CANSO Leadership Summit 2025

To kick off Airspace World week, senior leaders from CANSO’s Member organisations are invited to the CANSO Leadership Summit 2025.

Our Summit will be held at the stunning and historic venue – Convento do Beato – from 13:00-18:00 on Monday 12 May.

This year, we are excited to invite the CEOs, Focal Points, (or their delegates) from our Member organisations to attend our Summit, as we continue to elevate the event as a key leadership gathering. 

The Summit will begin with a light Welcome Lunch at 13:00, with the full programme to be announced shortly. Stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, we are excited to share that two of our keynote speakers have been confirmed. 

  • David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer, American Airlines will share his insights on the critical transformations the aviation industry will undergo over the next two decades
  • Mohammad Taher, otherwise known as the Airport Guy and Aviation Ambassador for the UK, Department for Transport will provide powerful pointers on attracting new talent to build the future of ATM.

Our Programme

13:00 – 14:00Welcome Lunch
14:00-14:05Welcome and Opening

Speaker:
Simon Hocquard, Director General, CANSO
14:05 – 14:30Keynote Speech

Speaker:
David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer, American Airlines
14:30 – 14:50Fireside Chat

What are the Key Transformations that the Aviation Industry will undergo in the next 20 years

Participants:
Simon Hocquard
, Director General, CANSO
David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer, American Airlines
14:50-15:40Panel Discussion

Smart Skies: Optimising Airspace Through Advanced Digital Information and Automation
 
This panel will delve into how cutting-edge digital technologies, automation, and data-driven systems are transforming airspace management. Experts will discuss how leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and advanced automation can enhance operational efficiency, elevate safety standards, and drive sustainability in increasingly complex airspace environments.
 
Moderator:
Michelle Bishop, Director Programmes, CANSO
 
Panellists:
Mark Cooper, President & CEO, NAV CANADA
Maartje van der Helm, General Manager Performance & Development, LVNL
Justin Erbacci, Director General, ACI
Benjamin Binet, VP & Managing Director Navigation & Surveillance, Thales
Todd Citron, Chief Technology Officer, The Boeing Company
15:40-16:00Networking Break
16:00-16:50Panel Discussion

Unlocking the Potential of Higher Airspace

With growing demand for high-altitude operations (HAO), this session will explore how platforms like stratospheric balloons and solar-powered aircraft can revolutionise connectivity, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.
 
The session will open with brief presentations from Sceye and Stratospheric Platforms on their latest HAO activities. A panel discussion will follow, bringing together industry leaders and regulators to address key challenges in integrating HAO into existing airspace, focusing on regulatory frameworks, cross-border coordination, and the role of automation in ensuring safe, efficient operations.

Panellists:
Mikkel Vestergaard, CEO, Sceye, Inc
Richard Deakin, CEO, Stratospheric Platforms
Tim Arel, COO, FAA
Andy Thurling, Co-Chair of the HAPS Alliance Aviation Working Group, Vice President of Airspace Innovation at DroneUp 
16:50-17:15Keynote Speech

Attracting New Talent to Build the Future of ATM

Speaker:
Mohammad Taher, Aviation Ambassador – UK, Department for Transport, The Airport Guy

17:10-17:50Panel Discussion

Transforming Future Skies
 
This closing session will provide CANSO Leadership Members from around the world with an opportunity to reflect on the day’s key insights and identify transformative ideas that hold the greatest potential to enhance ATM performance in their regions.
 
The panel will also feature a brief exchange with keynote speaker Mohammad Taher, focusing on strategies to attract, recruit, and train the next generation of ATM professionals. Panellists will discuss how to ensure a sustainable workforce and leadership in an era of rapid technological and operational change.
 
Moderator:
Alex Bristol, Chief Executive Officer, Skyguide & Chair of CANSO
 
Panellists:
Rohan Garib, Executive Manager, Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority
Nozipho Mdawe, Chief Executive Officer, ATNS
Ahmed Al Jallaf, Assistant Director General, Air Navigation Services, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority
Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM)
Arndt Schoenemann, Chief Executive Officer, DFS
17:50-18:00Wrap up and close

Speaker:
Simon Hocquard, Director General, CANSO

The day will culminate in our exclusive Airspace World Opening Reception at 19:00, a glittering event offering all Airspace World attendees a great opportunity to network and unwind.

This page is for event information only. Invited participants will receive a separate invitation.

Tickets to the Airspace World Opening Drinks Reception can be purchased when you register for Airspace World 2025 here.

Event Details

12 May 2025 @ 13:00 to 18:00 CEST

Lisbon, Portugal

Convento Do Beato

CANSO

Terms and Conditions

Delegates

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Contact us

For all CANSO events information please contact:

CANSO Events
Tel: +31 (0)23 568 5390
Email: events@canso.org

Interested in sponsorship or exhibition space at this event?
Please contact:

Richard Hijnekamp
CANSO Finance and Associate Member Relations Director
Tel: +31 (0) 25 568 5391
Email: richard.hijnekamp@canso.org