2026 Agenda

Two key factors are motivating ANSPs to automate their operational processes: on the one hand, air traffic management is a highly complex and demanding job with inherent safety risks that can endanger human life, while on the other hand, high barriers to entry, a limited talent pool and high staffing costs make hiring more air traffic controllers a challenge.

Several AI-enabled applications allowing controllers to focus on complex tasks rather than routine activities are set to launch over the next few years. Initial implementations will assist human operators in decision-making and action selection. More advanced rollouts will foster closer human-AI collaboration through team approaches or even advanced automation modes, where AI will take the lead in decision-making

In this panel discussion, industry experts explore how future AI technologies will increase efficiency and resilience in airspace operations.
• DLR German Aerospace Center – Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dirk Kuegler, Director: How research demonstrates the potential of AI-enabled technologies to transform the future role of the air traffic controller (ATCO)
• An air navigation service provider perspective: How AI-based ATCO assistance can improve the operational efficiency of air traffic control operations and services
• CANSO – Eduardo García, PhD, Senior Manager Future Skies: How digital information sharing, advanced automation and AI technologies are optimizing airspace capacity, safety and sustainability
• Rohde & Schwarz – Marius Muenstermann, Vice President ATC: How novel AI applications will address air traffic efficiency and safety
• Global Airspace Radar – Claudia Bacco, Editor-in-Chief: Moderation