NATS Altitude

Hosted by NATS - UK air traffic control

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Altitude is a monthly live-streamed podcast from NATS - the UK's leading air traffic control company. Here people from across the aviation industry join our own team of experts to offer insights on a wide range of topics. Find out more about the world of air traffic control at NATS.aero.

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46 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 4624 min

NATS Altitude 🎙️ Expert insights from CANSO Airspace World

Join us as we speak to experts across aviation for their exclusive insights into the industry, the challenges it’s facing and the exciting developments that will lead the future of airspace. ✈️Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS explains why events like Airspace World are important to connecting ANSPs and the technology NATS has on display during the event.Simon Hocquard, President & CEO of CANSO shares key themes from the event, including the development of AI, space travel and the idea of moving from collaboration to integration & partnerships.ESSP's CEO, Charlotte Neyret, shares an exciting announcement for the future of IRIS, the only satellite-based data link technology operational today to provide digital satellite communications that can complement VHF data link.Erick Corona, Head of Service Integration at Wisk Aero and Nate Isbell, Head of Business Development at Skygrid both discuss the importance of airspace modernisation and integrating eVTOLs and new users into traditional airspace.Dave Sheppard, Vice President & Chief Technology and Information Officer and Marie-Pier Berman, Vice President & COO from NAV Canada speak about recruiting the next generation of talent, as well as the technology and collaboration that is in motion to support the future of aviation.Don Thoma, CEO of Aireon reflects on the partnerships that have supported their service, and looks to the future of space-based navigation and surveillance.ENAIRE's Director of Operations, Xavier Benavent Navarro, talks us through their new capacity plan, as well as their new controller working position, to manage increased traffic demand.Finally, Peggy Devestel, Director at the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre from Eurocontrol updates us with the latest innovations in training.You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

March 25, 2026Episode 4547 min

The next chapter in airport transformation - PTE special

The latest episode of Altitude comes from Passenger Terminal Expo (PTE), the global gathering of the people shaping the future of airports. From infrastructure and sustainability to digital transformation and passenger experience, we speak to airport industry leaders from across the world working to meet rising demand and new expectations.✈️ Luke Bugeja, CEO of Ferrovial Airports, explains how airports are moving beyond passenger processing to become vibrant hubs for entire communities, with retail, hotels, entertainment and more integrated into the experience.✈️ Javier Echave, Chief Operating Officer at Heathrow, shares what it takes to run one of the world’s busiest hubs, where more than 400 organisations must work together seamlessly every day.✈️ Tim Walder of the British Aviation Group explores the global opportunities for UK aviation, driven by strengths in design, sustainability and innovation.✈️ Steve Hathaway from Searidge Technologies discusses the shift from siloed systems to integrated data platforms, enabling smarter, real-time decision-making across airport operations.✈️ Dr Victoria from Dublin City University highlights how airports are becoming centres of urban and economic activity, and why a more holistic approach to sustainability is essential.✈️ Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, outlines how major investment is unlocking capacity and driving significant economic growth across the region.✈️ Albert van Veen, CIO at Vancouver Airport, introduces the idea of “bytes before bricks”, showing how technology can unlock capacity gains without the need for large-scale physical expansion.You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

March 6, 2026Episode 4450 min

What can aviation learn from migrating geese?

In this month’s Altitude, we look beyond the horizon of traditional aviation to explore one of the most promising innovations in sustainable flight: wake energy retrieval - a technique inspired by birds flying in formation that could help reduce fuel consumption on long-haul flights by up to 5% - the equivalent of 6 tonnes of CO2 emissions. We’re joined by Airbus’ Laura Montironi, the leader of Project Geese – the aptly named collaborative research initiative that successfully completed a series of eight trial flights over the North Atlantic late last year. Delta Captain, Kevin May shares his view from the flight deck, describing what it was like to fly an A350 as part of the trial, and how advancing WER research fits into Delta’s broader sustainability commitments. And Andreas Petrikat, Senior Researcher at NATS walks us through the realities of integrating wake energy retrieval into modern ATC operations, and how truly scalable the idea is in the world’s busiest oceanic airspace.You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

February 2, 2026Episode 4349 min

Planning for Summer 2026

Air traffic control is often judged by what passengers see on the day, but long before an aircraft pushes back, teams across Europe have been spending months - or even years - modelling, preparing and planning. In this episode of Altitude, we go inside the world of operations planning and resilience, looking ahead to this summer. From weather and airspace constraints to military exercises and sporting showcases, we explore how planners build resilience and flexibility into one of the world’s most complex, safety-critical systems.You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

October 30, 2025Episode 4248 min

"Aviation Doesn't Need to Choose Between Flying and the Future"

This month's Altitude shines a light on aviation’s most pressing challenge - reducing its environmental impact. The panel has a fascinating discussion looking at the role of air traffic management, including whether sustainability can truly be compatible with growing demand, and why Air Navigation Service Providers cannot afford to wait until 2050 to take action. Join our host Rachel Gardner-Poole alongside Michelle Bishop, CANSO’s Director of Programmes, Roni Friel, Head of Network Operations Delivery for NATS and Magdalena Wos, ATM Environmental Expert at skyes for a thought-provoking and inspiring debate. You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

