Inaugural CANSO Academia & Research Members Meeting: A Collaborative Milestone for Future Skies

On 10 July, the inaugural CANSO Academia & Research Members Meeting was held, marking a significant step forward in enhancing collaboration between academia and the Air Traffic Management (ATM) industry. This meeting was designed to introduce CANSO’s initiatives and explore potential areas of collaboration with our esteemed academic partners.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration

The primary objectives of the meeting were to provide a comprehensive introduction to CANSO and present the benefits and criteria of CANSO Academia membership. We also introduced the Future Skies Academic Research (FUSAR) Network, a platform aimed at facilitating unbiased, independent research and training on aviation-related topics for CANSO Members and workgroups.

The meeting was hosted by CANSO representatives Michelle Bishop, Director Programmes, and Eduardo Garcia, Senior Manager Future Skies. The event included participation from the first three CANSO Academia & Research Members:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU, US)
• Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC, France)
• Hong Kong International Aviation Academy Limited (HKIAA, China)

We also invited several universities that have expressed interest in joining CANSO:

• Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC)
• Cranfield University (United Kingdom)
• Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO, India)

We were thrilled to welcome representatives from these prestigious institutions and potential members who have shown interest in joining CANSO.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

The session began with an introduction to CANSO, highlighting our mission, the scope of our work, and the structure of our global groups. We emphasised our commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment in the aviation industry.

We discussed the benefits of CANSO Academia membership, including eligibility criteria, the annual fee, and the advantages of joining the FUSAR Network. The membership offers numerous opportunities for academic institutions to engage with industry stakeholders, participate in research projects, and contribute to the advancement of global air traffic management.

We introduced the CANSO Future Skies Academic Research (FUSAR) Network as a key platform to promote collaborative research and training. This network aims to align with the Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) Global Council Vision, ICAO, and regional programmes such as SESAR and NextGen.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing potential areas of collaboration. We identified the need for an initial study to review current airspace classifications and their harmonised implementation worldwide. This study will include a global survey to identify areas of improvement and propose actions to address existing challenges across different regions. Other areas of collaboration include exploring the potential safety benefits of employing large language models (LLMs) for Predictive Risk Management in Air Navigation Services (ANS) and conducting specific research on topics such as High Airspace Operations (HAO) and the pathway to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

A Collaborative and Innovative Atmosphere

The meeting fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, with participants actively engaging in discussions about the future of airspace management. The collaborative atmosphere was palpable, underscoring the importance of academic-industry partnerships in driving innovation and advancing ATM performance.

Michelle Bishop, Director Programmes, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration with academia will pave the way for significant advancements in air traffic management and contribute to the overall growth of the aviation industry.”

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

The CANSO Academia & Research Members Meeting marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth. We look forward to welcoming more academic institutions into our community and working together to achieve our shared goals.

For more information about the CANSO Academia and Research Membership, please visit our website and get in contact with us at eduardo.garcia@canso.org. Thank you for being a part of this exciting initiative. Let’s shape the future of airspace management together!