VISION 2045: Working together now for the skies of tomorrow

In a unique collaboration, global leaders from more than 25 aviation and aerospace organisations have come together to create a vision for the skies of 2045 and beyond.

The Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) Global Council, a forum of industry bodies, believes that a shared blueprint and joint action are vital to make sure that future skies are efficient, clean and safe and that they work for travellers, operators, nations and the environment.

Imagine the airspace of 2045 – maximised to its fullest potential as a global resource, promoting economic prosperity and social welfare; an optimised, sustainable and safe environment where people and goods move effortlessly in a mix of manned and unmanned vehicles; a smart and connected network; an industry with a proud culture of innovation and agility and a new generation of highly skilled talent.

Over the next two decades, extensive and collective changes must be made to make this vision a reality and to build the complete air transport system of the future together. These include:

• The organisation and management of airspace need to be decentralised, harmonised, integrated and highly automated
• Digitisation and technological advancement need to be prioritised to enable the safest and most efficient flying conditions for all manned and unmanned aircraft, including in real-time data, connectivity and data security
• Developments in hybrid technology, cleaner fuels, electrification, carbon capture and flight path optimisation to improve the environmental sustainability of the industry and help society achieve its climate targets
• Digitalisation of the infrastructure of cities to allow aviation operators to create interconnected transport networks, including air taxis and drones
• A common regulatory framework, underpinned by global safety standards, needs to be adopted for a fully integrated system, including at stratosphere and space levels
• Aviation talent must be nurtured to be diverse and highly skilled

Simon Hocquard, Director General, The Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) said: “At a time of worldwide turbulence, optimised airspace with innovations such as cleaner and more efficient aircraft, air taxis, supersonic and ultra-long-haul flights and cargo drones will drive prosperity and growth for countries and the global economy. They will also transform the way we travel, work and live – all for the better.
“However, to be ready for these future skyscapes that are just on the horizon, we need new ways of thinking and more cooperation amongst all players in this industry, including with governments. With more focus on harmonisation and integration, technology and sustainability, our vision of what is possible can become a reality – the blue skies above us can be green, effective and safe.”