Performance improvement
Nearly 40 per cent of all submissions presented at the Conference – 39 working papers and 46 information papers – were concerned with improving the overall air navigation system.
A need for the consistent application of separation minima across regions was highlighted as were regional action plans to enhance air traffic flow management. There was broad support for ICAO’s proposal for longitudinal separation of 30 nautical miles (NM) or less in oceanic and remote airspace, and 10 NM or less elsewhere.
Trajectory-based operations (TBO) were also recognised as essential to improving aircraft movement predictability and achieving aviation’s long-term carbon reduction goals. Again, collaboration between ICAO, States, and industry is critical to synchronise TBO enablers, such as system-wide information management (SWIM) and flight and flow information for a collaborative environment (FF-ICE).
It was agreed that higher airspace operations will be a focus during the next triennium cycle 2025-2028, with the aim of creating a global concept, including ATM procedures, contingency planning and risk assessment and monitoring methodologies. This will be an important element in advancing CANSO’s Complete Air Traffic System vision for integrated airspace – which envisages that by 2045 could be a harmonised, flexible system where seamless point-to-point flight experiences, interoperability and scalability are powered by advanced technologies.
AN-CONF/14 also debated a proposed feasibility study on a new air navigation efficiency audit programme. Although the conference was split on this, ultimately tacit approval was granted for a feasibility study to proceed. In this regard, a CANSO paper (WP/89) got full support and it was recommended that ICAO develops a framework to support States that are considering delegating responsibility for the provision of air traffic services.
“AN-CONF/14 was extremely successful for CANSO and air traffic management,” says Cirilo. “There were many positive outcomes that will point the way for safer, sustainable, and more efficient services.”
“AN-CONF/14 was extremely successful for CANSO and air traffic management,” says Cirilo. “There were many positive outcomes that will point the way for safer, sustainable, and more efficient services.”
Carlos Cirilo, CANSO's Director, ICAO Affairs
Embracing new technologies
There were also detailed discussions on the integration of new aircraft technologies, such as electric, hybrid, hydrogen-powered, and sustainable fuel-powered aircraft. AN-CONF/14 emphasised the need for collaboration between ICAO, States, and industry to ensure the timely adoption of these technologies. Additionally, it addressed public awareness initiatives to promote social acceptance.
Other key innovations also on the agenda included advanced air mobility (AAM). The integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the development of standards for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies will be essential to airspace configuration in the years ahead.
As part of the work on safely incorporating innovative technologies, CANSO presented WP/88, Moving Beyond Compliance Measurement. “The paper was well received, and the conference agreed on the need for global management of operational safety risks,” says Carlos Cirilo, CANSO’s Director, ICAO Affairs. “We need to focus on more proactive safety performance measurement and safety performance indicators beyond regulatory compliance, human factors considerations, and the sharing of best practices.”
Safety first
AN-CONF/14 typified this drive toward collaboration. Safety – always the top priority – was a key focus and it was decided to promote a global framework for aviation safety data, stronger safety oversight, and improved resilience in air navigation. It was stressed that broader state participation is vital as is a more inclusive agenda to improve effectiveness.
Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference was in the spotlight, underlining the need for a safety risk management framework that involves all partners and possibilities. A series of papers highlighted escalating episodes of radio frequency interference (RFI) with GNSS signals, especially in areas near conflict zones. States were reminded of the need to notify aviation authorities and ANSPs regarding any intentional GNSS interference activity they may be undertaking.
Manufacturers will also be asked to consider how aircraft systems may be made more resilient to RFI events. Importantly for ANSPs, there was a discussion on the importance of maintaining a sufficient network of ground-based navaids to ensure operational safety as well as sufficient airspace capacity during times of GNSS interference.
Meanwhile, talks on the growing demand for air-ground data exchange through secure, scalable, and efficient communication links emphasised the need for technical validation.
Indeed, aviation cybersecurity was a key theme given the need to tackle emerging cyber threats. Discussions on cybersecurity incident response, cyber risk management, and information sharing led to referrals to expert groups for further evaluation.
Some 868 delegates from 109 countries and 28 international organisations gathered in Montreal for productive discussions on 214 working and information papers. Overall, the outcomes were highly favorable, aligning with CANSO’s key positions.
“As we look ahead to the next 80 years, we must embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” says Simon Hocquard, CANSO’s Director General. “The future will depend on our ability to collaborate. We must continue to work together – sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices – to ensure that the aviation system of the future is safer, more efficient, and more sustainable than ever before. The legacy of the Chicago Convention and ICAO is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with a shared goal.”
In the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Chicago Convention which laid the foundation for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), its 14th Air Navigation Conference (AN-CONF/14) once again highlighted ICAO’s importance to air traffic management.
