Shaping the Future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): CANSO’s Action-Packed Week of Key Events
CANSO has participated in several key events aimed at laying important groundwork for the future of AAM, bringing together industry experts, regulators, and innovators to address both the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. These included the first ICAO AAM Symposium in Montréal, Canada, which had over 1,300 participants from around the world.
Highlight of the Week: ICAO AAM Symposium 2024
From September 9 to 12 the inaugural ICAO Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2024) convened under the theme “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Global Harmonisation and Interoperability: Challenges and Opportunities.” This event was a milestone for AAM, over four days addressing critical aspects such as regulatory frameworks, safety, and the seamless integration of new aviation technologies into global airspace. As one speaker at the symposium noted, “Change is coming, change is needed,” underscoring the urgency of adapting to the evolving realm of aviation.
CANSO was represented by Michelle Bishop, Director Programmes (below right), Nicki Harricharan, Operations Programme Manager (below centre), and Dr. Eduardo Garcia, Senior Manager Future Skies (below left). Throughout the symposium, our team contributed to panels and discussions that focused on the future of airspace management and traffic solutions in an evolving landscape of aviation.
As part of the ICAO AAM Symposium, a Call to Action was launched, urging stakeholders to collaborate on advancing AAM through key areas such as building scalable infrastructure, develop adaptive regulatory frameworks, and a deeper understand of this emerging field. This call highlights the important need for continued international cooperation to bring AAM from concept to reality.
The symposium showcased the growing importance of AAM not just within aviation, but also as a societal driver. Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Fostering Collaboration Across Sectors
The symposium highlighted the importance of uniting diverse stakeholders—industry leaders, regulators, innovators, and communities alike. This collaborative approach is essential to unlocking the full potential of AAM, which is quickly evolving into a critical element of the aviation landscape and impacting multiple sectors. - Technological Breakthroughs Meet Fundamental Rights
AAM’s rapid technological advancements were directly connected to fundamental human rights like mobility and accessibility. The potential for transformative innovations was likened to past technological revolutions, positioning AAM as a game-changer in how we move, communicate, and connect. - Advancing Global Goals for Sustainable Development
AAM’s role in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and improved connectivity aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By reducing environmental impacts and enhancing access to remote and underserved areas, AAM is contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable global economy. - Building Integrated and Future-Proof Systems
The evolution of airspace management systems to support AAM was a central focus. Ensuring that traffic management systems are safe, efficient, and scalable will be key to integrating new aviation technologies like RPAS and higher altitude operations into existing frameworks, preparing for future challenge.
CANSO’s Contributions to Key Panels
Michelle participated in the panel “Airspace Design, Operating Rules, and Service Providers” which explored the interdependencies among aviation building blocks such as airspace design and operating rules. Discussions centred around how these components could evolve to optimise safety and efficiency for both current and future airspace users.
Eduardo contributed to the panel on “Traffic Management, ATM, UTM, eTM, xTM.” The conversation focused on how future traffic management systems will integrate various types of aircraft, including remotely piloted aircraft and AAM vehicles, while ensuring safety and efficiency. The potential role of automation and flexible approaches to managing new and varied risk levels was a key topic.
Advanced Air Mobility Workshop at McGill University
On September 12, Nicki and Eduardo participated in the first Advanced Air Mobility Workshop hosted by the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law and DLA Piper. The workshop brought together professionals, academics, and leaders to discuss the critical challenges facing AAM. The event, designed to foster an open exchange of ideas, focused on ICAO’s AAM Study Group – Vision Working Group’s progress on a Global and Holistic Vision of the Advanced Air Mobility Ecosystem.
The workshop concluded with a clear message: collaboration between industry, academia, governments, and international organisations is essential for addressing the key aspects of AAM development. Academia must collaborate closely with industry to stay current with the latest advancements and innovations in the field. We are all part of shaping the future of this ecosystem.
ICAO AAM Study Group Vision Working Group Workshop
Eduardo, as Co-rapporteur of the ICAO AAM SG Vision Working Group, chaired the ICAO AAM Study Group (AAM SG) Vision Working Group Workshop at ICAO HQ on 13 September. The workshop continued the momentum built during the symposium, focusing on developing a shared, globally harmonised vision for the future of AAM.
CANSO’s contributions to all these discussions were largely inspired by the work of the CATS Global Council, which continues to lead the way in shaping the future of airspace management. The collaborative approach championed by the Global Council is crucial in developing a global pathway for AAM, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies and scalable solutions.
Looking Ahead: Airspace World 13-15 May, 2025
Discussions on AAM will continue at Airspace World from 13-15 May 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. This event will serve as a crucial platform for dialogue between regulators and the industry, fostering trust, safety, and innovation in a face-to-face environment. CANSO will organise several activities focused on the pathway to AAM and unlocking the potential of drones. Airspace World will play a key role in advancing the integration of AAM into global airspace, ensuring its scalability and safety.
Stay tuned as CANSO, ICAO and other key stakeholders continue to drive meaningful progress in the future of AAM!
