The International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA) recently held its fifty-third General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) reports. The IFATSEA General Assembly was co-hosted by ATNS and the South African Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel Association.

“The five-day gathering brought together global leaders and experts to advance dialogue on air traffic safety, engineering excellence, and the evolving role of professionals in safeguarding the aviation value chain,” explained ATNS. The intergovernmental International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialised agency of the UN, was among the entities represented at the conference.

The main theme of the assembly was on cyberthreats to surveillance, navigation and communication systems. More specifically, on how to use training, collaboration, systems thinking and data-driven decision-making to address these threats.

“Expert guidance from the ICAO enriched discussions on global initiatives, spectrum management, and emerging challenges such as signal jamming and spoofing,” highlighted IFATSEA Africa Region director Sam Mahlangu.

The Assembly saw proposals for the creation of comprehensive technical standards to further strengthen global aviation safety, while commitments were made to promote a culture of trust and excellence in operations. There was also a woman-led panel on reinforcing safety standards, to deal with cyberattacks.

Among other strategic outcomes, the fifty-third General Assembly saw the IFATSEA sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations. Another strategic outcome was the creation of a multidisciplinary team to head cybersecurity initiatives. And a third such outcome was an alignment with ICAO goals.

“These [General Assembly] resolutions reaffirmed the critical role of [Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel] in protecting the flying public and shaping the future of aviation safety,” stressed IFATSEA president Ing Frank Kofi Apeagyei.   

“ATNS remains steadfast in its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and resilience, ensuring that the skies remain safe for generations to come,” assured the agency.