Shaping the Skies of 2045: From Vision to Implementation
Aviation is entering a new era, one defined by increasing complexity, rapid technological change, and the need for seamless global integration.
CANSO’s vision for the skies of 2045 is no longer just conceptual. It is now being translated into a practical, globally aligned pathway for transformation.
At the heart of this evolution is the Complete Air Traffic System (CATS), a bold reimagining of how airspace is managed, integrating all airspace users into a safe, efficient, and fully interoperable global system.
From Vision to Reality: Introducing the CATS CONOPS
CANSO has now published the Complete Air Traffic System Concept of Operations (CATS CONOPS)—a key milestone in turning ambition into action.
The CONOPS provides a comprehensive blueprint for the transformation of air traffic management (ATM), outlining how aviation will evolve towards a:
- Seamless global system, integrating all airspace users
- Data-driven and digital environment, enabling real-time decision-making
- Trajectory-based and service-oriented architecture, supporting flexible and efficient operations
- Scalable and interoperable framework, adaptable to all regions and levels of maturity
A System-Wide Transformation
CATS goes beyond traditional ATM evolution. It represents a system-level transformation of the entire aviation ecosystem.
By 2045, airspace will no longer be managed in silos, but as a fully connected network, where:
- Air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airlines, airports, and new entrants operate within a shared information environment
- Decisions are collaborative, data-driven, and globally coordinated
- Operations are increasingly automated, predictive, and resilient
- All airspace users, from commercial aviation to drones and space operations, are safely integrated
Global Alignment and Implementation
The transformation outlined in CATS is not happening in isolation.
CANSO is working closely with:
- ICAO, to align the vision with the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and its Minimum Implementation Path (MIP)
- Regional stakeholders, to ensure practical and scalable implementation across different operational environments
- Industry partners, to accelerate digitalisation, automation, and interoperability
This ensures that CATS is not just a vision but a globally coordinated framework for implementation.
Enabling the Future: Key Foundations
The future airspace system will be built on a set of core capabilities:
- Digital information sharing and system-wide data exchange
- Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO)
- Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Advanced automation and decision-support tools
- Integrated airspace management across all users and domains
These foundations will enable a system that is more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.
A Call to Action
Achieving the skies of 2045 requires collective effort.
CANSO invites all aviation stakeholders to:
- Engage with the CATS CONOPS
- Align national and regional strategies with global developments
- Participate in collaborative initiatives and implementation activities
- Contribute to shaping a connected, interoperable global airspace system
For more information, or to get involved in CANSO Future Skies activities, please contact: futureskies@canso.org
The Future is Global
The future of aviation is not defined by regions or boundaries, it is inherently global.
CATS provides the framework to ensure that this future is:
- Safe
- Seamless
- Sustainable
- Inclusive of all airspace users
The journey to 2045 has begun and the focus has now shifted from vision to delivery.
About the CATS Global Council
The CATS Global Council is an independent innovation forum, initiated by CANSO, to facilitate greater collaboration among leaders across the aviation and aerospace industries: ANSPs, UTM service providers, aircraft manufacturers, drone operators and manufacturers, high-tech companies, airlines, airports, regulatory authorities, space agencies and research bodies.
