Schedule
Tuesday, May 26
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
A6 Alliance: Strategic Vision & European ATM Transformation
A6 Alliance and its members are responsible for the safe management of more than 80% of Europe’s air traffic, and more than 70% of the investment in the future European ATM infrastructure. CEOs of the largest ANSPs in Europe discuss Air Traffic Management (ATM) modernisation as a strategic priority for Europe. Why should ATM modernisation be understood as a strategic investment for Europe’s prosperity, resilience and sovereignty, rather than as an operational cost of the aviation sector? What is at stake for Europe’s global competitiveness and technological leadership if ATM modernisation stalls, and how can Europe move faster from R&D to large-scale industrial deployment? To what extent is ATM modernisation a prerequisite for achieving the EU’s climate and sustainability objectives? What concrete political, regulatory, and investment decisions are required now at EU level to ensure ATM modernisation delivers tangible results by 2030 and beyond?
Viasat Theatre
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
D-FLIGHT - first year as certified USSP
D-FLIGHT is the Italian provider of digital services for unmanned aircraft operations, supporting the safe and efficient integration of drones into national airspace. Operating at the intersection of aviation regulation, air traffic management, and digital innovation, D-FLIGHT delivers services that enable compliant, scalable, and interoperable UAS operations. In its first year as a certified U-space Service Provider (USSP), D-FLIGHT successfully transitioned from foundational digital services to operational U-space service delivery, demonstrating compliance with the European regulatory framework. This initial year focused on operational readiness, stakeholder integration, and service reliability, laying the groundwork for scalable U-space operations and contributing to the broader European U-space ecosystem.
Wing Theatre
10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
ATHENIAN Project Redesigns Athens TMA with Performance-Based Navigation: A collaborative initiative for modernizing airspace operations with operational and environmental benefits.
ATHENIAN (“ATHENs termInal Area redesign & pbN”) is a project set to redesign the Athens Terminal Manoeuvering Area (TMA) and implement satellite Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures for aircraft arrivals and departures at Athens International Airport.
The project is co-funded by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility – Transport Sector and specifically SESAR framework. The project is implemented by a collaborating group of expert partners comprising of the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP), AEGEAN, SKY Express, and EUROCONTROL, coordinated by Athens International Airport S.A. (AIA).
The aim is to establish a fully PBN-based airspace concept to align with EU regulation 2018/1048, and the European Air Traffic Management (ATM) Master Plan. The new concept of satellite-based navigation will enhance the airport operations and will reduce reliance on ground-based navigational aids, with clear benefits in:
- flight efficiency,
- aircraft noise and CO₂ emissions,
- cost-efficiency, and
- passenger experience
The ATHENIAN project was launched in January 2023 and is planned for completion by the end of 2027 in a phased manner.
The first phase was completed in January 2024, and includes:
- a full topographical obstacle survey within the boundaries of Athens TMA geographical area,
- the development of 78 “Overlay PBN” arrival and departure procedures in the existing TMA setup.
The second phase began in April 2024, for the comprehensive redesign of the Athens TMA alongside a new set of PBN procedures.
A major milestone was reached in February 2025 with the delivery of the Concept of Operations (ConOps) for the new redesigned TMA. The ATHENIAN project is actively engaging experts of many more industry key contributors such as:
- The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA),
- The Hellenic Air Force (HAF),
- The IATA, AOC (Airline Operators Committee) at Athens Intl. Airport and RYANAIR,
- The General Aviation Users representatives, and
- The Local Communities.
The objective is to ensure and accelerate the PBN implementation in Athens, under the frame of a greater airspace re-design, benefiting from the operational improvements derived from new airspace concepts, in terms of flight efficiency, reduced environment impact and sustainable operations.
Key success factor for the project is the collaborative spirit cultivated between the ATHENIAN project partners and all involved stakeholders, through their active engagement.
Boeing Theatre
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
CANSO CEO Conversation: ATM Modernisation Across Diverse Fiscal Models
Air Navigation Service Providers operate within very different funding environments — from corporatised and user-funded models to state-funded systems and hybrid approaches — yet all face the same imperative: modernising infrastructure and preparing for future operations.
This CEO conversation will explore how ANSPs are financing transformation in practice, examining the opportunities and constraints created by different fiscal frameworks. Leaders will share perspectives on investment strategies, prioritisation of modernisation programmes, partnerships with industry, and how to balance financial sustainability with operational continuity, and innovation objectives.
By comparing experiences across regions, the session aims to highlight practical lessons and identify approaches that can support resilient and future-ready ATM systems, regardless of funding model.
Integra Theatre
10:30 AM - 10:55 AM
Safety-Assured AI for Airport Surface Ops: From Early-Warning Safety Intelligence to Modular ATC Automation
The future of airspace depends on our ability to harmonize innovation with absolute safety. This session presents a blueprint for the next generation of airport operations, showcasing how AI-driven automation transforms both safety management and ATC efficiency. Airports need more capacity and efficiency but need to avoid brittle automation. This session presents practical, deployable ways to use AI as a secondary safety layer and as assisted ATC automation for airport surface operations. We’ll walk through a production-minded approach that moves from concept to day-to-day ops using modular, interoperable, service-oriented components that can integrate with existing tower and airport infrastructure.
