The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation

CANSO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, has announced a major new event for the air traffic management (ATM) industry: the ‘CANSO World ATM Congress in association with ATCA,’ launching in Madrid, 12-14 February 2013. 

‘CANSO World’ (www.cansoworld.org) aims to be the definitive annual event for ATM, combining a large-scale industry exhibition, thought-leadership conference, and senior-level, international networking opportunities for aviation decision-makers and managers. 

Paul Riemens, CANSO Chairman and CEO of LVNL, the ANSP for the Netherlands, together with Peter F. Dumont, President & CEO of Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) and Monte Belger, Chairman of ATCA and Vice President of Industry Relations at Metron Aviation made the announcement during the opening speech of the ATCA 56^th Annual Conference and Exposition in Washington, D.C., today (3 October, 2011). 

Mr Riemens explained that CANSO World will bring together CEOs, senior managers and technical experts from air navigation service providers, manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, and other key stakeholders. He added that the 18,000m² exhibition will give delegates the opportunity to find out about the latest trends and developments in air traffic management, while the ‘World Conference’ will focus on discussing the priority challenges facing the industry. 

Peter F. Dumont, President & CEO of ATCA said: “With a long tradition of organising leading industry events spanning nearly 60 years, ATCA brings significant knowledge and expertise to CANSO World. We are delighted to be working with CANSO and look forward to delivering a first-class event that will shape the future of air traffic control.” 
Discussing the reasons for holding CANSO World, Mr Riemens said: “At the CANSO ATM Summit in Bangkok earlier this year CANSO was challenged to take the lead in transforming the ATM industry. I see the launch of CANSO World as an example of how we are doing just that. We’re committed to work with the world’s most forward-thinking aviation leaders to ensure the event is both stimulating and thought-provoking.” 

CANSO World is already proving popular. So far, nearly 20 organisations have shown their support or have registered an interest in exhibiting. These include: 

• Aena
• Airbus ProSky
• Airservices Australia
• Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
• Booz Allen Hamilton
• Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO)
• The Boeing Company
• Harris Corporation
• Indra Sistemas
• Irish Aviation Authority
• FREQUENTIS
• Lockheed Martin
• Metron Aviation
• NAV Canada
• Northrop Grumman Park Air Systems
• Raytheon
• Rockwell Collins
• Sunhillo
• Thales

Referring to the importance of industry collaboration, Mr Riemens said that CANSO World is being organised in association with ATCA in order to benefit from their experience and expertise in organising large scale industry events. 

Following an in-depth analysis of the most suitable location for the event, CANSO and ATCA selected Madrid on the basis of, among others, its cutting-edge facilities, transport connections, cost-effectiveness and temperate climate. 

Juan Ignacio Lema Devesa, President, Aena, the Spanish organisation responsible for the management of airports and provision of Air Navigation Services, said: “Aena is very pleased with the decision of CANSO to take the initiative to partner with ATCA, to organise and manage the CANSO World congress. Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges, not only in Europe, but worldwide. CANSO is showing leadership for the ATM industry at the right time to help drive the transformation of ATM. I am also delighted that after a careful analysis the venue chosen for CANSO World is Madrid and I am confident it will match the expectations of both the visitors and exhibitors alike. I look forward to working closely with CANSO and ATCA to ensure it is a great success.” 

Greg Russell, CEO of Airservices Australia said that CANSO’s 130 Members are united about the need for change: “CANSO’s goal is to help the industry help itself. This is about bringing together the global aviation community to deliver the transformation that we need, for the benefit of the entire aviation system.” 

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive, the Irish Aviation Authority said: “As an ANSP we stand fully behind CANSO World. It will take some time and effort to pull together, however the combination of CANSO working closely with ATCA on the event logistics is an excellent idea.” 

"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to attend a trade show where the all decision makers of the significant ANSPs will be in attendance. We have never had this opportunity before, and we are appreciative of ATCA and CANSO partnering to provide this unique opportunity," said Neil Planzer, VP of Air Traffic Management at The Boeing Company. 

Eric Stefanello, President of Airbus ProSky said: “Time and time again, CANSO has demonstrated the impressive progress that can be made when suppliers and ANSPs work together to define the future of our industry.” 

“Lockheed Martin is looking forward to participating in the CANSO World event,” said Sandy Samuel, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s IS&GS-Civil Transportation Solutions business. “As a long-standing associate member of CANSO we see this as an important mechanism to improve communications between industry and the ANSPs.” 

Other industry stakeholders have also welcomed the initiative. Tony Tyler, DG & CEO of IATA said: “Efficient air traffic management is critical to the economic viability and sustainable growth of the air transport industry. This can only be achieved through effective dialogue between all stakeholders, especially airlines and air navigation service providers. Congratulations to CANSO for this initiative. It will provide an important platform for the exchange of ideas and formulation of action plans." 

Angela Gittens, Director General of Airports Council International (ACI) World said: “ACI is very encouraged by CANSO World and lends its full support to the event. Our industry needs to work together to deliver real improvements so we can all benefit from an ATM system that is fit for the 21st century.” 

Concluding the announcement, Mr Riemens said: “CANSO World will be the leading large-scale international air traffic control event. It’s up to us to lead by example and transform ATM performance together.” 

For more information visit the event’s dedicated website, www.cansoworld.org  

Also follow @CANSONews for updates on #cansoworld.