Leadership Summit Sets the Stage for Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon

Over 300 aviation leaders from across the globe convened today at the historic Convento do Beato in Lisbon for the Leadership Summit, the official prelude to the highly anticipated Airspace World 2025. The afternoon of strategic discussions, innovative concepts, and collaborative spirit was under the theme “Enabling Future Skies: Driving Innovation, Integration, and Collaboration in ATM.” The Summit brought together CEOs, key representatives, and senior delegates from CANSO Member organisations and invited guests.

The event commenced with an insightful fireside chat between Simon Hocquard, CANSO Director General, and David Seymour, Chief Operating Officer at American Airlines. Seymour offered a compelling vision of the transformative changes expected in aviation over the next two decades, encompassing data-driven operations and cross-industry convergence.

A subsequent panel discussion, titled “Smart Skies: Optimising Airspace Through Advanced Digital Information and Automation,” featured experts such as Dr. Todd Citron, Chief Technology Officer at the Boeing Company, and Justin Erbacci, Director General at ACI, who explored the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence and real-time data in shaping the next generation of Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems.

The conversation then took a vertical turn with the panel “Unlocking the Potential of Higher Airspace.” Thought leaders from Sceye, the drone industry, and regulatory bodies discussed the safe and efficient integration of high-altitude operations into global airspace frameworks.

Later in the afternoon, participants were treated to a keynote by Mohammad Taher, widely known as “The Airport Guy.” As the UK’s Aviation Ambassador, Taher delivered a passionate address on what inspired him to join the industry and provided valuable insight on how to attract fresh talent into the aviation ecosystem - offering practical strategies and an inspirational call to action that resonated with both seasoned executives and emerging leaders.

The final panel of the day, “Transforming Future Skies,” united global stakeholders from Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), regulatory bodies, and air navigation organisations. Moderated by Alex Bristol, CEO of Skyguide and CANSO Chairman, the discussion focused on developing cohesive strategies for collaboration, innovation, and workforce evolution, underscoring the Summit’s central message that shaping the future of air traffic management requires a shared vision and coordinated effort across the entire industry.

With its focus on bold themes, high-level dialogue, and a palpable sense of momentum, the 2025 Leadership Summit successfully launched Airspace World and set a high standard for innovation, integration, and international cooperation in the future of air traffic management. Airspace World will continue to build on these crucial conversations throughout the week.