The International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) at Airspace World. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on the evolving future of regional and global air navigation services (ANS) and air traffic management (ATM), with a strong emphasis on a human-centric approach that balances human expertise and machine intelligence.
The agreement was signed by Ms. Helena Sjöström Falk, President and Chief Executive Officer of IFATCA and Mr. Patrick Ky, Chief Executive Officer of ICAI. It will focus on key areas shaping the future of aviation such as increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with ATM systems.
When asked about the reasons for the partnership, Mr. Ky said “We are working on new tools, and it’s absolutely essential that we have the input, the trends, challenges, expectations from the real users of the systems. And in particular, we have ideas about how to introduce AI into air traffic control, to help controllers, support them and we cannot do that without controllers themselves. We need them to tell us, on what type of topics they want to be supported, what kind of information they are missing, and where we can help. We want to conduct research and do things which help, not for the sake of doing research. Air traffic controllers, and IFATCA are the ones who can tell us what we can do to help.”
In addition, the partnership will promote information sharing on new concepts of operations and provide opportunities for direct air traffic controller participation in cutting edge experimentation and evaluation activities related to next-generation ATM solutions. Both organisations will also work together to share knowledge and best practices at regional and global forums, including initiatives under the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Ms. Helena Sjöström Falk added: “We really appreciate the opportunity to be able to have input and also give influence to the development of the new technological systems. Quite often, it has worked more in the sense of engineers, building systems that’s been then handed down to the air traffic controllers. And more or less, you have to find ways to make the systems work in real life operations. With such partnerships, we can be there from the beginning and be part of the development of the systems, and we can also, hopefully, have an influence, which is what this is all about. We want to influence the future of air traffic control. So we’re really grateful for the opportunity.”
The new partnership will also support dialogue on workforce recruitment, training, and retention, as well as regional initiatives aimed at improving eco-efficient operations, reducing emissions, mitigating weather-related disruptions, and enhancing cross-border connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
