Operations Standing Committee Summit 2025: Advancing Global ATM
OSC attendees at NASA Ames, uniting to drive ATM modernisation forward.
The OSC Summit took place from 28-30 January at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, uniting aviation experts, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to shape the future of air traffic management (ATM). Over three days, plenary discussions, workgroup breakout sessions, and a closing appreciation for workgroup co-chairs focused on enhancing airspace efficiency, digital transformation, and environmental sustainability.
The summit opened with remarks from Nicki Harricharan, Operations Programme Manager, Mike Hornby, OSC Chair, and Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, followed by a keynote address from David Korsmeyer, Deputy Centre Director, NASA Ames Research Centre. A highlight of day one was the presentation on the Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Dr. Eduardo Garcia, Senior Manager Future Skies at CANSO outlined its vision through 2045, emphasising the need for transformative changes in ATM.
During roundtable discussions, OSC and Safety Standing Committee participants emphasised the importance of aligning CANSO workgroup strategies with the forthcoming CATS CONOPS, set for release in March 2025. Anthony McKay, Vice President of Safety at Nav Canada and SSC Chair, reinforced the connection between safety and operations, stating, “Safety and Operations are two sides of the same coin; one cannot exist without the other.”
System-Wide Information Management (SWIM) and Flight & Flow Information for a Collaborative Environment (FF-ICE) were key discussion topics. Lucas Curns, FAA SWIM S3 Project Lead, outlined FF-ICE R1 implementation, emphasising the transition from Flight Plan 2012 (FPL 2012) to eFPL, SWIM-enabled data exchange, 4D trajectories, and the introduction of a Globally Unique Flight Identifier (GUFI). Some key takeaways included:
- Harmonisation efforts among FAA, Eurocontrol, and Nav Canada.
- Challenges in mixed-mode operations and regulatory alignment.
- The roadmap for phased CSS-FD implementation through 2033.
Panelists highlighted how Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO), and digital automation will modernise ATM, improving efficiency, predictability, and sustainability.
On day two, attendees participated in individual workgroup meetings where the discussed challenges and refined their 2025–2026 work programme.
On the final day each workgroup briefed on the outcome of their meetings. The OSC Chair and Vice Chair recognised the dedication and contributions of workgroup co-chairs, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing ATM modernization.
During the summit, Eugene Tunistra (To70) was welcomed as the new co-chair of the ATFM/A-CDM WG, succeeding his colleague Matt Shepherd (To70) upon his retirement. Additionally, the OSC Steering Group noted new members (not physically present) Christian Kern (Austrocontrol), Hamad Rashid Al Belushi (GCAA – UAE), Blake Cushnie (Nav Canada), and Howard Greaves (JCAA – Jamaica), whose expertise will be invaluable in guiding OSC initiatives forward.
A leadership transition was also announced for the OSC Chair. At Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon, we will honour Mike Hornby (NATS) as he concludes his three-and-a-half-year tenure, recognising his pivotal contributions to the programme’s success, and we extend our gratitude for his dedication. We also introduced Maartje van der Helm (LVNL) as the incoming OSC Chair, whose leadership will shape the programme’s next phase.
The OSC Summit was a valuable opportunity for programme members to collaborate on issues related to ATM modernisation through digital transformation, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Collaboration among OSC and SSC, ANSPs, industry partners, and regulatory bodies will be key to encouraging innovation and ensuring a safer, more efficient, and integrated global airspace. The Operations workgroups continue to drive industry advancements, ensuring alignment with CATS Vision 2045 and the future of global ATM modernisation.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X. We encourage all members to stay engaged in CANSO’s Operations Programme and contribute to our shared mission.