CAE has long been a global leader in aviation training in multiple sectors but has an increasing focus on the need for air traffic controllers.

In April 2024, for example, CAE partnered with NAV CANADA to train air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. An upgraded CAE campus in Montreal welcomed its first students just six months later and the company has already successfully trained seven cohorts of air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. These students have now transferred to NAV CANADA to complete specialty and on the job training.

Similarly, CAE is investing in innovative training techniques as new technologies and younger talent emerge from the pipeline.

At Airspace World 2025, it is showcasing an eye tracking technology for air traffic controller recruits. The technology is proven for pilot training but has been adapted for air traffic controller training to better understand how trainees scan, process and respond to dynamic radar environments.

Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President - Strategy, Performance & Marketing at CAE and Head of CAE’s new Air Traffic Services division, says that training must keep up with the accelerated modernisation efforts of air navigation service providers (ANSP), such as Trajectory Based Operations (TBO).

“We need to prepare the next generation of air traffic personnel and ensure ANSPs are future ready with high-quality training programmes and adequate training capacity,” she says. “CAE’s turnkey expertise in competency-based training design, advanced instructional delivery and data-driven technologies can support ANSPs in this transformation.”

The interactive demonstration of the eye-tracking technology puts users in a realistic, real-time operational environment where eye tracking analytics can assess trainee focus, scanning behaviour and response prioritisation under pressure.

The technology goes beyond observation and gives instructors measurable feedback to support students’ personalised learning pathways and allow them to build stronger operational habits from day one.

Try your skills in the eye-tracking demonstration at the CAE stand, H2670.

• The Commission for the Implementation of the Brazilian Airspace Control System (CISCEA), an entity of the Brazilian Air Force Airspace Control Department (DECEA), awards a modernization contract for 9 Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars to Omnisys, a Thales company.
• The recent deployment of a co-mounted Primary TRAC NG and Secondary RSM NG radar, at Presidente Prudente airport (São Paulo), marks the 133^rd milestone of installed Thales ATC (Air Traffic Control) radars in Brazil, contributing to more than 80% of the country’s airspace security and safety.
• Renowned for outstanding reliability, unmatched performance and the latest in digital innovations, Thales Primary and Secondary radars, play a vital role in air surveillance, maintaining constant awareness of aircraft position at all times.

Thales announces the signature of a modernization contract for nine air traffic control radar systems awarded to Omnisys, a Thales company in Brazil and Strategic Defence Company (EED), as well as the delivery of a new radar station at Presidente Prudente (São Paulo State) which represents the milestone of 133 Thales air traffic control radars operating within Brazilian airspace.

The modernization of these nine radars includes upgrades with advanced technology capable of 3D detection of both low- and high-speed targets. It also features integration between Mode S¹ and the ADS-B system, enabling greater precision in identifying cooperative and non-cooperative aircrafts. The update includes electronic protection features to ensure effective operation, even in the presence of electromagnetic interference, guaranteeing continuous and reliable surveillance.

Certified by the Brazilian Ministry of Defence, as a Strategic Defence Product (PED) and manufactured at Omnisys headquarters near São Paulo, the new co-mounted Primary TRAC NG and Secondary RSM NG Surveillance Radar is installed at Presidente Prudente airport (São Paulo), and provisioned for future IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) implementation. The launch of this radar station is part of the broader strategy to keep Brazilian skies increasingly secure.

The radar station will expand air traffic surveillance capabilities, significantly improving safety and operational efficiency at Presidente Prudente Airport — the third busiest airport in the interior of the state of São Paulo.

“This initiative represents a strategic step in renewing Brazil’s radar network, ensuring greater operational reliability and alignment with current air traffic control demands,” says Air Lieutenant Brigadier Maurício Augusto Silveira de Medeiros, General Director of DECEA. “DECEA is proud of the significant operational advancements and efficiency level achieved at the Brazilian airspace control system, recognized as a worldwide reference. Thales, thanks to its cutting-edge solutions and commitment to localization, is a major partner of the Brazilian Air Force. We highly value this partnership and look forward to continued collaboration to further enhance our capabilities.”

“With 133 radars for Air Traffic Control and Management produced and delivered in Brazil, Thales confirms its commitment to deliver the best in technology, contributing to the security of Brazilian airspace. Local production not only reinforces, but also highlights our dedication to innovate in order to meet the specific needs of our customers. The modernization contract is key to maintaining the installed base of radars at the highest level of technology, as well as ensuring high operational reliability. We are committed to developing technology that addresses both current and future challenges of national airspace and security", adds Eric HUBER, Vice President Surface Radars, Thales.

NAV Portugal has guided in all the attendees at Airspace World not only to Lisbon but also to their stand in Hall 2, H2800.

