform global ATM performance. Importantly, it addresses the real challenges facing air traffic management. This year's Conference, 'Smart Choices in a Challenging Environment,' is taking a hard look at these challenges in a way that will help to guide the thinking and actions of the industry."

The conference of World ATM Congress opened with an address by Ana María Pastor Julián, Spain's Minister of Transport and Public Works. The Minister highlighted the importance of aviation to Spain and particularly the Spanish tourism industry, with eight out of 10 visitors to Spain passing through Spanish airports. ENAIRE, the air navigation service provider of Spain, successfully handled 4 percent more flights in 2014 than the year before, reduced delays 80 percent between 2011 and 2014, and reduced its charges to the second lowest in Europe. The Minister reiterated Spain's commitment to the modernisation of Europe's airspace.

An impressive line-up of speakers from across the industry then discussed how to use, exploit, and protect data in an interconnected world. On Wednesday, the conference will explore the building of sustainable regional ATM networks and discuss the disruptive future. The Congress Exhibition will be open through Thursday, 12 March.