Forward.............................Preparing for the Future

zby Duncan auld, IFATCA President & CEO PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

The Federation’s theme for this year is preparing for the future. We are part of a technology industry in a fast-paced, growing environment. It is difficult to know what aviation will be like in 20 years, but it will definitely be significantly different from today.

The Federation is a global community representing over 120 nations, including some of the most advanced and the least fortunate countries. We must shape the front-end of technological advancement without neglecting our brothers and sisters who need our support to get the most basic forms of training, equipment, and automation.

Air traffic is predicted to double in the next 15 years; yet, we already face a critical shortage of aviation professionals. The most significant increases will be in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America, thereby moving the air traffic centre of gravity from its traditional position in Europe and Northern America. Some areas of these regions struggle to cope with the existing traffic demand. They require much more attention. Investments in personnel, and infrastructure. Improvements in airspace design are urgently required.

We need to recruit a young and diverse future workforce to continue innovating and developing our industry, so it can cope with the challenges of the future. Society is changing fast. Let us embrace generational change and adapt to the modern world in ways we have never imagined.

The air traffic controller will remain an essential part of air traffic management for the foreseeable future contrary to articles and videos suggesting otherwise. Technology is essential to cope with the current levels of traffic, but technology alone is not a solution. The flexibility and creativity of human beings cannot be replaced by a computer. Therefore, it is essential to participate jointly in a common effort with the industry to develop systems that ensure that they make the best use of human capabilities, while supporting human users with reliable technological solutions.

The Federation is building on its implementation strategies, where we assist with the development of the profession with workshops, guidance materials, and other initiatives. These efforts are being done in conjunction with activities that shape the future of aviation at ICAO, SESAR, and through other regional programmes. The Federation must shift into a mode where we shape, guide, and support, all at once.

Air Traffic Management is becoming increasingly complex as new technologies move rapidly from concept to reality. Technology now is developed faster than our rule makers can study and determine regulatory and safety requirements. In this environment, professionals are the key to ensuring that the technological solutions proposed fit into the operational environment without the need for workarounds and superficial risk mitigation. IFATCA has succeeded in establishing itself as the worldwide voice of air traffic controllers in the international rulemaking field. However new challenges lay ahead. The circulation of knowledge and best practices among the members of the Federation and the participation in the development of ATM systems by industry are natural ways to advance the objectives of the Federation. The first steps have been taken with the implementation of IFATCA’s courses and an increase in partnerships with corporate members. We must continue heading in this direction in order to elevate the voice of air traffic controllers further than ever before. As the Federation approaches the celebrations of 100 years of air traffic control in 2022, we will look back at our success and our failures seeking inspiration for the future. We will be creative and innovative. The rest of the world is changing fast. Let us maintain aviation as the technical wonder and achievement that it should be. y duncan.auld@ifatca.org z Photo: Duncan Auld , IFATCA President & CEO