It’s the first time the company has exhibited for many years, but the enriching experience has brought about extensive networking opportunities. The company reports that new suppliers have contacted them as have other air navigation service providers (ANSP) in search of best practice. In Portugal, for example, air traffic and airports were under one company until they were separated in 1999. Other ANSPs going through a similar transformation have sought out the lessons learned.

NAV Portugal has also been displaying its solutions to some of the challenges it faces daily, again showcasing its innovative and collaborative approach. At Lisbon, traffic is growing at about 7-8% per year and there are some 40 movements per hour constantly throughout the day. To mitigate possible problems, it has implemented a new arrival sequencing resulting in a 30% reduction in delays.

Looking further ahead, NAV Portugal – a member of the COOPANS Alliance – is also working with fellow alliance members and Thales on new air traffic control technology.

NAV Portugal also deals with one of the most notorious landings in the aviation world at Madeira. The island’s position means it is subject to several climate systems and winds are a constant challenge. To combat this, NAV Portugal is exploring how accurate real-time wind readings can be passed on to pilots to improve safety and capacity. The aim is to reevaluate wind limitations, which were imposed on the airport by the regulator some 40 years ago.

NAV Portugal is also working on improvements in the Azores, notably runway incursion alerts.

• Frequentis delivers cloud-based UTM system supporting safe integration of drones into
  Lithuania’s low-level airspace
• The award highlights collaborative innovation improving coordination between
  traditional aviation and emerging drone services

Frequentis and Oro Navigacija have been awarded the ATM Award for Innovation to Enable Sustainable Future Skies for the delivery and implementation of an Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of Lithuania’s low-level airspace. Oro Navigacija, Lithuania’s certified air navigation service provider (ANSP), implemented the solution with Frequentis to support safe drone operations while ensuring the continued safety of crewed aviation. The system forms part of Lithuania’s wider approach to managing increasing drone traffic and aligns with European regulatory standards.

This cloud-based UTM solution, accessible via a webpage and dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS, provides real-time drone flight information, secure data exchange, flight plan submissions, and take-off clearance applications. Drone operators are automatically notified if crewed aircraft are nearby, and both types of traffic are visualised within the system. The solution integrates with existing ATM infrastructure and complies with EASA U-space regulations.

“This project demonstrates the value of close collaboration and practical innovation in supporting safe, integrated airspace operations,” says Thomas Pilsl, Frequentis Vice President New Market Solutions. “We are pleased to see this work recognised on the global stage.”

Frequentis and Oro Navigacija worked together from system design through to full operational deployment, including planning, joint workshops, testing, and training for air traffic controllers and drone operators. The result is a fully integrated system tailored to national requirements.

“This has been a significant and collaborative effort, from concept through to delivery,” says Saulius Batavičius, CEO Oro Navigacija. “The system supports both our operational responsibilities and our long-term goal of safely integrating new airspace users. We are proud to see this recognised with an international award and to have successfully achieved certification as Lithuania’s Single Common Information Service Provider for UTM.”

With new user interfaces, smart weather algorithms, and other updates, Vaisala continues its 50-year legacy of transforming aviation weather

Vaisala today launched AviMet 10, the latest enhancement to its aviation weather management system, at Airspace World. As the company celebrates 50 years of delivering trusted weather intelligence to airports and aviation professionals worldwide, this latest evolution delivers hardware and software enhancements designed to give air traffic controllers, aviation weather observers and forecasters, and airport operators unmatched situational awareness in all weather conditions.

“This system improvement honors our 50-year legacy in aviation by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in airport weather systems,” said Panu Partanen, Vice President, Aviation & Meteorology at Vaisala. “With these latest AviMet upgrades, we’re equipping airport decision-makers with the tools to see weather with more clarity, collaborate more effectively, and keep operations moving safely — even in complex conditions.”

A scalable, highly configurable aviation weather management solution suitable for any airport, any geography, and any climate, AviMet seamlessly integrates best-in-class sensors and stations, observation systems, communication equipment, and solution software to monitor and report real-time weather conditions to support better decision-making, which is critical to safe and efficient flight operations.

The AviMet 10 software update includes the following advancements to expand the system’s capabilities:

•   Modern, browser-based user interfaces for weather observations and reporting. This unified UI allows for seamless integration of automatic and manual process and ensures timely service and support.

•   New severity indicator for weather events included in the observation UI to enhance situational awareness.

•   Drag-and-drop customizable UI layouts to fit the evolving needs of any airport or stakeholder with no need to code.

•   Improved user experience tailored for each operator role.

Modern interfaces ensure ATC teams, meteorologists, and airport operations staff can access the information they need — clearly presented, always up to date, and fully aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization regulations.

Building on its legacy of scientific accuracy and reliability, AviMet 10’s multisensor weather algorithms combine data from multiple instruments for higher-quality reporting:

•   Present weather: Integrates data from multiple automated weather observing system sensors for improved results.

