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Raising the Aviation Bar

EUROCONTROL

Presented by EUROCONTROL

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22 episodes
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English

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S1 · E24
Today · 30 min
Safety, resilience and AI: Talking with EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet about the challenges ahead for European aviation
In this episode of our #RTAB (Raising the Aviation Bar) podcast, EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet shares his views on some of the key challenges currently shaping European aviation, from geopolitical instability and a rapidly changing industry, to supporting aviation sustainability, and how to best manage the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI). Florian explains how EASA works tirelessly to ensure that Europe maintains the very highest safety standards, while simultaneously adapting to new technologies and an increasingly complex operating environment. Against the background of growing geopolitical tensions affecting Europe, he describes EASA’s role in assessing conflict zone risks and providing guidance to airlines through Conflict-Zone Information Bulletins. The discussion also explores the very close partnership between EASA and EUROCONTROL, including the joint efforts of both organisations to strengthen the resilience of the European aviation network. One excellent recent example of this partnership in action is the European Aviation Action Plan, produced in cooperation with other aviation organisations with the aim of supporting the sector in mitigating the impact of satellite navigation signal interference. Florian outlines EASA’s role in supporting aviation’s environmental goals, from aircraft certification and environmental reporting, to monitoring the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels. He also discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, and reflects on the skills, mindset and adaptability that will help the next generation succeed in the aviation sector.
S1 · E23
September 25 · 27 min
How EUROCONTROL supports European airports – talking to Agnieszka Dybowska
In this episode, we speak to Agnieszka Dybowska, who leads business coordination in EUROCONTROL’s Airports Unit, to learn about how the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) supports more than 500 airports across Europe as well as the various aircraft operators flying to, from and over the network, and the air navigation service providers (ANSPs) who ensure safe air navigation services throughout. Agnieszka explains why airports are central to the European air traffic network’s performance, and how local operational decisions can have far-reaching effects across the entire network. From departure delays and early arrivals to severe weather disruptions, capacity constraints and resilience challenges, she highlights the interconnected nature of aviation and the importance of NM’s #thinkNetwork approach, which reminds all partners in aviation that local decisions can have a significant impact on the network as a whole. The podcast also explores the work of the Airports Operations Team, a unique forum that brings together over 100 aviation representatives to identify priorities and solutions. Agnieszka additionally shares insights into today’s biggest airport challenges, and explains how EUROCONTROL helps airports improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability across the network.
S2 · E3
May 28 · 21 min
Talking to Aviation Leaders at Airspace World 2026 - Day 3
The third special episode of the Raising the Aviation Bar podcast recorded at Airspace World in Lisbon featured conversations with Anna von Groote, Director General of EUROCAE, Christophe Vivier, Head of the Single European Sky Unit at EDA, Adrian Cojoc, the Director General of ROMATSA and EUROCONTROL’s Peter Choroba, Head of the Innovation Program and Oscar Alfaro Olive, Head of Data and Digital Products. Covered in this episode: key aspects influencing industry standards for aviation in Europe, civil-military cooperation, ROMATSA’s implementation of the FF-ICE mandate, the FLY AI initiative and coordinated action to identify where and how artificial intelligence can deliver the greatest value to our sector as well as insights into EUROCONTROL’s air traffic data. All interviews were recorded at the podcast booth EUROCONTROL set up in cooperation with the 8 Europe For Aviation partners at Airspace World 2026 reflecting the value of bringing partners together at one of the leading global air traffic management events.
S2 · E2
May 27 · 25 min
Talking to Aviation Leaders at Airspace World 2026 - Day 2
In this special episode for the Raising the Aviation Bar podcast recorded at Airspace World in Lisbon, Elisabeth Landrichter, Executive Manager of Austro Control, Áron Eichinger, Director Area Control at HungaroControl, Francesco Gaetani, Flight Standards Director at EASA, and Simon Hocquard, Director General at CANSO give their take on some of the most relevant air traffic management developments and updates from Airspace World. All interviews were recorded at the podcast booth EUROCONTROL set up in cooperation with the eight other Europe For Aviation partners at Airspace World 2026 reflecting the value of bringing partners together at one of the leading global air traffic management events.
S2 · E1
May 26 · 29 min
Talking to Aviation Leaders at Airspace World 2026 - Day 1
