Airspace, Insights and Action: Why this conference felt different

Earlier this month was my first time attending Airspace World, held this year in Lisbon and while I’ve been to my fair share of aviation conferences over the years, this one stood out in a few meaningful ways.

As expected, many of the themes were familiar: the urgency of achieving net zero, the critical role of innovation, and perhaps most importantly, the shared belief that collaboration is no longer optional, it is essential. Time and again, I heard what I’ve been hearing for years, that we can’t transform aviation’s future alone, but what struck me was how that message was sharpened by the specific lens of airspace.

Airspace World stands out. Unlike many aviation conferences where Air Traffic Management plays a supporting role, here it’s centre stage, exactly where it should be. If we’re serious about decarbonising aviation, boosting efficiency, and rethinking how we operate, this is where the conversation needs to happen. Compared to broader aviation events, there were fewer aircraft manufacturers and airlines perhaps, but in their place: deeper dives into data, smarter systems, and the operational decisions that will define the future of flight.

I was honoured to chair a panel with CANSO DG, Simon Hocquard, CAAM CEO, Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud and our own CEO, Martin Rolfe.

A highlight for me was chairing the panel to discuss GAIN (Green Aviation Insights) with panellists, CEO of NATS, CEO of CAAM and the DG of CANSO. We explored how GAIN will help ANSPs and ATCOs use real-world data to inform decisions and cut emissions, by influencing behaviours and shifting culture from assumption to evidence-based action. We also discussed the connection between GAIN and the CANSO Green ATM framework, with GAIN offering the practical lens to complement strategic goals. It’s not about audits or blame, but about insight and continuous improvement. It was inspiring to hear from panellists their views on how collaborating with consistent data and visualisation tools can lead meaningful change, whether in sequencing, addressing hot spots, descent profiles, or even airspace design.

I was particularly proud to see GAIN recognised at the event, winning the runner-up prize for Collaboration and Community at the Air Traffic Management 2024 Awards. The award reflects the international spirit that GAIN is built on, with Founding Members: NATS, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, skeyes, and Azeraeronavigation (AZANS). Together, we’re enabling ANSPs to work globally to reduce emissions.

It was clear throughout the conference that collaboration, trust, and transparency are essential if we are to accelerate progress. As Chair of the GAIN Steering Group, I’m excited about what’s ahead as we continue to collaborate together and we are now inviting more organisations to sign up in preparation for joining us as members next year.

Airspace World left me hopeful, not because the challenges are smaller, but because of the people. Their willingness to listen, challenge and collaborate is what gives me confidence. Because, as I’ve often said before, creativity and innovation don’t belong to a select few. They come from diverse teams, different perspectives, and unexpected conversations. That’s the real power of events like this, not just the ideas, but the people behind them.