•   Sky condition/cloud coverage: Leverages multiple ceilometers for richer cloud coverage data and built-in sensor backup.

•   Prevailing visibility: AviMet fuses inputs from all available visibility sensors for enhanced reporting accuracy.

•   Windshear: The AviMet Windshear Alert System merges data from weather radar, scanning wind lidar, and anemometer based low-level wind shear alert system (LLWAS) for timely detection of hazardous conditions.

As Vaisala marks its 50th year serving the aviation industry, the AviMet 10 enhancements reflect decades of experience and innovation in delivering over 2,500 aviation systems worldwide, serving customers in more than 170 countries annually. From pioneering field sensors to now leading in data-driven weather intelligence, learn how Vaisala sets the standard in aviation weather systems at vaisala.com/aviation.

A CANSO media briefing discussed the future of the air traffic management (ATM) industry.

A major element is the Airspace World event, with the 2025 Lisbon version confirmed as record-breaking with some 7,000 attendees and 220 exhibitors. “The content in this event drives the industry forward,” said Simon Hocquard, CANSO’s Director General. “I’m learning something new every day.”

Alongside the global edition, CANSO has announced Airspace World Asia Pacific in December 2025 in Hong Kong and Airspace World Abu Dhabi in October 2026. To further bolster its representation in the Middle East, CANSO will also open a new Middle East office in Riyadh.

“We are the global voice, and we need to be globally represented,” said Hocquard.

With that in mind, he noted CANSO’s intent to move its headquarters to Montreal, Canada – the home of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other industry associations. This will enable CANSO to better influence the key decisions that will be made in the coming years.

Such efforts are necessary as the pace of change in the industry is accelerating and the next two decades will see a massive transformation. Travellers are clearly showing a demand for air connectivity and every national economy has a reliance on air transport. In the next two decades, traffic will double.

The airspace and air traffic services of today will not be able to accommodate such demand, which is why CANSO’s Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) is so vital. The CATS Global Council brings together everybody with an interest in the future of airspace management to deliver safe, seamless, scalable and sustainable skies by 2045.

CATS will deliver foundational transformation and performance breakthroughs. In terms of foundational transformation, the key principle is interoperability. This is about data sharing, cloud-based and open architecture, and a shift to True North. Performance breakthroughs will come from trajectory-based operations, automation, enhanced airspace management and intelligent separation.

CATS has already produced a concept of operations (CONOPs) to guide the industry forward. This strategic roadmap is a call to action and an open invitation to collaborate.

To demonstrate the importance of collaboration, Hocquard shared the stage with, among others, Rob Weaver from Eve Air Mobility, who agreed that ATM must evolve to allow new entrants to deliver on their promises of a more connected world. Eve Air Mobility is building an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that will be ready for entry into service in 2027. There are already some 30 customers for the product. He noted that the CATS CONOPS is essential to their business as it provides “confidence in the future of ATM”.

The session concluded with an intense panel discussion on all aspects of future skies, from cost through to workforce issues. Although the price of transformation through to 2045 is as yet unknown, the point is that the result will be a fit-for-purpose, more efficient, cost-effective airspace. The need to engage with young talent was also highlighted with CANSO’s Tomorrow’s Voices having a big role to play.

Here's a quick recap of all things SESAR at Airspace world so far.

#SESARdelivers benefits from innovation to deployment 

Mariagrazia La Piscopia, SESAR Deployment Manager Executive Director, and Andreas Boschen, SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking Executive Director, team up to showcase how SESAR solutions are delivered into operational benefits serving the passengers, the aviation industry, and the environment. 

From research to implementation, together we continue to make Europe the most efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in the world. 

SESAR VIP Walking Tours 

An exclusive and dynamic itinerary through SESAR’s research, development, and deployment activities was attended by high-level representatives such as heads of DGACs, Europe For Aviation Partners, and European Commission officials.  

Deployment projects EXOPAN (Brussel Airport) and FF-ICE (ROMATSA) showcase the tangible benefits of SESAR solutions, demonstrating its real-world impact and contributing to European priorities like the EU Green Deal, digitalisation agenda, and aviation resilience.  

At Airspace World in Lisbon, AirNav Indonesia and DFS Aviation Services GmbH (DAS) signed an agreement to innovate and further reinforce air navigation service provision. This
collaboration was initiated following an exchange at the Singapore Airshow and a joint workshop at DFS Group headquarters in Langen, which focused on the strategic development
of services. The agreement was signed by President Director Avirianto Suratno and Andreas Poetzsch, Managing Director of DFS Aviation Services. The partnership was initiated and developed by Arika Mike Wijayanti, Vice President of Services Strategy of AirNav Indonesia, and Dr Hans de Jong, Regional Manager Asia Pacific at DAS.

Despite differing geographical conditions and stages of air traffic development, the companies discovered a remarkable match in their mutual areas of expertise and objectives, inspiring
each other with the modernisations already pursuing.

