WORLD ATM Congress opens in Madrid to showcase new technology, seal deals and debate key issues

The fourth annual World ATM Congress opened this morning at IFEMA, Feria de Madrid. The Congress brings together aviation leaders to discuss, demonstrate, and sell the latest technologies and measures to transform air traffic management (ATM) performance. This year a record number of participants and exhibitors have registered to attend the world's largest air traffic management event. World ATM Congress is produced by the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation(CANSO) in partnership with the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA), and runs through 10 March.

"It is no surprise to me that thousands of the world's most influential aviation leaders have made World ATM Congress their office away from home, so to speak," said Peter F. Dumont, President and CEO of ATCA. "Deals are made here, MOUs are signed, and the aviation industry moves forward, collaboratively, into the ever-evolving future. World ATM Congress is a bastion for air traffic management decision-makers and aviation innovators from all segments of our industry to learn, share, and connect. On behalf of the Air Traffic Control Association, I am proud to welcome our global community to Madrid."

Jeff Poole, Director General of CANSO, said, "As the largest global air traffic management exhibition by far, World ATM Congress makes a major contribution to the transformation of global air traffic management performance through a conference that seeks to find solutions to current and future challenges facing the industry; workshops and education sessions given by top experts; demonstrations of the latest products and services by commercial providers; and the purchase of the latest air traffic management technology and services by air navigation service providers. CANSO and ATCA are proud to work in partnership on World ATM Congress and proud of their individual conference events. Combined, they provide a formidable suite of conferences and events that serve the entire needs of the global ATM industry."

Ana María Pastor Julián, Spain's Minister of Transport and Public Works, opened the Conference of World ATM Congress this morning. The Spanish government has been honoured to host the event over the last four years. Spain's ENAIRE is among the most modern air navigation service providers in the world, and safely and securely handled 11.9 percent of Europe's air traffic last year. Advances in air traffic management systems and efficiencies saved 3.5 million nautical miles of flight and reduced delays by 79 percent from 2011-2015. She highlighted the important role ENAIRE plays in SESAR and its deployment phase. ENAIRE is also developing the Common Iberian Airspace with Portugal to introduce even greater efficiencies. In recognition of International Women's Day, she closed by praising the role of women as pioneers in aviation.

The conference then examined the issues that most need to be addressed by today's top aviation leaders, including airspace capacity, aviation noise, and improving efficiency, and explored emerging technology, like remote towers, that impact the provision of air traffic services at airports. On Wednesday the conference will debate the implications of the safe and efficient introduction of new entrants into airspace, such as balloons, commercial space vehicles, and remotely piloted aircraft systems. The final session forecasts where the industry will be in five year's time and what is and should be done now to prepare.