The World ATM Congress took place in Madrid from the 12th to the 14th of March at the IFEMA exhibition centre, the same venue where EuMW 2018 was held last September. The congress is jointly organised by two of the leading world ATC organisations, CANSO and ATCA.

It is the world’s largest air traffic management event. Published figures show 9,573 registrants and 253 exhibitors from 135 countries and territories. One of the key themes in the event was attracting women and millennials to the industry.

While covering all fields of ATC, there was a strong presence from the RF and microwave community. This included critical component manufacturers for ATC radars, such as Rymsa RF a Madrid based manufacturer of primary and secondary radar antennas and pedestals that was recently acquired by the SENER group. Radome manufacturers such as L3 ESSCO and Infinite, rotary joint suppliers, UHF/VHF antennas and radios, etc.

The main radar system houses such as Indra, Hensoldt etc were very visible as were the instrumentation companies such as Rohde & Schwartz, complete with Lederhosen and offering Bavarian food. Drones and drone detection systems were a key topic after airport events over the last year with products from companies such as Everis and LS telcom.

In 2020, the Congress will be held again in IFEMA Madrid from 10th to 12th of March.