What to expect
Different ownership structures produce different investment timelines and risk appetites for ATM modernisation. This session examines the evidence:
- Capital investment cycles — how government-funded vs. commercially-structured ANSPs approach major programmes
- Technology procurement models — build vs. buy vs. partner, and what each model delivers
- Performance outcomes — whether ownership structure correlates with capacity, safety, or efficiency performance
- Staff relations and change management — how modernisation programmes navigate industrial relations
Key questions this session will address
Does ANSP ownership model affect modernisation speed? Commercially structured ANSPs (NATS, NAV CANADA, Airservices Australia) have typically invested in new technology 3–5 years ahead of equivalent government-agency ANSPs. The session will examine whether this is causation or correlation.
How is NATS funding its next-generation systems? NATS is mid-way through a £1.3bn technology investment programme covering its new en-route radar processing system, controller working positions, and data communications infrastructure. Martin Rolfe will discuss how the capital structure enables this investment.
What are the FAA's priorities under the current US aviation environment? Tim Arel, as COO of the FAA Air Traffic Organization and Chair of the CANSO Board, brings both US operational perspectives and global industry coordination context to the discussion.