Attendees will see how a real-time safety intelligence layer can detect emerging hazards early (surface conflicts, runway crossings, abnormal taxi behavior) and escalate with clear, auditable alerts. We’ll then show how automation can be introduced safely for clearances and instructions: pushback, taxi routing, and conditional advisories using constraint-based logic, human-in-the-loop controls, and continuous performance monitoring.
Because resilience matters as much as capability, we’ll cover assurance and recovery: graceful degradation under incomplete data, and contingency modes that keep operations safe when automation is unavailable.
A case study and live demonstration will ground the discussion and prove results, including implementation lessons, safety case strategies, and measurable operational impact.
Frequentis Theatre
10:30 AM - 10:55 AM
Enabling Scalable Urban Air Mobility Through Automated Flight Rules
As Advanced Air Mobility and autonomous aircraft approach operational deployment, today’s airspace framework—designed for human-centric IFR and VFR operations—faces fundamental limits in supporting highly automated, high-density traffic.
This session introduces Automated Flight Rules (AFR) as a new operating mode for autonomous aircraft, enabling safe, predictable, and scalable operations through digital coordination and automation. Attendees will explore how AFR supports strategic, pre-tactical, and tactical conflict management, allowing automated systems to manage separation and traffic flows at scale.
The session also examines how AFR serves as a bridge between today’s IFR/VFR environment and a future digital, cooperative airspace, enabling crewed and uncrewed aircraft to safely coexist during the transition to automated operations.
Wing Theatre
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM
FF-ICE: Are you ready for 2034 ?
This presentation aims to give the audience an overview of FF-ICE in solid terms, intending to show, step-by-step, how ANSPs, airlines, and airports can collaborate among themselves towards the transition to FF-ICE. In this sense, this presentation will show how Atech – Embraer Group – is supporting ANSP, airlines, and airport operators in preparations for this transition
As a use case, this demonstration will be based on a system developed by Atech – an Integrated Flight Plan and Flow Management System - based on the requirements established by DECEA (Department of Airspace Control) – the Brazilian ANSP – and in live operation since 2024. This system is ready for transition to FF-ICE, starting with FF-ICE/R1, and having provision for SWIM integration, an enabler for the FF-ICE transition.
Like any worldwide ANSP, DECEA faces the challenge of providing better services to the aviation community without sacrificing the most valuable keyword in aviation: safety. Thus, this presentation will show how the collaboration among industry, ANSPs, airports, and airlines aims to produce outstanding outcomes while transitioning towards FF-ICE and complying with ICAO regulations.
Frequentis Theatre
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM
Agentic Airspace: From Predictive Tools to Autonomous Negotiation
Abstract:
Over the past decade, artificial intelligence in aviation has been deployed primarily as advisory capability, improving trajectory prediction, anomaly detection, and decision support for human operators. The next decade requires a more fundamental transition: from AI that advises humans to AI that acts as an operational participant. In the future NAS, tool-centric applications will evolve into system-level AI, in which multiple intelligent services coordinate to manage complex operations across ATM, UTM, AAM, and ETM domains. Autonomous digital agents will negotiate airspace access, reconcile conflicting objectives, and coordinate traffic flows, frequently at speeds beyond direct human control.
Discussion will address:
• Autonomous negotiation among aircraft and airspace services
Multi-agent systems supporting separation management, dynamic sequencing, and cross-domain prioritization.
• Global data reconciliation and common APIs
How heterogeneous systems such as ATC decision support tools, airline operations systems, UTM service providers, and weather services share state information through standardized semantics while preventing new failure modes.
• Persistent digital twin operations
Continuous, high-fidelity digital representations of the NAS used for prediction, safety monitoring, what-if analysis, autonomous negotiation, and recovery planning.
• Continuous safety assurance and learning systems
AI that does not just perform a function but continuously evaluates its own performance, detects drift, and adapts within certified bounds.
• Handling off-nominal and degraded operations
How system-level AI responds to unexpected conditions such as:
− rapidly evolving convective weather
− GNSS interference or denial
− demand surges and metering constraints
− mixed-equipage environments and partial automation failure.
Panelists will examine architectures that support resilient, adaptive autonomous behavior while preserving operator authority, traceability, and auditability. The session will explicitly address where full autonomy is appropriate, where human-on-the-loop oversight remains essential, and how decision authority transitions during contingency operations.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how AI functions not merely as a system add-on, but as an organizing principle for the future NAS, one that enables the system to maintain safety, capacity, and efficiency during both normal operations and major disruptions, at national and global scales.
Viasat Theatre
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM
Digitalisation as key element in SESAR ATM modernisation
Digitalisation is rapidly reshaping Europe’s air traffic management landscape, and SESAR deployment is driving this evolution with concrete, operationally relevant improvements. At the heart of this transformation lies ATM Functionality 5 – System Wide Information Management (SWIM), a cornerstone capability enabling seamless, standardised and real-time information exchange across the network.
