This year’s ATM Awards have been expanded to include two new areas: Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and The pathway to advanced air mobility (AAM).
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
This category isn’t purely about DEI in its traditional form. Where the ATM Awards and its judges are concerned, the importance of this topic lies in initiatives that bring together a workforce that mirrors our society.
Attracting and retaining a diverse, next-generation workforce is critical for the future of air traffic management (ATM). DEI initiatives within the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) are not just about representation, they are about fostering an inclusive environment that drives innovation, reflects the global nature of our industry and positions aviation as an attractive career path for young professionals from all backgrounds.
The Diversity and Inclusion Resolution was unanimously passed by CANSO members in June 2024 and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group was established soon afterwards. It is committed to several objectives, including ensuring workplaces reflect the communities we serve, promoting diversity at all organisational levels, creating platforms like Tomorrow’s Voices to elevate diverse voices in conferences and industry events, and collaborating with educational institutions and international stakeholders to share best practices.
Successful DEI comes down to talent attraction across all roles and levels of responsibility in the wider aviation industry. We need to provide the younger workforce with attractive career prospects.
Eduardo García, CANSO senior manager for future skies
DEI initiatives at Airspace World 2025
CANSO’s DEI initiatives will be front and centre through Tomorrow’s Voices, our flagship programme designed to inspire and empower the next generation of aviation, ATM and aerospace leaders. This dynamic platform brings together young professionals and key industry stakeholders to foster dialogue, mentorship and innovation.
Key components include promoting STEM education, attracting and developing talent, defining future skills and championing diversity and inclusion.
By integrating these activities, Tomorrow’s Voices will help shape the future of aviation through meaningful engagement and talent development. It’s about creating a space where ideas thrive, connections are made and the next generation of leaders is inspired
to drive the industry forward.
The pathway to AAM
The second new award category is for organisations doing groundbreaking work on the pathway to advanced air mobility (AAM). The introduction of this new award reflects the transformative potential that this emerging sector holds for the future of aviation. AAM represents a paradigm shift in air transportation, integrating innovative technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and high-altitude operations (HAO). These new entrants will reshape airspace management, expanding aviation services into urban, regional and remote areas.
The impact of AAM on ATM is profound, introducing complexities in integrating diverse, highly automated users into conventional airspace structures. This challenges existing ATM systems to adapt through digital transformation, advanced automation and real-time data integration.
The CANSO team’s visit to a Joby facility reflects the industry’s embracing of AAM
CATS Global Council
Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) is a unique coalition of more than 80 of the most influential stakeholders in aviation, spanning air navigation service providers (ANSPs), airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, regulators, academia and emerging innovators. Its mission is to develop a unified, strategic vision for the future of global airspace management.
The council fosters collaboration among stakeholders to modernise ATM systems, ensuring the safe and efficient integration of new entrants, such as drones, AAM aircraft and HAO platforms, alongside traditional aviation. Through the CATS Global Council, industry leaders are shaping the future of airspace by addressing challenges such as increased traffic volumes, sustainability demands and technological integration.
The cornerstone initiative is the CATS concept of operations (CONOPS), which outlines a transformative pathway to a fully integrated, seamless and sustainable airspace system by 2045. The CATS CONOPS emphasises the need for a seamless, scalable and sustainable ATM framework that can accommodate both traditional and emerging airspace users. Recognising these innovations through a dedicated award highlights their significance in driving aviation forward.
A panel session at last year’s Airspace World
The launch of CATS CONOPS
CANSO's Airspace World 2025 will mark the formal launch of the CATS CONOPS, an essential milestone in the journey towards the future of airspace management. While the CONOPS will be published in March, Airspace World will serve as the official platform to showcase its vision and strategic roadmap.
To bring the CATS vision to life, a series of activities has been planned, among them panels and workshops focused on the key transformations outlined in the CONOPS, such as digital information sharing, advanced automation and seamless airspace integration. In addition to the Tomorrow’s Voices programme, as described above, there will be a Media Day to raise awareness of the CONOPS and its implications for the global aviation industry.
These events will provide a platform for industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to collaborate, share insights and align on the pathway to a seamless and sustainable future for global airspace.
Attracting a new younger generation to the wider aviation sector has never been more important
