Paris/Washington, 28 September 2023: RTCA and EUROCAE are proud to unveil their collaborative effort in organizing the highly anticipated “Aviation Summit: Future Connectivity.” This virtual summit, scheduled for October 25, will unite prominent thought leaders and industry stakeholders, providing a platform to address the pivotal theme of datalink communication in aviation.

In an era where the aviation industry continually evolves, the importance of efficient and secure data communication has never been more evident. The “Aviation Summit: Future Connectivity” will serve as a strategic forum for aviation industry players to engage in a comprehensive dialogue about the challenges, advancements, and opportunities presented by datalink technology in modern aviation.

List of the sessions and confirmed speakers: 

This event is pleased to announce the participation of an impressive lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of aviation connectivity and data communication:

• Opening Session: Future Connectivity for Aviation: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the Federal Aviation Administration, Airbus and Boeing have launched a joint cooperation initiative to rethink aviation connectivity, defining a blueprint for the modernization and harmonization of the aviation data communication landscape by 2035. Their white paper offers a jointly proposed vision for the future aviation connectivity landscape which is based on the combination of aviation specific solutions.
  Speakers: Rachel Daeschler (EASA), Lirio Liu (FAA), Sabine Klauke (Airbus), and Dr. Todd Citron (Boeing).
• Panel One: From Innovation to Implementation: After exploring a vision for what data communications will look like by 2035, we will continue the conversation by exploring what comes next after new technologies are initially standardized. Hear about the methods to validate the requirements and verify the methods to scale new standards into operational use. We will discuss how standards are utilized to improve the entire ecosystem of aviation.
  Speakers: Claude Pichavant (Airbus), X (Boeing), Peter Hotham (SESAR Joint Undertaking), and Steve Bradford (FAA). 
• Panel Two: Protecting Communication in an Unsecure World: Datalink connectivity provides opportunities for innovation, and maintaining safety, but a reliance on connectivity may impact security assurance. A system is as secure as its weakest link, so collaboration across the industry is essential. What are the main risks and issues to be addressed? How do aeronautical industry and aviation stakeholders intend to assess, identify and mitigate these risks and issues?
  Speakers: Timo Warns (Airbus), Peter Leydold (Frequentis), Craig Boxrucker (ALPA), and Jonathan Graeffe (Collins Aerospace). 
• Panel Three: Enabling Green Operations Through Datalink Standards: The potential benefit of Datalink is twofold: on the one hand it establishes the aircraft as a source of data which can be downlinked to the ground or cross-linked to other aircraft. This may lead to improved flight efficiency and safety by raising situational awareness on the flight deck of other aircraft. On the other hand, Datalink is used for the delivery of clearances to aircraft using CPDLC. This improves the spectrum use and increases the efficiency of ATC procedures, thereby potentially increasing airspace capacity and resulting in more efficient flight profiles.
  Speakers: Wes Googe (American Airlines), Ana Beroiz (EUROCONTROL), Kieran O’Carroll (IATA), Rocky Stone (Pilot), and Kathy Torrence (FAA). 

EUROCAE and RTCA will evaluate the results of the discussions to help shape and improve the existing standard and future standardisation work programme to support future connectivity needs.

Attendance to the Summit is complimentary.  Event and registration details: https://bit.ly/futureconnectivity