In this session, the SESAR Deployment Manager will explore how digitalisation—powered by SWIM’s data-centric approach—is unlocking new levels of interoperability, situational awareness and collaborative decision-making. By enabling actors to access and share trusted information in a harmonised way, SWIM accelerates the shift toward smarter operations, more predictable trajectories and a more resilient and sustainable network.
Designed to trigger interest and open the door for deeper exchanges at Airspace World 2026, this session highlights why digitalization is a key enabler of Europe’s ATM modernisation journey.
Boeing Theatre
11:00 AM - 11:25 AM
How to integrate eVTOLs at Munich Airport
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is more than just a buzzword. Instead, UAM will redefine how people and goods move through increasingly congested urban airspaces, marking a pivotal shift in the evolution of aviation. Enabled by rapid advances in electric propulsion and novel aircraft configurations, UAM promises to extend the benefits of air transportation beyond traditional airports and routes. This will bring faster, flexible and sustainable flight closer to where people live and work. What was once considered a visionary concept is now transitioning into operational reality.
As this new ecosystem takes shape, the integration of manned air shuttle operations emerges as a critical bridge between today’s conventional aviation framework and tomorrow’s highly automated air mobility networks. However, integrating air shuttles into already highly congested and restricted airspaces will require a holistic approach with all stakeholders including a thorough planning process with the ANSP, regulator and local stakeholders.
DFS Aviation Services was tasked by Munich Airport International and as part of the Air Mobility Initiative to develop procedures that would allow for the integration of eVTOLs at Munich International Airport for a pre-defined vertiport. This talk will provide firsthand insights into integrating eVTOL and air shuttle traffic into a busy airport environment. We will provide an overview of the project’s approach as well as the methodology used to integrate eVTOL operations at bespoke airport, illustrating key considerations and best practices.
We will explore the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) framework for VFR and IFR procedures, highlight the role of safety assessments and showcase how real-time simulations can support the validation of operational concepts. This session will offer a clear, implementation-oriented perspective on:
- the operational benefits of Urban Air Mobility,
- structuring an integration approach for eVTOL traffic in complex airspace, and
- the importance of strong partnerships and networks in delivering a comprehensive, future-ready solution.
Wing Theatre
11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Laying the Foundation for Capacity Growth with Service Delivery Model
Frequentis Theatre
11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
Uncork the Bottleneck: Elevate ATC Training from Subjective Art to Data-Driven Science
The global air traffic control industry is at a crossroads, facing an international controller shortage perpetuated by a dependency on a manual 1-to-1 training model. For decades, simulation training has been anchored in legacy methods and technology that require constant, over-the-shoulder supervision and subjective memory. This high-touch, low-yield model is no longer viable in an era requiring rapid, standardized workforce expansion. As this constraint begins to impact global aviation safety, it is clear we must move beyond manual observation toward a more objective, technology driven training pipeline. We can’t solve today’s problems with yesterday’s approach.
In this session, Dale Drake, Vice President of Business Development at UFA, Inc. and former U.S. Air Force Chief of ATC Operations, Procedures and Training, explores how the industry can break the 1-to-1 barrier and accelerate production. Drawing on his experience managing over 100 facilities and 4,500 personnel globally, Drake introduces a paradigm shift: turning the simulation environment into a connected source of data-evidenced training rather than a series of "one-off" subjectively-assessed events.
He will introduce new force multiplier concepts and technology, including high-fidelity voice recognition analytics with automated scoring that provides students with objective / data-evidenced feedback after every run. He will also discuss how data analytics form a critical foundation for Competency-Based Training and Assessment. Finally, he will outline how new technology and methodology can empower students to practice independently, freeing master instructors to focus on high-value coaching rather than routine monitoring.
Attendees will learn how transitioning from subjective assessment to a data-aware "learner-centric" model will revolutionize training throughput.
Key Takeaways:
• How to Break the Bottleneck: Strategies to move beyond the traditional 1-to-1 instructor ratio to increase student throughput in the face of an instructor shortage crisis
• The Power of Objective Data: How automated tracking of simulated aircraft state data and voice communications eliminates instructor variability while enhancing safety
• Systemic Optimization: Using aggregated trend data to diagnose and fix systemic performance gaps in training curricula to close the feedback loop more quickly and efficiently
Join us to discover how to make ATC training as effective, data-driven, and resilient as the future aviation system it supports.
Integra Theatre
11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
From Concept to Clearance: Flight-Centric ATC Pre-Deployment Summary
This 25-minute session presents a concise, forward-looking overview of the Flight Centric Air Traffic Control (ATC) concept as it approaches deployment readiness. Aimed at Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and policy makers, the session distills years of research into clear, actionable insights relevant to both operational planning and regulatory decision-making.
Delivered by two researchers directly involved in the concept’s development, the presentation is structured in two complementary parts. The first speaker introduces the Flight Centric ATC paradigm, outlining its foundational principles, intended operational benefits, and how it differs from traditional sector-based approaches. Emphasis is placed on the motivations behind the concept and its alignment with future airspace and traffic management needs.
The second speaker focuses on the pre-deployment perspective, summarizing validation activities, key findings from simulations and the current maturity of the concept. This segment highlights implications for ANSP operations and policy frameworks, including readiness considerations, integration challenges, and next steps toward operations.
