At the 40th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) in New Delhi, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam called for the adoption of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and other advanced technologies to improve air traffic management in India. With Indian airspace becoming increasingly congested due to rapid growth in air travel, Vualnam emphasized the need for innovative solutions to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
The three-day event, hosted by the Air Traffic Controllers’ Guild (India), is themed “Safety in Future Air Traffic Management” and focuses on advancing safety, sustainability, and technology in the aviation industry. Vualnam urged air traffic controllers to be proactive in embracing emerging technologies like Gen AI, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to tackle air traffic challenges. “Instead of ignoring and closing our eyes, we should collaborate and explore how we can streamline air traffic management,” he said.
Maneesh Kumar, Joint Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), reinforced the focus on safety amidst growth, highlighting the vital role of human resources in ensuring the sector’s resilience. As one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, India is experiencing a surge in airline expansions and large aircraft orders to meet rising demand, driving the need for efficient, technology-backed air traffic management.