“AN-CONF/14 was extremely successful for CANSO and air traffic management,” says Cirilo. “There were many positive outcomes that will point the way for safer, sustainable, and more efficient services.”
Carlos Cirilo, CANSO's Director, ICAO Affairs
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Some 868 delegates from 109 countries and 28 international organisations gathered in Montreal for productive discussions on 214 working and information papers. Overall, the outcomes were highly favorable, aligning with CANSO’s key positions.
“As we look ahead to the next 80 years, we must embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” says Simon Hocquard, CANSO’s Director General. “The future will depend on our ability to collaborate. We must continue to work together – sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices – to ensure that the aviation system of the future is safer, more efficient, and more sustainable than ever before. The legacy of the Chicago Convention and ICAO is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with a shared goal.”
In the run-up to the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Chicago Convention which laid the foundation for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), its 14th Air Navigation Conference (AN-CONF/14) once again highlighted ICAO’s importance to air traffic management.
Nearly 40 per cent of all submissions presented at the Conference – 39 working papers and 46 information papers – were concerned with improving the overall air navigation system.
A need for the consistent application of separation minima across regions was highlighted as were regional action plans to enhance air traffic flow management. There was broad support for ICAO’s proposal for longitudinal separation of 30 nautical miles (NM) or less in oceanic and remote airspace, and 10 NM or less elsewhere.
Trajectory-based operations (TBO) were also recognised as essential to improving aircraft movement predictability and achieving aviation’s long-term carbon reduction goals. Again, collaboration between ICAO, States, and industry is critical to synchronise TBO enablers, such as system-wide information management (SWIM) and flight and flow information for a collaborative environment (FF-ICE).
It was agreed that higher airspace operations will be a focus during the next triennium cycle 2025-2028, with the aim of creating a global concept, including ATM procedures, contingency planning and risk assessment and monitoring methodologies. This will be an important element in advancing CANSO’s Complete Air Traffic System vision for integrated airspace – which envisages that by 2045 could be a harmonised, flexible system where seamless point-to-point flight experiences, interoperability and scalability are powered by advanced technologies.
AN-CONF/14 also debated a proposed feasibility study on a new air navigation efficiency audit programme. Although the conference was split on this, ultimately tacit approval was granted for a feasibility study to proceed. In this regard, a CANSO paper (WP/89) got full support and it was recommended that ICAO develops a framework to support States that are considering delegating responsibility for the provision of air traffic services.
Performance improvement
There were also detailed discussions on the integration of new aircraft technologies, such as electric, hybrid, hydrogen-powered, and sustainable fuel-powered aircraft. AN-CONF/14 emphasised the need for collaboration between ICAO, States, and industry to ensure the timely adoption of these technologies. Additionally, it addressed public awareness initiatives to promote social acceptance.
Other key innovations also on the agenda included advanced air mobility (AAM). The integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the development of standards for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies will be essential to airspace configuration in the years ahead.
As part of the work on safely incorporating innovative technologies, CANSO presented WP/88, Moving Beyond Compliance Measurement. “The paper was well received, and the conference agreed on the need for global management of operational safety risks,” says Carlos Cirilo, CANSO’s Director, ICAO Affairs. “We need to focus on more proactive safety performance measurement and safety performance indicators beyond regulatory compliance, human factors considerations, and the sharing of best practices.”
Embracing new technologies
AN-CONF/14 typified this drive toward collaboration. Safety – always the top priority – was a key focus and it was decided to promote a global framework for aviation safety data, stronger safety oversight, and improved resilience in air navigation. It was stressed that broader state participation is vital as is a more inclusive agenda to improve effectiveness.
Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference was in the spotlight, underlining the need for a safety risk management framework that involves all partners and possibilities. A series of papers highlighted escalating episodes of radio frequency interference (RFI) with GNSS signals, especially in areas near conflict zones. States were reminded of the need to notify aviation authorities and ANSPs regarding any intentional GNSS interference activity they may be undertaking.
Manufacturers will also be asked to consider how aircraft systems may be made more resilient to RFI events. Importantly for ANSPs, there was a discussion on the importance of maintaining a sufficient network of ground-based navaids to ensure operational safety as well as sufficient airspace capacity during times of GNSS interference.
Meanwhile, talks on the growing demand for air-ground data exchange through secure, scalable, and efficient communication links emphasised the need for technical validation.
Indeed, aviation cybersecurity was a key theme given the need to tackle emerging cyber threats. Discussions on cybersecurity incident response, cyber risk management, and information sharing led to referrals to expert groups for further evaluation.
Safety first