Viasat Theatre
11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
A digital platform for scalable, secure and future ready air traffic management
As air traffic management grows more complex, ANSPs are challenged by rising traffic, tighter regulations, and increasingly fragmented IT landscapes.
This presentation introduces Indra’s Digital Platform, a digital service model aligned with the Digital European Sky vision. Acting as a standardized software layer between ATM applications and the underlying infrastructure, the digital platform replaces siloed deployments with shared services for deployment, integration, security, and operations.
Purpose built for ATM, the platform enables faster innovation, stronger cybersecurity, and a scalable foundation for future airspace operations.
Boeing Theatre
11:30 AM - 11:55 AM
E-conspicuity: Supporting a safe, integrated airspace with BVLOS operations at scale
For beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations to scale, digital, visual awareness must support the ecosystem. Electronic conspicuity is the primary enabler of this transition that allows uncrewed systems to integrate with crewed aviation in non-segregated airspace. However, achieving universal visibility remains a complex challenge currently undergoing evaluation through consultations and rule making across regions.
This panel brings together a high-level cross-section of the aviation community— regulators, air navigation service providers, and industry leaders - for the next steps on e-conspicuity implementation.
Wing Theatre
12:00 PM - 12:25 PM
From Critical Corridor to Competitive Advantage: How Kazakhstan is turning strategic airspace into a model for modern ATM
Kazaeronavigatsia, with support from Leidos and other industry partners, is advancing a national transformation in air traffic management to meet rapidly accelerating demand, with Kazakhstan’s annual passenger traffic projected to reach 26 million by 2030, its civil aircraft fleet expected to more than double, and 81 new international destinations planned. Join Leidos’ SkyLine Portfolio Manager Kenneth Folger alongside Kazaeronavigatsia Director General Faat Bogdashkin as they discuss how trusted collaboration is delivering a common, open, and resilient automation platform designed to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and scalability across one of the world’s most critical airspaces. Attendees from ANSPs, ATM companies, OEMs, and across the aviation ecosystem will gain insight into how aligning technology, strategy, and partnership can enable successful, future ready airspace modernization.
Frequentis Theatre
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Civil-Military Integration to Ensure Safe and Efficient Airspace
As airspace demand grows and operational complexity increases, civil-military coordination has become a critical enabler of safety, efficiency, and flexibility. Dynamic Airspace Configuration (DAC) offers a promising approach to optimize airspace usage in real time, balancing civil and military needs without compromising operational integrity.
This panel will explore how modern tools and collaborative frameworks can transform civil-military integration, drawing on lessons from SESAR projects such as MITRANO and HARMONIC. These initiatives aim to deliver advanced solutions for dynamic airspace management, enabling stakeholders to respond to evolving traffic patterns and mission requirements with agility and precision.
Key discussion angles include:
• Dynamic Airspace Configuration in practice: How DAC can improve capacity and resilience while maintaining safety.
• Civil-military collaboration models: What works, what doesn’t, and how to foster trust and transparency.
• Technological enablers: Insights from SESAR MITRANO and HARMONIC on tools and processes that support real-time decision-making.
• Operational and cultural challenges: How to align priorities across civil and military stakeholders in diverse regulatory environments.
The goal is to share experiences, identify best practices, and explore how innovation can help us achieve a truly integrated airspace that meets the needs of all users.
Integra Theatre
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
The role of the ATM sector in the strategic outlook of the European Aviation
The European aviation sector is currently undergoing significant self-reflection. Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, has called for strategic reflection at the European level, encompassing the entire aviation sector, including Air Traffic Management (ATM). This panel will take a helicopter view of the challenges ATM faces in its transformation process, focusing on the implementation of SES2+, modernization, human dimension challenges, and ATM stakeholders' priorities for the upcoming EU policy period.
Boeing Theatre
12:00 PM - 12:25 PM
Deployment of U-space in Spain in 2026
Featuring key representatives from DGAC, AESA, and ENAIRE, the panel provides a comprehensive analysis of the institutional cooperation required to harmonize manned and unmanned traffic. Participants will gain firsthand insights into Spain’s transition from strategic framework to the real-world deployment of U-space.
This panel examines the new National Action Plan for U-space and Geozones Deployment (PANDU+) led by DGAC, outlining the strategic roadmap for safe UAS integration and scaling operations. The discussion focuses on the critical regulatory and technical challenges of certifying Common Information Service Providers (CISP) and U-space Service Providers (USSP) under AESA’s oversight. Furthermore, the session explores ENAIRE’s operational milestones in implementing Spain’s inaugural U-space volume.
Wing Theatre
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
The Iris Programme: From operational proof to a TBO roadmap in a scalable, connected sky.
As Europe advances toward digitalised, data-driven air traffic management, the ESA
Iris programme is entering a critical new phase. Building on several years of successful operational performance, the programme is now expanding into Iris Global – a worldwide interoperable datalink service based on the proven L-band SB-S satellite network and full aligned with ICAO ATN/IPS standards.
