Countdown for ICAO’s 42nd Assembly: CANSO’s Vision for the Future of ATM

The final countdown is on for the 42nd ICAO Assembly (Montreal, Canada 23 September – 3 October) which will bring together States, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem. With over 2,200 participants already registered, this Assembly promises to be one of the most significant gatherings in recent years.

Key Themes on the Agenda

This Assembly will address a broad range of critical issues. Presentations and discussions will focus on ensuring the safety and resilience of the global air transport system, advancing sustainability, addressing cybersecurity risks including GNSS interference, and supporting the digital transformation of aviation. For CANSO and our Members, these themes align directly with our priorities: Building a future-ready, sustainable, and collaborative air traffic management (ATM) system.

CANSO’s Contributions to the Assembly

CANSO will be actively engaged throughout the Assembly, with our leadership and Members participating in the various commissions, side events, and bilateral meetings. We are proud to be presenting and co-sponsoring several Working Papers that reflect our priorities and our vision for the future of ATM.

Among our interventions, one stands out as a milestone achievement:

CANSO, together with our partners, will be presenting Working Paper 341 on the Complete Air Traffic System Concept of Operations – the CATS CONOPS. Developed with input from over 80 organisations, the CATS CONOPS lays out both a practical, and visionary pathway, for transforming ATM towards a safe, seamless, and scalable future. This collaborative effort demonstrates the strength industry partnerships and a shared determination can achieve, in enabling aviation to continue evolving in step with the demands of a changing world. The paper asks ICAO to consider the CATS CONOPS in the updating of the Global Air Navigation Plan and the Global ATM Operational Concept.

Looking Ahead

The ICAO Assembly is not only the forum for States to make key policy decisions; it is also a unique opportunity for the global aviation community to align on a common vision. CANSO’s contributions underscore our commitment to collaborate, innovate, and lead in shaping the future of air traffic management.

We look forward to engaging with States, international organisations, and industry partners over the two weeks of the Assembly, to advance these discussions and ensure that the future of ATM is built on a foundation of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.