As the aviation landscape evolves it is critically important that we ensure safe integration. Commercial space launches have dramatically increased, and horizontal space launches and landings are on the horizon. Earlier this year, a new airline aircraft manufacturer successfully demonstrated a “quiet” sonic boom that could enable trans-continental supersonic flight and bring back supersonic flight across the globe. Closer to earth, the FAA reports that more than 1 million drones are registered for operations, with 412,000 of those aircraft registered for commercial operations. Lastly, the electronic vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are on the verge of certification and initial passenger carrying operations, with multiple airlines placing orders for their own use.

North America’s airspace will be utilized for all of these operations. In the majority of cases, airports will also feel the strain on their infrastructure and environment. The panel on ”Navigating the Skies: Safely Integrating Current and New Users into the National Airspace” explores the operational integration of space, supersonic, drone and eVTOL operations.  Panelist from ALPA, government and industry will discuss the opportunities to work in collaboration to ensure the safety of the NAS. While safe integration is terminology frequently tossed about, the panel will further define what safe integration will need to look like and identify ways in which we can collectively integrating these operations airspace and at airports