Iris Global is designed to support the evolution of TBO Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) including mandated Extended Projected Profile (EPP) and future i4D trajectory negotiation. This positions the programme to enable progressively more advanced TBO functions such as ATN/IPS and FF-ICE v2 become adopted by ANSPs. This evolution strengthens the foundations for modern ATM by enabling predictable, efficient information exchange across regions, platforms and operational environments. While the programme incorporates multilink capabilities as part of its roadmap, the core version of Iris Global is the delivery of a harmonised, scalable, safety-critical datalink service accessible worldwide.
The session will begin with brief programme update outlining the operational status of Iris today, it’s pathway to Iris Global and the key enhancements supporting global interoperability and adoption. Following this, Viasat will host a panel featuring ESA, Viasat and (TBC) exploring how Iris Global fits into the future landscape of aviation communication. The discussion will examine global regulatory alignment, the transition to ATN/IPC-based services and how Iris Global will enable safer, smarter and more efficient airspace operations for crewed and uncrewed airspace.
A key strategic element is Boeing’s transition to ATN/IPS across its global fleet which represents approximately 50% of worldwide commercial flights. This is expected to accelerate Iris Global adoption and ensure early large-scale operational impact.
By enabling more predictable trajectories, Iris Global also supports the TBO-driven reductions in fuel burn, CO2 emissions and delays that align strongly with Europe’s operational and environmental priorities
Viasat Theatre
12:30 PM - 12:55 PM
Perspectives from the GUTMA Task Force: U-space rulemaking
As the European Union moves toward the next critical phase of U-space considerations and implementation, the alignment between regulatory framework and the awaiting market and ecosystem is paramount. Urgency is top of mind amidst cost considerations, geopolitical changes, and faster-moving markets abroad. This panel, composed of Global UTM Association (GUTMA) board members alongside perspectives from EASA, will provide an inside look at the association’s strategic response to the upcoming EASA acceptable means of compliance and guidance material (AMC/GM) updates scheduled for 2026.
A central theme of the session is the official launch and operational strategy of the GUTMA U-Space Rulemaking Task Force (TF). This dedicated body was established to act as a cohesive industry voice, ensuring that the practicalities of UTM service provision and drone operations are accurately reflected in emerging rules.
Wing Theatre
12:30 PM - 12:55 PM
Beyond the hype: AI as the next step in air traffic
Artificial intelligence is emerging as the next natural step in the evolution of air traffic management. This session presents how AI is being integrated into safety critical ATM systems and how Indra, with decades of engineering and operational experience, is leveraging it to support long term industry goals, transforming innovation into operational value at scale.
Frequentis Theatre
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Resilient Skies: Securing the resilience of the pan-European network against emerging threats
Modern aviation relies on a highly interconnected infrastructure that faces increasing threats, including GNSS interference—addressed through a joint action plan by EUROCONTROL and EASA—as well as cyberattacks, physical disruptions (such as drones and balloons), and geopolitical tensions. The EU’s Military Mobility package introduces a new opportunity: ensuring that dual-use infrastructure can support both civilian and military needs without compromising safety and efficiency. This panel will examine the work to enhance Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure resilience through technical cooperation and strengthened civil–military collaboration to optimise the shared use of airspace in response to modern pressures—such as geopolitical conflicts and training needs—ensuring both civilian efficiency and military readiness.
Viasat Theatre
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
CANSO LAC: Airspace modernisation in Latin America and the Caribbean – A Regional Path Forward
Airspace modernization in Latin America and the Caribbean is reaching a pivotal point. Increasing traffic, space operations, contingency events and diverse technological capabilities are reshaping operational needs nationwide. This high-level panel includes four Air Navigation Service Providers from the region and focuses on building a future-proof airspace infrastructure.
The discussion explores the strategic priorities for the coming decade: implementation of Free Route Airspace, CNS modernisation, digital information exchange, ATFM development, and the integration of drones, VTOLs, and space launches. Panelists will address the ongoing challenge of maturity gaps among ANSPs and the necessity for coordinated investment in personnel, technology, and procedures.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how leading ANSPs are approaching modernisation, what lessons can be scaled across the region, and how Latin America and the Caribbean are integrating and collaborating for efficient and innovative airspace management.
Boeing Theatre
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
CANSO Operations: From Complexity to Integration: Operationalizing Space Transport Operations in Shared Airspace
Space Transportation Operations are no longer an emerging concept; they are an operational reality. With increasing launch and re-entry frequency, expanding spaceport networks, and the introduction of reusable and suborbital systems, space activities are placing sustained and dynamic demands on the global airspace system.
The challenge is no longer if integration will occur, but how to operationalize it safely, efficiently, and at scale.
This panel will move beyond high-level discussion to focus on real-world operational implementation, examining how ANSPs, regulators, operators, and military stakeholders are actively managing space activities today and what must evolve next. It will showcase practical operational experiences and emerging best practices, while exploring how improved data sharing, coordination mechanisms, and digital tools are reducing uncertainty and minimizing airspace impact.
The discussion will highlight the transition from reactive airspace closures toward more predictive, collaborative, and performance-based operations, strengthening collaboration across all stakeholders. It will also identify gaps requiring global harmonization and cross-border coordination, while providing ANSPs and regulators with actionable insights to support the effective and scalable integration of space transportation operations.