Under this agreement, the organizations will collaborate on various initiatives, including the development of remote digital towers, utilizing digital twin technology to anticipate traffic
patterns and improve decision-making, advancing predictive safety management, and supporting the professional development of controllers and leadership. Additionally, they will
pursue measures to enhance the resilience and robustness of their service offerings.

“This partnership is a great example of how international cooperation can drive meaningful innovation,” said Andreas Poetzsch, Managing Director at DAS. “By combining our expertise
and sharing our forward-looking approaches, we can jointly develop solutions that make air navigation services more resilient and more efficient.”

Company showcases the future of ATM with critical systems and AAM solutions

In booth H1180, Atech will highlight the ATM products, a set of airspace management and control solutions. Among the novelties, the company will present its latest success case: the Single Air Traffic Management Platform (SingleATM Platform), and the IFPPMS (Integrated Flight Plan and Flow Management System), which has been in full operation since 2024. Both systems were developed in partnership with DECEA (Airspace Control Department), the Brazilian ANSP.

SingleATM Platform

The SingleATM Platform is an HW and SW structure to host critical ATM systems based on services and open architecture, sustained by five pillars: capacity, efficiency, operational environment, operational security, and software security. This platform aims to reduce expansion, integration, and maintenance costs and increase interoperability among ATM systems. It will also increase ATM systems' cybersecurity level, adhering to international standards. This SingleATM Platform can be hosted on on-premises hardware or a private or public cloud.

The red rectangle represents the SingleATM platform, which will host the services/microservices for different ATM systems (blue and green rectangles).

IFPPMS (Integrated Flight Plan and Flow Management System)

As part of this challenge, ANSPs needed to provide commercial airlines and general aviation with an easy, technological way of planning and filling out their flight plans. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that this flight plan follows the ICAO and national regulations, passes all the instances of flight plan approval, and is viable regarding the ATFM daily operations. Finally, ANSPs needed to provide all stakeholders involved in aviation with the same situational awareness about their flight plan status.

To accomplish with this challenge, Atech developed the IFPFMS (Integrated Flight Plan and Flow Management System), which is in fully operation since 2024, increasing the efficiency in flight plan processing and flow management process for the entire Brazilian airspace.

Advanced Air Mobility

Among the solutions on display will be the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) for managing Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) operations, developed in partnership with Eve Air Mobility – a subsidiary of Embraer.

Always seeking innovation and committed to building a safer, more sustainable, and efficient ecosystem, Atech recently led the first drone delivery for Correios (Brazilian post office), in Curitiba, Paraná. This milestone further demonstrates the growing reality of unmanned vehicles becoming part of daily urban life, revolutionizing both mobility and goods delivery.

Altitude Angel, a global leader in unified traffic management (UTM) and NexG CSA, part of the NexG Group, have chosen the second day of the Airspace World expo in Lisbon to announce a strategic commercial partnership which will revolutionise the way the sky is managed across Malaysia for a new generation of airspace users. 

The combination of Altitude Angel’s GuardianUTM suite of technologies and NexG CSA’s ‘in-country’ expertise will enable the creation of competitive and innovative services aligned with the strategic goals of the Malaysian Drone Technology Action Plan 2022-2030 (MDTAP30), which will allow Malaysia to use and benefit from the array of use cases drone operations can bring.

The GuardianUTM platform will provide real-time situational awareness and data visibility, improving operational efficiency and safety across designated UAS airspace. Through live monitoring capabilities, key stakeholders will have direct insights into UAS activities, helping to maintain public safety while developing and growing the drone ecosystem as part of a new regulated environment for UAS operations.

As the partnership develops, new opportunities will be explored such as the introduction of Altitude Angel’s transformative ARROW technology to the Malaysian peninsula, which when fused with its GuardianUTM platform, detects and identifies all airspace users, enabling drones to fly BVLOS and share the airspace with crewed aviation safely and securely.

On the strategic partnership, Richard Parker, Altitude Angel, CEO and founder said: “Supporting the development of new airspace users across Malaysia and Southern Asia is one of our strategic priorities. This partnership with NexG CSA is a milestone in the development of Malaysia’s airspace, bringing together the technology, innovation, and local expertise which will provide the foundation for a new and exciting drone economy.”

On behalf of NexG CSA, its CEO Dato’ Syahril Abdullah, commented, “We are pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with Altitude Angel, a global leader in unified traffic management solutions. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in supporting the growth of drone-related services and capabilities, aligned with our broader national ambitions. By integrating advanced UTM technologies, we aim to enhance airspace safety, improve operational visibility, and support the safe and scalable integration of drone operations. As the partnership evolves, we look forward to exploring new opportunities that will further strengthen the ecosystem and unlock the full potential of drone technology in Malaysia."