Asia Pacific leaders in Air Traffic Management gather in Vietnam

Air Traffic Management (ATM) leaders, decision-makers, and technical experts from across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region are gathering this week in Da Nang, Vietnam from Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 July 2026 for the CANSO Asia Pacific Conference 2026, hosted by the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM).

Under the theme “Accelerating Regional Implementation; Unlocking Opportunities through Regional Collaboration”, the conference brings together aviation leaders from across the region to discuss how to best work closely together on modernising air traffic management. The week combines a full conference day with technical workshops, the Asia Pacific CANSO CEO Committee (APC3) meeting, and CANSO operations and safety workgroups.

The conference started today with an opening address from Mr. Le Anh Tuan, Vice Minister, Ministry of Construction of Viet Nam.

Mr. Le Anh Tuan extended his welcome to all delegates on behalf of the host country and thanked CANSO for its trust in selecting Viet Nam and the Viet Nam Air Traffic Management Corporation to host this important Conference. He said: "The Ministry of Construction highly appreciates the role of CANSO, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), international organisations and partners in promoting cooperation, harmonisation and modernisation of air traffic management systems.”

Andrea Sack, Senior Vice President Global Operations, CANSO, noted: “With strong regional participation and high-level dialogue throughout the week, the CANSO Asia Pacific Conference 2026 reaffirms the region’s shared commitment to building an integrated, collaborative, and resilient approach to airspace management as Asia Pacific continues its rapid growth.”

Mr. Le Hoang Minh, Chairman of VATM – the host ANSP – emphasised the organisation’s commitment to continuing active and responsible participation in regional and global programmes and initiatives. “VATM stands ready to work closely with ANSPs, international organisations and technology partners to advance the implementation of practical, feasible and effective solutions”, he commented.

A keynote from Patrick Ky, CEO of the International Centre for Aviation Innovation drew on Europe’s experience of building a single sky to suggest a path forward for Asia Pacific, focused on greater regional cooperation and safer, more efficient skies.

The event focused on three things: helping every country put basic common capabilities in place; building a shared picture of the airspace so neighbours work from the same information; and making sure plans actually get implemented.