Frequentis Theatre
1:00 PM - 1:25 PM
EURIALO: Resilient ATM Surveillance from Space
The EURIALO project, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), is advancing a new space-based surveillance layer designed to strengthen the resilience and continuity of Air Traffic Management (ATM). Building on its introduction at previous editions of Airspace World, this presentation focuses on EURIALO’s progress toward operational maturity and its role in complementing existing terrestrial surveillance infrastructures.
By leveraging a micro-satellite constellation and advanced multilateration (MLAT) techniques, EURIALO enhances global surveillance coverage, including in remote or interference-prone environments. Fully aligned with SESAR priorities and the European ATM Master Plan, and covered by CNS evolution MP, the project delivers tangible benefits in safety, operational performance, and sustainability. Developed by a consortium including Spire, Thales, ESSP, and ENAV, EURIALO is currently in its In-Orbit Demonstration phase, marking a key milestone on the path to operational space-based surveillance services.
Wing Theatre
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
A new era of surveillance - how the U.S. is modernizing its ATM infrastructure
The US is embarking on one of the most significant air traffic surveillance modernization programs ever seen. Under a newly awarded contract, RTX and Indra will replace more than 600 ground-based radars with modern, high performance surveillance systems by 2028. This nationwide renewal aims to strengthen safety, improve operational efficiency, and simplify system maintenance by consolidating the many radar configurations currently in use.
The award supports the FAA’s broader Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS), replacing aging infrastructure with modern, resilient, and cyber-secure technology.
This panel will explore how this substantial investment is reshaping the country’s surveillance infrastructure, how such a largescale project is handled from a manufacturer point-of-view, and what it means for the future of air traffic management.
Integra Theatre
1:30 PM - 2:20 PM
Towards an ambitious EU Drone Strategy: Clearing the path to real operations
In 2022, the EU Drone Strategy 2.0 set out the EU’s vision for integrating drones into Europe’s airspace and economy by 2030. Nearly halfway to that horizon, Europe’s lower skies remain largely empty, and drone operations are still far from being part of citizens’ everyday lives. What we do see, however, are drone incursions over airports and other critical infrastructure – disrupting travel, harming businesses, and raising serious security concerns.
Against this backdrop, and in light of the forthcoming review of the EU Drone Strategy, this session will examine where the strategy has delivered and where it needs rethinking; where implementation is gaining traction and where progress must accelerate; what the European Commission is planning next; and what both industry and society expect from an ambitious Drone Strategy.
Wing Theatre
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Navigating Europe’s air traffic: the current air traffic situation, operational challenges and how Europe can optimise existing capacity
Europe’s air traffic network is under increasing pressure as demand for airspace capacity continues to grow and operational complexity rises. In this panel discussion participants will share their perspectives on the current air traffic situation and its challenges, how to optimise operations, manage capacity, and create efficiencies while ensuring safe air traffic operations – especially in light of peak traffic for Summer 2026. The discussion will also explore how efficient air traffic control resources, cross-border design solutions, air-ground integration, open digital infrastructure, and seamless airspace organisation can help optimise existing capacity while preparing for future traffic growth.
Moderated by Iacopo Prissinotti, Director Network Management at EUROCONTROL, the discussion will feature insights from Peggy Devestel, Director of the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) and from panellists representing air navigation service providers (ANSP), aircraft operators and airports.
Viasat Theatre
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
CANSO Safety: Working Together to Create a Collaborative Culture for Safe and Resilient Integrated Airspace
As airspace becomes more complex, with drones, UTM, and defence operations sharing the skies, air traffic management needs to move from reacting to problems to proactively and strategically planning ahead. Instead of constantly managing routine complexity, controllers and pilots should be able to focus mainly on unusual or unexpected situations.
This panel at Airspace World in Lisbon will explore how better collaboration and innovative thinking can improve the way people, systems, and organizations work together. Experts from civil aviation, defence, and unmanned aviation will discuss how integration of different airspace users can be optimised, and which policies and governance are required to maintain safety, security, and resilience.
The session will highlight the cultural, technological, and regulatory changes needed to ensure airspace operations remain efficient, predictable, and safe in the future.
Integra Theatre
2:00 PM - 2:25 PM
Advancing Resilience through Deployable Digital Tower Solutions
In an environment shaped by crises, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters, ensuring continuity and resilience in air traffic management has become a central priority. This presentation explores the transformative potential of Deployable Digital Tower systems, which provide a scalable, high-fidelity alternative to traditional mobile ATC towers.
Brian will utilize his expertise in both military and civil air traffic operations to examine how a Deployable Digital Tower solution can aid in both contingency operations for high-traffic civil airports and in protecting the controllers in the expeditionary theater. He will explain how combining high resolution camera views and real-time information helps controllers see more clearly and work more efficiently than with traditional ATC systems.
Key topics include:
• **Digital Advantage**: Real-world lessons from traditional mobile air traffic control systems, highlighting operational constraints and deployment challenges —paired with a compelling story that illustrates how Deployable Digital Tower systems overcome these limitations today.
