Press Release: Planning for space launches across shared airspace
Orlando, Florida, Tuesday 3 November 2026 – Aviation and space stakeholders meet in Orlando today for the start of a three-day workshop titled: “Space Operations 101: Operational Impact on Air Traffic Management (ATM) in the NAM/CAR/SAM Regions.” Hosted by JetBlue at its Orlando facilities, the three-day workshop is organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) Regional Office, in collaboration with CANSO, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation. It looks at how the growth in commercial space launches and re-entries is affecting air traffic management within this region and what is needed to keep the system safe and running smoothly.
Air navigation service providers (ANSPs), civil aviation authorities, airlines, space operators, International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (IFATCA) and other stakeholders are taking part.
“As launch and re-entry activity grows, its effects on air traffic management are felt across several flight information regions at once, so no single ANSP can manage them alone. This week puts the people who plan space operations in the same room as the people who manage the airspace around them, so we can agree on practical ways to share information and coordinate effectively,” said Nicki Harricharan, Operations Programme Manager, CANSO
“At ICAO, we believe establishing trust and strengthening collaboration between aviation and space stakeholders are essential. Workshops like Space Operations 101 bring us together for the important conversations needed to move toward the safe, seamless integration of space operations into our shared airspace,” commented Josue Gonzales, Regional Officer, Air Traffic Management and Search and Rescue.
“Space operations are becoming part of everyday traffic planning for many of our members. Air traffic flow management (ATFM) gives us the tools to plan around them, but only if the right information reaches the right people in time. We’re pleased to be working with ICAO and all the stakeholders involved during this workshop and to bring the ANSP perspective to the discussion,” added Javier Vanegas, Director, Latin America and Caribbean Affairs, CANSO
“Innovation will continue to redefine how we use our skies, but it must never redefine our commitment to safety. Safety is not negotiable. As aviation and space operations become increasingly interconnected, collaboration is no longer optional; it is essential. At JetBlue, we are proud to help bring the industry together to turn shared challenges into coordinated solutions,” noted Tania Helena, Senior Program Manager, International Operations JetBlue.
The effects of a launch or re-entry reach well beyond the launch site, impacting flight information region (FIR) capacity, airspace availability, regional traffic flows and airline operations. Ensuring the safe and efficient integration of these activities into shared airspace requires timely information sharing, situational awareness, collaborative planning and effective coordination across FIR and national boundaries.
Over the first two days, participants will engage in technical sessions, expert-led discussions and case studies exploring launch and re-entry operations, ATFM coordination, cross-FIR communication, risk mitigation, contingency planning, emerging technologies and international coordination. Discussions will also focus on strengthening future collaboration, harmonising operational practices and terminology, and developing practical recommendations to support the safe, orderly and efficient integration of space transport operations into international airspace. The aim is to translate shared experiences and lessons learned into actionable approaches that enhance coordination, improve predictability and support integrated airspace operations.
On the third day, participants will travel to Cape Canaveral for an exclusive operational site visit hosted by SpaceX. The visit will offer a firsthand look at SpaceX facilities and launch operations, providing an understanding of the operational environment of space operators and the considerations involved in integrating space activities into shared airspace.
