Operations
The CANSO Operations Programme brings operational, industrial, technical and regulatory expertise and knowledge to ATM operational matters. It provides leadership to assist Members implementing ATM improvements and identifies future technologies and procedures that will help transform global ATM performance. It serves as an important forum for ANSPs and industry suppliers to: exchange information on operational and technical ATM best practices, and establish common positions on operational and technical issues.
The work of the Operations Programme helps support the implementation of operational procedures and technologies in the ATM environment, and assists with addressing challenges such as the integration of emerging and future airspace users, sustainable aviation, and improving airspace efficiency and capacity.
CANSO Operations Programme – New Vision and Structure for 2026
The CANSO Operations Programme is entering a new phase, guided by a renewed vision: shaping the future of global air traffic operations by connecting innovation with execution, delivering practical, interoperable solutions that empower ANSPs to lead in digital transformation, ATFM readiness, environmental responsibility, and the seamless integration of emerging domains including space and AAM. Collaborating toward seamless, sustainable, and future skies.
To achieve this, the operational structure has been refreshed for 2026, aligning workgroups and task forces with the CATS CONOPS 2026–2028 Work Programme. Each group has clear deliverables designed to ensure innovation translates into operational impact.
Summary of changes
| Workgroup | Task |
|---|---|
| Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Integration Workgroup | The Advanced Air Mobility Integration Workgroup advances readiness for regional and global AAM integration by supporting the development of standards and policies and promoting best practices for the safe incorporation of emerging aviation systems. Deliverables include AAM integration guidance material. |
| Space Operations Workgroup | The Space Operations Workgroup shapes collaborative approaches to space transportation operations, including space launch and re-entry. This group will deliver educational webinars and regional workshops, beginning with the LAC Conference in October 2025. |
| SWIM & FF-ICE Implementation Workgroup | The SWIM & FF-ICE Implementation Workgroup enables digital transformation through practical, interoperable solutions. Building on the launch of the SWIM Kit Toolbox and webinar, this workgroup’s expertise will be incorporated into the TBO Readiness Task Force and host regional workshops. |
| Digital Towers Task Force | The Digital Towers Task Force updates and expands existing guidance to address lifecycle management and contingency planning, ensuring digital towers remain resilient and adaptable. |
| Operational Technology Workgroup | The Operational Technology Workgroup catalogues and promotes automation and decision-support tools and producing new guidance on Operational Technologies in ATM: Enablers for CATS and Beyond. |
| Airspace Optimisation (AO) Workgroup (AOWG) | The Airspace Optimisation Workgroup (AOWG) continues to advance the safe and efficient use of airspace through PBN, FRA, and FUA, with updated global guidance developed in collaboration with the ENVWG under Pathways to Seamless Airspace. Its work will feed directly into the TBO Readiness Task Force. |
| Environment (ENV) Workgroup (ENVWG) | The Environment Workgroup (ENVWG) supports ANSPs in reducing emissions and noise impacts by promoting metrics, case studies, and best practices for environmentally responsible operations. The group will continue to strengthen aviation’s contribution to climate action. |
| TBO Readiness Task Force | The TBO Readiness Task Force brings together expertise from SWIM and FF-ICE Implementation workgroup, AOWG, CNSWG, and ATFM/A-CDM to deliver educational webinars and a TBO Roadmap paper, helping ANSPs prepare for the transition to trajectory-based operations. |
| ATFM/A-CDM Workgroup | The ATFM/A-CDM Workgroup supports the global development of interoperable ATFM and A-CDM solutions by starting work on an ATFM levels document based off of ICAO document, and continuing work on the A-CDM framework in partnership with ACI and IATA. Its expertise will also contribute directly with the TBO Readiness Task Force. |
| COMPASS Workgroup | The COMPASS Workgroup implements the new CANSO Operational Messaging Platform for ATFM Sharing & Synchronization. Provided by Metron Aviation at no cost, this trusted platform will replace fragmented information exchange with a global, automated system that strengthens regional cooperation, resilience, and operational efficiency. |
| Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) Workgroup (CNSWG) | The Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance Workgroup (CNSWG) assists ANSPs in implementing performance-based CNS systems and supporting region-specific initiatives. Its expertise will also contribute directly to the TBO Readiness Task Force. |
Outlook
This integrated structure ensures that every deliverable is anchored to a dedicated workgroup or task force, driving accountability and focus. Together, these efforts will help accelerate digital transformation, strengthen resilience, foster environmental responsibility, and integrate emerging domains. Through this renewed structure and vision, the Operations Programme will continue to lead global ATM innovation, delivering on the promise of seamless, sustainable, and future-ready skies.