• **Operational Agility & Rapid Deployability**: How compact, and mobile digital tower solutions allow both high capacity and rapid deployment — whether supporting infrastructure upgrades, temporary operations, or emergency response scenarios.
• **Situational Awareness & Safety**: The benefits of improved visibility and integrated surveillance (including aircraft and UAS data), delivering a more complete and accurate airfield and airspace picture
• **Case Studies & Deployments**: An analysis of recent deployments by ANSPs and military personnel, highlighting improvements in installation, redundancy, and operational efficiency.
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical capabilities, strategic advantages, and operational safeguards necessary to successfully integrate deployable digital technology into ATC today.
Frequentis Theatre
2:30 PM - 2:55 PM
AAM is Taking off – Real operations and deployments
The moderator will provide an overview of the AAM ecosystem and state of the art. The speakers will outline the progresses achieved in Advanced Air Mobility in the fields of eVTOLs, Vertiports and operators. Eve will outline the last milestones for Vector UATM and Eve eVTOL flight trials. Aerosolutions will provide the operator/airline angle with a example of previewed routes for Costa Rica Pacific coast. Bluenest will explain the last vertiport control trials for medical services in Balearic and Canary Islands and the interest to deploy a vertiport network in Costa Rica.
Wing Theatre
2:30 PM - 2:55 PM
Data-driven ATC selection and simulation: Airways' formula for ATC training excellence
Airways New Zealand has sustained an average ATC training success rate of around 95% over the past 12 years – nearly double the industry norm – through a systematic combination of data-driven selection, world-class competency-based training, and advanced simulation technologies. In this session, we will reveal how Airways International’s proven methodology is helping ANSPs worldwide to transform their training outcomes.
While air traffic controller shortages intensify globally and training failure rates commonly reach 50% in many regions, the cost of getting selection and training wrong has never been higher. Candidates invest months before discovering they won't succeed, and ANSPs lose substantial resources without filling critical positions.
Airways International, the ANSP’s commercial arm has developed this world-leading approach to transform ATC training outcomes – an approach grounded in organisational psychology, 30 years of training experience and innovative use of technology.
Through rigorous and proven selection tools used by ANSPs and over 50,000 candidates worldwide, highly realistic simulation environments, and globally recognised ATC training with world-class instructors – Airways International has developed a replicable model that significantly reduces training failures.
This session explores the key elements of Airways' selection and training strategy, shares practical insights from implementation with ANSPs globally, and demonstrates how evidence-based approaches can deliver measurable improvements in training success rates while reducing time and cost.
Boeing Theatre
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
CANSO APAC: How digital technology can enhance regional collaboration
Digitalisation has already transformed many sectors, improving efficiency, connectivity, and decision-making. In air traffic management, similar benefits are increasingly within reach—but only if digital technologies and collaboration evolve together. Rather than being separate enablers, digitalisation and collaboration are mutually reinforcing: digital platforms can make collaboration easier, faster, and more scalable, while effective collaboration helps unlock the full value of digital solutions.
This panel will explore how digital technology can actively support regional collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region. It will begin with an overview of the Regional Collaboration Platform developed by AIR Lab—an open, cloud-based sandbox with built-in tools and representative data that enables multiple stakeholders to test new operational concepts and scenarios in a collaborative environment.
Building on this example, APAC ANSPs will share how they are using the platform in practice, lessons learned so far, and potential new use cases. The discussion will then broaden to examine what other digital tools, platforms, or approaches could further enhance collaboration across the region, and how such initiatives can support more integrated, resilient, and future-ready ATM operations.
Frequentis Theatre
3:00 PM - 3:25 PM
Remote TWR Control Center activation
The session will describe the successful activation of the remote TWR Control Center, focusing on technical aspects, expected benefits, and the remote control plan for the 26 towers included in the project.
Boeing Theatre
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
EU’s roadmap towards the new service delivery model
As Europe accelerates towards a new, more agile ATM service delivery model, the SESAR JU and EASA are working hand-in-hand to reshape how essential ATM services will be built, certified, governed, and deployed in the decade ahead. This panel will explore the joint roadmap towards a cloud-enabled, modular and interoperable service ecosystem—one that promises faster deployment, seamless cross-border operations, and continuous innovation while upholding the highest levels of safety and oversight. Bringing together key operational, industrial, and regulatory voices, the session will examine what it will take to make this transition a reality, the opportunities it creates for both established and emerging players, and how Europe can build a resilient, sustainable and digitally-driven ATM system fit for the future.
Viasat Theatre
3:00 PM - 3:25 PM
The resiliency gamble
Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) aim to deliver sufficient capacity for airline customers and airspace users. But, as demand increases and system flexibility decreases, even minor disruptions risk escalating across the network. It’s clear that building resilience alongside capacity is essential to contain issues and ensure safe recovery, which raises the question: are current investments in resilience and continuity adequate?
ANSPs evaluate the risks, costs, and advantages differently, striving to strike a balance between investing in business continuity and addressing other organisational priorities. However, the costs of disruption can extend beyond individual service providers, impacting on their stakeholders and the flying public, and therefore the potential benefits of investment in business continuity improvements can be under-represented.
