Raising the Aviation Bar

In this episode of our #RTAB (Raising the Aviation Bar) podcast, EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet shares his views on some of the key challenges currently shaping European aviation, from geopolitical instability and a rapidly changing industry, to supporting aviation sustainability, and how to best manage the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI). Florian explains how EASA works tirelessly to ensure that Europe maintains the very highest safety standards, while simultaneously adapting to new technologies and an increasingly complex operating environment. Against the background of growing geopolitical tensions affecting Europe, he describes EASA’s role in assessing conflict zone risks and providing guidance to airlines through Conflict-Zone Information Bulletins. The discussion also explores the very close partnership between EASA and EUROCONTROL, including the joint efforts of both organisations to strengthen the resilience of the European aviation network. One excellent recent example of this partnership in action is the European Aviation Action Plan, produced in cooperation with other aviation organisations with the aim of supporting the sector in mitigating the impact of satellite navigation signal interference. Florian outlines EASA’s role in supporting aviation’s environmental goals, from aircraft certification and environmental reporting, to monitoring the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels. He also discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, and reflects on the skills, mindset and adaptability that will help the next generation succeed in the aviation sector.  

In this episode, we speak to Agnieszka Dybowska, who leads business coordination in EUROCONTROL’s Airports Unit, to learn about how the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) supports more than 500 airports across Europe as well as the various aircraft operators flying to, from and over the network, and the air navigation service providers (ANSPs) who ensure safe air navigation services throughout. Agnieszka explains why airports are central to the European air traffic network’s performance, and how local operational decisions can have far-reaching effects across the entire network. From departure delays and early arrivals to severe weather disruptions, capacity constraints and resilience challenges, she highlights the interconnected nature of aviation and the importance of NM’s #thinkNetwork approach, which reminds all partners in aviation that local decisions can have a significant impact on the network as a whole. The podcast also explores the work of the Airports Operations Team, a unique forum that brings together over 100 aviation representatives to identify priorities and solutions. Agnieszka additionally shares insights into today’s biggest airport challenges, and explains how EUROCONTROL helps airports improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability across the network.

The third special episode of the Raising the Aviation Bar podcast recorded at Airspace World in Lisbon featured conversations with Anna von Groote, Director General of EUROCAE, Christophe Vivier,  Head of the Single European Sky Unit at EDA, Adrian Cojoc, the Director General of ROMATSA and EUROCONTROL’s Peter Choroba, Head of the Innovation Program and Oscar Alfaro Olive, Head of Data and Digital Products. Covered in this episode: key aspects influencing industry standards for aviation in Europe, civil-military cooperation, ROMATSA’s implementation of the FF-ICE mandate, the FLY AI initiative and coordinated action to identify where and how artificial intelligence can deliver the greatest value to our sector as well as insights into EUROCONTROL’s air traffic data. All interviews were recorded at the podcast booth EUROCONTROL set up in cooperation with the 8 Europe For Aviation partners at Airspace World 2026 reflecting the value of bringing partners together at one of the leading global air traffic management events.

In this special episode for the Raising the Aviation Bar podcast recorded at Airspace World in Lisbon, Elisabeth Landrichter, Executive Manager of Austro Control, Áron Eichinger, Director Area Control at HungaroControl, Francesco Gaetani, Flight Standards Director at EASA, and Simon Hocquard, Director General at CANSO give their take on some of the most relevant air traffic management developments and updates from Airspace World. All interviews were recorded at the podcast booth EUROCONTROL set up in cooperation with the eight other Europe For Aviation partners at Airspace World 2026 reflecting the value of bringing partners together at one of the leading global air traffic management events.

In this special episode for the Raising the Aviation Bar podcast recorded at Airspace World in Lisbon, Filip Cornelis (Director for Aviation at the European Commission), Andreas Boschen (Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking), Mariagrazia La Piscopia (Executive Director, SESAR Deployment Manager), Helena Sjöström Falk (CEO and President, IFATCA) and Predrag Vranjkovic (EUROCONTROL Head of Strategy, Engagement and Institutional Relations) share their perspectives on key priorities for aviation in 2026 and top discussions at Airspace World. The conversations cover the challenges facing the sector in a complex geopolitical environment, Europe’s innovation priorities, the need to accelerate deployment, the growing role of artificial intelligence in air traffic management and the need to increase resilience. All interviews were recorded at the podcast booth EUROCONTROL set up in cooperation with the 8 Europe For Aviation partners at Airspace World 2026 reflecting the value of bringing partners together at one of the leading global air traffic management events.