World ATM Congress draws thousands from around the world to Madrid

MADRID, 11 March 2015. The third edition of World ATM Congress continues this week at the IFEMA Feria de Madrid in Spain. Organizers from the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) and Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) expect the 2015 event 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 program of high-level speakers discussing the key challenges facing the industry, whereas 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,” organizers say.
“World ATM Congress offers a venue for international experts to discuss and develop diverse solutions to common problems,” explains ATCA President and CEO Peter F. Dumont. “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,” Dumont continues. “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.”

CANSO Director General Jeff Poole echoes Dumonts comments, adding: “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.”

Ana María Pastor Julián, Spain’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, opened the World ATM Congress conference, highlighting 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, handled four 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 modernization of Europe’s airspace.

On Tuesday, speakers from across the industry discussed how to use, exploit, and protect data in an increasingly interconnected world. Today, the conference explores how to build sustainable regional ATM networks and to address the disruptive future.

The World ATM Congress Exhibition is open through Thursday, 12 March 2015.

World ATM Congress (www.worldatmcongress.org) combines a large-scale exhibition, conference, and networking opportunities with the chance to learn the latest air traffic trends and developments. World ATM Congress is organized for the industry, by the industry. Produced by CANSO in association with ATCA, it is backed by leading air navigation service providers and industry suppliers.

Founded in 1956, the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) is dedicated to the progress and safety of air traffic and works to advance the technology and professionalism of the industry. The association serves nearly 3,000 members and is involved in organizing the largest ATC events in the world. ATCA's members are comprised of individual controllers, aviation associations, educational institutions, the government and military, and companies managing and providing equipment and services in the aviation community.

CANSO – the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation – is the global voice of air traffic management (ATM) worldwide. CANSO members support over 85 percent of world air traffic. Members share information and develop new policies with the ultimate aim of improving air navigation services (ANS) on the ground and in the air. CANSO represents its members’ views in major regulatory and industry forums, including at ICAO, where it has official Observer status. CANSO has an extensive network of Associate Members drawn from across the aviation industry.