Complete Air Traffic System Global Council launches vision for the skies of 2045

In a unique collaboration, global leaders from more than 25 aviation and aerospace organisations have come together to create a vision for the skies of 2045 and beyond.

The Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) Global Council, a forum of industry bodies, believes that a shared blueprint and joint action are vital to make sure that future skies are efficient, clean and safe and that they work for travellers, operators, nations and the environment.

Imagine the airspace of 2045 – maximised to its fullest potential as a global resource, promoting economic prosperity and social welfare; an optimised, sustainable and safe environment where people and goods move effortlessly in a mix of manned and unmanned vehicles; a smart and connected network; an industry with a proud culture of innovation and agility and a new generation of highly skilled talent.  

Over the next two decades, extensive and collective changes must be made to make this vision a reality and to build the complete air transport system of the future together. These include:

• The organisation and management of airspace need to be decentralised, harmonised, integrated and highly automated
• Digitisation and technological advancement need to be prioritised to enable the safest and most efficient flying conditions for all manned and unmanned aircraft, including in real-time data, connectivity and data security
• Developments in hybrid technology, cleaner fuels, electrification, carbon capture and flight path optimisation to improve the environmental sustainability of the industry and help society achieve its climate targets
• Digitalisation of the infrastructure of cities to allow aviation operators to create interconnected transport networks, including air taxis and drones
• A common regulatory framework, underpinned by global safety standards, needs to be adopted for a fully integrated system, including at stratosphere and space levels
• Aviation talent must be nurtured to be diverse and highly skilled

Simon Hocquard, Director General, The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) said: “At a time of worldwide turbulence, optimised airspace with innovations such as cleaner and more efficient aircraft, air taxis, supersonic and ultra-long-haul flights and cargo drones will drive prosperity and growth for countries and the global economy. They will also transform the way we travel, work and live – all for the better.

“However, to be ready for these future skyscapes that are just on the horizon, we need new ways of thinking and more cooperation amongst all players in this industry, including with governments. With more focus on harmonisation and integration, technology and sustainability, our vision of what is possible can become a reality – the blue skies above us can be green, effective and safe.”

Supporting statements 

Hugues de Beco, ATM programme manager, Airbus:

“The unprecedented acceleration of technologies and the introduction of new types of airborne vehicles, equipment and services will trigger significant evolutions for aviation in the decades to come. Our collective duty to realise citizens’ expectations and our industry commitment to decarbonise will also accelerate significant changes in the way aviation and air traffic management operate.”

 

Alex Bristol, CEO, Skyguide:

“This vision is forward-looking, wide-reaching and ambitious in its scope. It creates a coherent possible picture of our future and places protection of the environment in a central position.”

 

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, Airports Council International (ACI) World:

“Airports are critical parts of the air traffic management network and need to be fully integrated within the global aviation system. Building a common vision is vital to creating a sustainable and resilient sector for the long term. It has allowed a collaborative and representative coalition of stakeholders to align on the future of the air transport system.”

 

 

Guenter Graf, VP New Business Development, Frequentis:

“We are excited to work together on a vision based on the convergence of safety, new technologies and innovation, all powered by the brightest minds. This vision will propel us towards a green aviation future as part of an interconnected transport system. With this we can make a change for a better tomorrow.”

 

Arie Herweijer, Managing Director, AeroConnect:

“The CATS Global Council is a unique initiative that, in this vision, has brought together a group of people from all continents collaborating towards the safe and efficient use of all airspace.”

 

 

Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang:

"We are excited to join hands with partners in the aviation industry to create global airspace that is safe, fair and intelligent, leveraging revolutionised design, technology and services to power global mobility and prosperity. We will support this vision to enable safe, autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility for everyone."

 

Parimal Kopardekar, Director of NASA Aeronautics Research Institute, NASA:

“At a time when our current air transportation system is at its peak and with emerging technologies and new entrants coming into the airspace, we must have future air transportation systems ready and capable of handling new users in an efficient, safe, scalable and sustainable manner.”

 

 

Patrick Ky, Executive Director, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA):

“Aviation is on the brink of major change with sustainability, technical advancement, digitalisation and new aircraft all acting as catalysts. With so many elements driving this change, it’s important that we have a shared vision for how aviation will look 25 years from now and a roadmap for getting there. Safety must remain a top priority throughout; on this point, citizens will not accept compromises.”

 

Richard Parker, CEO, Altitude Angel:

“Aviation is at its best when it’s pioneering, when it reaches out and touches our lives in ways the world has never seen before. This is precisely what our vision for 2045 will do, if we do it properly, at scale. It’s part of my mission to empower the industry with technologies to open the skies to this next wave of traffic. Aviation connects, we should always remember this.”

 

 

 

Todd Sigler, Senior Director, Global Safety and Regulatory Affairs, Boeing:

“As our industry is complex, it is crucial that we have a common vision to work towards. This vision is rooted in safety and brings to light elements including efficiency, sustainability, interoperability and workforce. None of us can do this alone".