October 10, 2025Episode 4131 min

From Innovation to Integration: Building the UK's Drone Economy

In this month's Altitude, we walked the floor at DroneX Tradeshow & Conference to get the very latest news and views on the UK uncrewed aviation industry straight from the experts.✈ Craig Roberts of PwC talks about their latest report - 'UK drone regulations and net risk', balancing risk to unlock growth and save lives. ✈ Alan Hicks gives an update from Manna Air Delivery, with news of big partnerships with Deliveroo and DoorDash✈ Sofia Stayte from the Department for Transport talks about the UK’s ambition for routine drone flight, the role of policy and regulation and what progress is being made ✈ Andy Sage updated us on OpenAir, NATS’ vision of a digital foundation for the drone industry, with talk of trials and exciting plans for 2026 ✈ Dr Mehmet Ali Erbil, describes the University of Southampton's ambitious plans for the future of healthcare in the Solent, delivering vital medicines to the Isle of Wight ✈ Louisa Smith of Apian and Tom Rehwinkel of Matternet tell us what's next for the hugely successful London Health Bridge project, and what we'll be learning from Switzerland Find out more about our work on the Future of flight: https://www.nats.aero/airspace/drones/You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

August 18, 2025Episode 4049 min

Inside the National Police Air Service's Amazing Drone Trial

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has launched one of the UK’s most ambitious trials of uncrewed aircraft in support of frontline policing.In this episode of Altitude, we speak to the team as they prepare for a bold new era - testing high-endurance, uncrewed aircraft capable of flying beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) in real operational scenarios.From the control rooms at NATS to the runways of NPAS’ South West base, this episode explores how a blended fleet of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and uncrewed systems could transform police air support. We’ll hear how traditional flying and policing expertise is being paired with advanced mission tech aboard next-gen drones to help one day save lives and stop crime.We also hear from the UK Civil Aviation Authority on how the NPAS trial fits into a wider strategy to enable BVLOS drone operations in the UK, why sandbox projects like this one are enabling safe innovation in our skies, and what it will take to make drone policing a reality.You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

June 25, 2025Episode 3949 min

Engineering the Future of Flight

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we invited three amazing aerospace engineers to share their stories.Josna Joies from NATS talks surveillance systems - vital to our work keeping the skies safe - and how she was inspired by astronaut and aerospace engineer, Kalpana Chawla. Yvette Lawrenson takes us behind the scenes at Windracers and their amazing uncrewed aerial vehicle, the Ultra, and explains why the washing machine is engineering's greatest innovation.Dr Fiona Cayzer of BAE Systems talks about aircraft design and what it takes to provide technical leadership to some of the UK's biggest defence programmes, from Nimrod to the Typhoon. You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

May 6, 2025Episode 3854 min

Beyond Digital Towers: Airport Digitisation and the Great Data Convergence

Aviation is at a crossroads. On one side is the familiarity of legacy systems, including decades-old air traffic control infrastructure and manual ground operations. On the other is the promise of digital transformation: smarter flight management, real-time operational insights, and seamless passenger experiences driven by advanced technologies. With many organisations currently caught in the middle, the challenge is to know where to start. In this month’s Altitude, we’re joined by three people who know. Marco Rueckert is Searidge Technologies’ Chief Technology Officer. He shares insights into the pioneering work Searidge is doing around the world, working with airports, airlines and ANSPS to harness the power of data to improve operational outcomes. That includes in Hong Kong, where Michelle Ho was the Manager of Airfield Digital Transformation for the Airport Authority. Hong Kong’s revolutionary embrace of technology has helped set a benchmark for other airports around the world. Michelle shares her experience in deploying the airport’s award-winning Digital Apron and Tower Management System, and working in its state-of-the-art Integrated Airport Centre.Andy Taylor, Chief Solutions Officer at NATS, will explore what’s happening in the UK, with both Manchester and Farnborough airports set to introduce ‘hybrid towers’ to enhance their operations, while also explaining how NATS and Searidge are exploring the use of AI at Heathrow to improve operational resilience.You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

March 27, 2025Episode 3746 min

Time Flies: A decade of smarter, greener air traffic management

A decade ago, NATS became the first air traffic management service in the world to introduce Time-Based Separation in a groundbreaking collaboration with Heathrow Airport and Leidos UK.Since then, it has reduced carbon emissions by 300,000 tonnes, saved airlines 100,000 tonnes of fuel and cut headwind-related delays by 62%, something that’s helped passengers avoid 3.5 years’ worth of holding over London. On this month’s Altitude we’re joined by some of the people who helped make it happen. We reflect on the challenges of delivering a world first, a decade of continuous improvement and how Intelligent Approach is now helping airports around the world. You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero