Global aviation demand will continue to increase steadily in the future, due to the increasing world population and the expansion of human exchange across national borders.  During the 20 years between 2015 and 2035, air traffic volume is expected to increase threefold in Asia, twofold in Europe, and by 1.5 in North America. The processing capacity of existing air traffic systems is approaching its limit.

In order to respond to such a dramatically increasing air traffic volume, it is necessary to increase the number of aircraft that are capable of being processed in certain airspaces, with the aim of streamlining aircraft operation. For this reason, programs such as CARATS in Japan, NextGen in the U.S. and SESAR in Europe have been launched.   In addition, new procedures for air traffic control and aircraft operation in future air traffic systems are being developed.  In order to ensure smooth deployment of such procedures, it is indispensable that each program cooperates with the others to help build a universal system.  Under the new air traffic system, it is expected that airline companies will be able to operate more efficiently, as well as reduce fuel consumption and travel time. 

Considering the above, JITI invited officials from Japan, the U.S., and Europe who have been involved in the development of future air traffic systems, academic experts, and airline industry specialists to a seminar.  Ath the seminar, the panelists gave keynote speeches found below and discussed the current situation of each program, mutual cooperation between the programs, and the challenges in future development and deployment.