Future Skies: TOMORROW’S VOICES

CANSO, in partnership with the SESAR Engage 2 Network and Firstfruits Services, is launching an opportunity for young graduates and professionals aged 20 to 28 to dive into the heart of the air traffic management industry, engage with decision makers, and gain insights that will help them develop successful careers.

This exciting initiative, known as ‘Future Skies: Tomorrow’s Voices’, will take place at Airspace World, the world’s largest and most influential airspace and near-space management event on Thursday 21 March 2024. 

The ‘Future Skies: Tomorrow’s Voices’ gathering, will offer young ATM professionals who register to attend Airspace World a number of career-enhancing activities including:

  • A number of engaging sessions designed to provide valuable insights and encourage discussions between seasoned leaders and the young participants. Among the highlights are opportunities to hear young people’s voices on their hopes and expectations for their careers, and discussions on future ATM technology, the aviation workforce, and skills. These sessions aim to offer valuable knowledge and promote inspiring conversations.
  • An exclusive opportunity for young professionals to interact with industry CEOs and senior leaders at a Chief Executives’ and Young Professionals’ Breakfast to share ideas and build their professional networks.
  • An interactive Careers Fair which aims to connect aspiring young professionals with leading companies in the aviation industry. It provides a platform for companies to present their organisations, offer job-seeking tips, and to engage with potential future employees.

If you are a young professional or a recent graduate in the aviation/aerospace industry please register and join our initiative here.

Event Details

  •  21 March 2024, 10:00- 16:00
  •  Geneva, Switzerland
  •  Palexpo
  •  CANSO

Our Programme

21 March

Location: Frequentis Theatre

While our full programme of speakers is being finalised, the current agenda is as follows:

08:15 – 09:45

Chief Executives and Young Professionals Breakfasts (by invitation)


-–Sponsored by Boeing. Room E, PALEXPO


10:00 – 10:25

Opening Future Skies: TOMORROW’S VOICES

Simon Hocquard, CANSO DG with Collaborators Ben Stanley, Firstfruits to present the findings of the Tomorrow’s Voices survey.


10:25 – 10:50

TOMORROW’s Voices – Forum of next generation aviation professionals (I)

Moderated by Ben Stanley, Firstfruits


10:50 – 11:00

Engage 2: Future ATM concepts, future workforce implications

EASA: “Connecting for Tomorrow’s Needs: Training and qualifications for Industry Advancement!”

Professor Andrew Cook, the University of Westminster, London

Cate Bichara, EASA external expert on NGAP.


11:10- 12:00

Future Aviation Workforce and new skills for a transformative future

In this roundtable we will focus on taking a picture of today’s workforce and how it should be shaped to adapt to technological transformations. We have invited leaders from the industry to pinpointing the skillsets that will be in demand and defining prospective career pathways.

The following panellists will join for the panel discussion:

  • Sharon Cooke, CEO, Airways International
  • Dr. Peter Kearney , CEO, AirNav Ireland
  • Diana Kelly, Chief Human Resources Officer, NAV CANADA
  • Mr. ing. Edwin F. Kelly, Director General, Department of Civil Aviation, Aruba
  • Thomas Romig, Vice President, Safety, Security and Operation at Airports Council International – ACI World, Chair of the Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce “Developing the Workforce of the Future”,

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Veronika Takacs at Deep Blue.


12:10 – 13:00

Strategies for Talent Attraction and Workforce Diversity: are we doing it right?

This panel explores the effectiveness of current approaches in attracting talent to the aviation industry. We’ll delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations in engaging with new generations, explaining the intricacies of the aviation industry, and motivating aspiring professionals. Our expert panelists will examine existing strategies, share insights, and propose innovative solutions to ensure a diverse, skilled, and motivated workforce for the future of aviation.

The following panellists will join for the panel discussion:

  • Marina Morić, Head Of Human Resources at Croatia Control and Chair of the CANSO HR Group
  • Pauline Vrancken, Aviation for All
  • Jenn Dempster, General Manager Joint Air Traffic Operations Command (JATOC), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Helena Sjöström, Deputy President of IFATCA
  • Anna von Groote, Director General, EUROCAE

The panel will be moderated by Thabani Myeza, Director, Africa Affairs. CANSO.



13:00 – 13:30

TOMORROW’s Voices – Forum of next generation aviation professionals (II)


13:30 – 15:00

Career’s Fair

please register here


15:00 – 16:00

Farewell drinks at the CANSO stand

Other activities on Wednesday 20 March 2024

13:00 – 14:00

Transformations for the Future ATM

Venue: Frequentis Theatre

This panel will discuss the landscape of technological advancements and pivotal transformations within the Air Traffic Management (ATM) industry. By exploring the dynamic intersection of innovation and digital evolution, our panellists will shed light on the cutting-edge strategies, technologies, and trends shaping the future of ATM. Join us for an insightful discussion on how these transformations are reshaping the aviation industry and paving the way for a more efficient and interconnected airspace.

The following panellists will join for the 50-minute panel discussion:

  • Akbar Sultan, Director of Airspace Operations and Safety Program, NASA
  • Andreas Boschen, Executive Director, SESAR 3 Join Undertaking)
  • Patrick Ky, CEO, International Centre for Aviation Innovation
  • Captain Norazman Mahmud, CEO,  Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia
  • Arndt Schoenemann, CEO, DFS

The panel will be moderated by Dr Tatjana Bolic (University of Westminster).


15:30 – 16:30

Inclusive Skies: Strategies for Diversity in Aviation

Venue: Boeing Theatre

The “inclusive skies” panel aims to identify strategies for attracting, nurturing, and retaining next-gen Air Traffic Controllers and aviation staff.

The panel will share insights, success stories, and actionable approaches to address the challenges and build a sustainable pipeline for the future.

The following panellists will join for the panel discussion:

  • Katrina Hall, Deputy Chief Operating Officer NAS Programs and Support, FAA ATO
  • Saulius Batavičius, Chief Executive Officer, ORO NAVIGACIJA
  • Cheryl Y.C. Chen,  Executive Vice President of Asia Pacific Region, IFATCA | International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations
  • Mildred Troegeler, Executive Liaison to ICAO, Boeing

The panel will be moderated by Maartje van der Helm, General Manager Performance & Development at LVNL.