This presentation focuses on how ANSPs can deliver a resilient service and enhance their business continuity provision. Should they take the gamble that their systems won’t fail, or invest in their business continuity capability?
Why this session is important
• Resilience is a strategic imperative: disruptions in ATM and airport operations can have severe economic and social consequences
• Major disruptions occur more frequently today (weather conditions, social actions, system and software outages)
• It is relevant for all stakeholders: from global hubs influencing GDP to small airports serving isolated communities
Key takeaways for the audience
• Understand the true cost of disruption and balance risk and investment.
• Discover practical solutions: review examples of resilience strategies tailored to different airport scales and contexts.
• Explore real-world examples from major hubs and regional airfields, illustrating both the impact of disruptions and potential continuity solutions.
Wing Theatre
3:00 PM - 3:50 PM
CANSO Tomorrow's Voices: Building the Talent and Innovation Ecosystem Aviation Needs
The future of aviation depends not only on technology, but on people. This panel explores how organisations across the ecosystem are addressing talent attraction, retention, and skills development while creating space for startups and new entrants to grow.
Through real-world examples, speakers will share initiatives that are delivering results today — offering practical insights the audience can adapt to their own organisations.
Integra Theatre
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM
The GPS Hangover: Understanding GNSS Corruption and Carryover Effects in European Airspace
GNSS interference in the European airspace has increased dramatically. Reports of GPS disruption rose over 400% between 2022 and 2024, with Eastern Europe experiencing particularly sustained interference. When aircraft leave GPS spoofing zones, the interference stops, but in many cases, the navigation system doesn't immediately recover, and residual effects can persist. We call this the "GPS Hangover," and it's a bigger issue than previously recognized.
Spoofing differs from jamming in a critical way: it provides false position data that appears valid and passes standard integrity checks without triggering alerts. While jamming accounts for roughly 80% of reported GNSS interference incidents, spoofing presents disproportionate operational challenges because even when crews recognize the issue, they often have few immediate options beyond turning off the impacted systems. Moreover, systems may not recover until reset on the ground.
Monitoring the situation with European ANSPs for more than 4 years, SeRo Systems has observed and documented thousands of cases where spoofed GPS leads aircraft to report ADS-B positions tens of nautical miles off for hours after leaving interference zones. In high-interference regions, extended exposure periods can corrupt the internal state of the GPS receiver of some aircraft, for example, by downloading false ephemeris data. As a result, essential parts of the avionics remain affected until the avionics components are reset on the ground.
The consequence is that interference in one location can affect operations hundreds of kilometers away. To combat this problem, EASA has called for enhanced GNSS monitoring capabilities and operator awareness programs, while ICAO recommends developing comprehensive PNT resilience strategies and implementing robust interference detection systems. Both organizations emphasize the critical need for coordinated monitoring efforts and systematic reporting mechanisms across ANSPs, operators, and regulatory bodies.
Using operational monitoring data through 2025, we'll examine how these carryover effects manifest in the European airspace. We'll share monitoring architectures deployed in high-interference environments that provide ANSPs with actionable operational intelligence beyond basic pilot reporting. The session also offers practical insights into what sustained GNSS interference means for European airspace and what monitoring capabilities can help ANSPs support safer operations.
Frequentis Theatre
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM
Rethinking ATC Simulation: Why Fidelity Alone Doesn't Deliver Better Training Outcomes
For more than three decades, ATC training has trended toward ever-higher fidelity, full-immersion simulation – often under the assumption that realism automatically delivers better learning outcomes. Research and operational evidence suggest otherwise.
This session challenges the “more fidelity equals better training” assumption and presents a practical, evidence-based approach for integrating low-fidelity part-task training into modern ATCO curricula to improve learning efficiency, skill acquisition, and operational readiness.
Drawing on learning science, operational experience, and the Proficiency Cycle training model, this presentation demonstrates how foundational cognitive, psychomotor, and procedural skills – such as scan discipline and radio telephony – are more effectively acquired and consolidated in low-pressure, repeatable environments before being assessed in high-fidelity simulators.
Attendees will explore how structured use of part-task trainers, adaptive learning tools, integrated analytics and gamification can reduce training costs, increase throughput, and improve performance in high-pressure simulation and live operations, all without compromising safety or standards.
The session offers actionable insights for ANSPs, training organisations, and regulators seeking scalable, future-ready ATC training systems.
Boeing Theatre
3:30 PM - 3:55 PM
Traffic Complexity tool to Support sustainable operations
The Air Traffic Complexity Support Tool provides real-time and predictive assessment of traffic complexity across airspace and airport environments. By combining surveillance data, flight trajectories, weather, and operational constraints, the tool generates dynamic complexity indicators that go beyond traffic volume alone.
These indicators support controllers, flow managers, and planners in anticipating workload, optimizing sector configurations, and enabling demand–capacity balancing strategies that reduce delays, fuel burn, and emissions. By proactively managing complexity rather than reacting to congestion, the tool enhances safety, improves operational efficiency, and contributes to more sustainable and environmentally responsible air traffic operations.
Wing Theatre
Wednesday, May 27
Thursday, May 28