Following a successful CANSO Latin America and Caribbean Conference 2025, hosted by AAC Panama, Airspace talked to Rubén Ríos, Director of Air Navigation at the Air Navigation Directorate of the Panama Civil Aviation Authority about the future of the industry in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region.
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A modern air navigation service provider (ANSP) leader must combine technical knowledge with strategic vision, adaptability and a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration. Today's leadership requires understanding emerging technologies, having a people-centric approach, and the ability to foster international partnerships that drive safety and efficiency.
Definitely. Sustainability is one of our guiding principles, optimising air routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and encouraging the use of sustainable aviation fuels and environmentally responsible technologies.
Panama is actively analysing frameworks for the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) into controlled airspace. This includes developing regulatory frameworks, adapting communication navigation surveillance / air traffic management (CNS/ATM) infrastructure and collaborating with industry players to ensure a balanced and efficient transition.
The future of airspace in the Latin America-Caribbean (LAC) region must be characterised by interoperability, sustainability, digital transformation and seamless cross-border operations. The integration of advanced technologies, together with environmental responsibility and regional cooperation, will be fundamental pillars.
Regional collaboration has improved markedly, especially through the initiatives promoted by CANSO such as CADENA and ICAO. However, there is the potential to deepen it through more streamlined data exchange mechanisms, harmonisation of procedures and joint training programmes.
Strengthening regional platforms for technical and operational dialogue will further contribute to efficiency and security.
Although significant progress has been made, there is still room for improvement. Cyber resilience should be seen as a shared responsibility among all aviation actors. At the AAC of Panama, we are strengthening our cybersecurity frameworks, conducting risk assessments and strengthening collaboration with regional and international partners to improve collective resilience.
Digitalisation, interoperability of systems and automation will be the key factors. Additionally, the integration of satellite-based systems will play a key role in ensuring safety and efficiency. We are also focusing on cybersecurity and sustainable energy solutions for aeronautical infrastructure.
Rubén Ríos, Director of Air Navigation at the Air Navigation Directorate of the Panama Civil Aviation Authority
Cyber resilience should be seen as a shared responsibility among all aviation sectors."
Our strategy focuses on modernising air navigation infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity. The investment priorities include implementing performance-based navigation (PBN), modernising surveillance systems and improving air traffic flow management (ATFM) through automation tools and data-driven decision-making.
In addition, we are investing in the continuous training and development of the technical and operational skills of our staff.
What is Panama's strategy in the coming years?
What skills does a modern air navigation service provider leader need?
Is sustainability an important topic for you?
How will you incorporate advanced air mobility?
What key elements should the future of airspace in the Latin America-Caribbean region contain?
Is collaboration working well across the region? How could it be improved?
Is the industry doing enough on cyber resilience?
What technologies will be most important?
Following a successful CANSO Latin America and Caribbean Conference 2025, hosted by AAC Panama, Airspace talked to Rubén Ríos, Director of Air Navigation at the Air Navigation Directorate of the Panama Civil Aviation Authority about the future of the industry in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region.
Cyber resilience should be seen as a shared responsibility among all aviation sectors."
Rubén Ríos, Director of Air Navigation at the Air Navigation Directorate of the Panama Civil Aviation Authority
Regional collaboration has improved markedly, especially through the initiatives promoted by CANSO such as CADENA and ICAO. However, there is the potential to deepen it through more streamlined data exchange mechanisms, harmonisation of procedures and joint training programmes.
Strengthening regional platforms for technical and operational dialogue will further contribute to efficiency and security.
Is collaboration working well across the region? How could it be improved?
Although significant progress has been made, there is still room for improvement. Cyber resilience should be seen as a shared responsibility among all aviation actors. At the AAC of Panama, we are strengthening our cybersecurity frameworks, conducting risk assessments and strengthening collaboration with regional and international partners to improve collective resilience.
Is the industry doing enough on cyber resilience?
Digitalisation, interoperability of systems and automation will be the key factors. Additionally, the integration of satellite-based systems will play a key role in ensuring safety and efficiency. We are also focusing on cybersecurity and sustainable energy solutions for aeronautical infrastructure.
What technologies will be most important?
A modern air navigation service provider (ANSP) leader must combine technical knowledge with strategic vision, adaptability and a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration. Today's leadership requires understanding emerging technologies, having a people-centric approach, and the ability to foster international partnerships that drive safety and efficiency.
What skills does a modern air navigation service provider leader need?
Our strategy focuses on modernising air navigation infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity. The investment priorities include implementing performance-based navigation (PBN), modernising surveillance systems and improving air traffic flow management (ATFM) through automation tools and data-driven decision-making.
In addition, we are investing in the continuous training and development of the technical and operational skills of our staff.
What is Panama's strategy in the coming years?
The future of airspace in the Latin America-Caribbean (LAC) region must be characterised by interoperability, sustainability, digital transformation and seamless cross-border operations. The integration of advanced technologies, together with environmental responsibility and regional cooperation, will be fundamental pillars.
Is sustainability an important topic for you?
Panama is actively analysing frameworks for the safe integration of advanced air mobility (AAM) into controlled airspace. This includes developing regulatory frameworks, adapting communication navigation surveillance / air traffic management (CNS/ATM) infrastructure and collaborating with industry players to ensure a balanced and efficient transition.
How will you incorporate advanced air mobility?
What key elements should the future of airspace in the Latin America-Caribbean region contain?
Definitely. Sustainability is one of our guiding principles, optimising air routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and encouraging the use of sustainable aviation fuels and environmentally responsible technologies.
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