In this special episode for the Raising the Aviation Bar podcast recorded at Airspace World in Lisbon, Filip Cornelis (Director for Aviation at the European Commission), Andreas Boschen (Executive Director, SESAR Joint Undertaking), Mariagrazia La Piscopia (Executive Director, SESAR Deployment Manager), Helena Sjöström Falk (CEO and President, IFATCA) and Predrag Vranjkovic (EUROCONTROL Head of Strategy, Engagement and Institutional Relations) share their perspectives on key priorities for aviation in 2026 and top discussions at Airspace World. The conversations cover the challenges facing the sector in a complex geopolitical environment, Europe’s innovation priorities, the need to accelerate deployment, the growing role of artificial intelligence in air traffic management and the need to increase resilience. All interviews were recorded at the podcast booth EUROCONTROL set up in cooperation with the 8 Europe For Aviation partners at Airspace World 2026 reflecting the value of bringing partners together at one of the leading global air traffic management events.
S1 · E22
April 23 · 28 min
Talking to Steven Moore and Yolanda Portillo from the EUROCONTROL Network Manager
As Europe heads into another busy summer season, the EUROCONTROL Network Manager continues to work closely with aircraft operators, air navigation service providers and airports to prepare for peak traffic levels and manage growing pressure on the network. In this episode, podcast host Anita Zech is joined by Steven Moore, Head of Air Traffic Management Operations at EUROCONTROL, who oversees network operations, transformation and resilience across Europe, and Yolanda Portillo, Head of the Network Manager Operations Centre, responsible for the 24/7 delivery of central air traffic flow management services and operational performance at network level. Together, they explain why summer operations are increasingly challenging—from traffic growth and airspace constraints to geopolitical disruptions and weather—and how the EUROCONTROL Network Manager plans months and years ahead to balance capacity and demand safely. The discussion explores how capacity and weather‑based procedures are improving network stability, reducing delays and helping the system shift from reactive to more proactive operations. Steven and Yolanda also share practical advice for airlines, airports and ANSPs as part of the #thinkNetwork campaign, highlighting why individual operational decisions matter for the network as a whole—and why safety remains the overriding priority, even under peak pressure.
S1 · E21
April 10 · 34 min
Talking to Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E)
In this episode, we sit down with Ourania (Rania) Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E) to discuss key priorities of the airline industry in Europe including competitiveness and connectivity. Representing 16 airline groups that together operate over 80% of Europe’s air traffic, Rania advocates for their interests in Brussels. In our new podcast episode, she gives her take on the ongoing revision of the EU’s passenger rights legislation, highlighting the operational realities faced by airlines, and the need for a more balanced, clearly defined framework that benefits both passengers and operators. The conversation also examines sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) under the ReFuelEU mandate. Rania shares her views on why mandates alone cannot build a functioning SAF market, explains the economic pressures on airlines, and suggests essential policy incentives that could accelerate investment and production across Europe. For A4E, Europe urgently needs a new aviation strategy that better reflects today’s geopolitical and competitive realities – a new strategy that is pro-growth and pro innovation, supporting the entire aviation ecosystem so Europe can stay globally competitive, maintain connectivity, and keep flying accessible for everyone. And on a more personal note, she shares her personal journey from Athens to Brussels, shaped by a childhood steeped in aviation and a career dedicated to European public policy. Tune in for a candid, strategic look at how Europe’s airlines are navigating regulatory change, decarbonisation pressures, and the path to a more resilient, competitive aviation ecosystem.
S1 · E20
February 25 · 32 min
Talking to Karsten Stoye, Head of EUROCONTROL’s Civil-Military Cooperation Division
In this podcast episode Major General Karsten Stoye, Head of EUROCONTROL’s Civil-Military Cooperation Division (CMC), explains how EUROCONTROL supports the military in delivering effective missions while balancing civil aviation’s need for safety and predictability. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, military activity and vigilance in Europe have increased two to threefold, including a significant rise in training and exercises. At the same time, available airspace for European aircraft operators has decreased due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace, with many long‑haul commercial flights now forced to reroute along Europe’s increasingly busy southeast corridor. In this podcast, Karsten explains these and other challenges, and why there is an increased need for civil-military cooperation in today’s complex geopolitical world. A combat pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours, Karsten has served on more than 70 operational missions, and shares some fascinating personal insights into his life and leadership journey.
S1 · E19
January 20 · 27 min
Talking to Dr. Marina Ioannou Hasapi from Cyprus’s Ministry of Transport, Communication and Works
Cyprus has taken over the EU Council Presidency at the beginning of 2026. In this episode of the #RTAB podcast, we speak with Dr. Marina Ioannou Hasapi from Cyprus’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works about the country’s key priorities for the next six months. Ensuring connectivity and competitiveness are the guiding elements for the island nation that experiences high air traffic growth and sees 95% of visitors use air transport. Dr Hasapi shares insights into Cyprus’s plans for international cooperation and why the new direct Larnaca–Brussels route directly supports the work of the presidency. Dr. Hasapi, a trailblazer for women in the public sector in Cyprus, also shares insight into her career mediating in labour disputes and her advice to a young generation seeking leadership roles in aviation.
S1 · E18
Dec 11, 2025 · 27 min
Talking to CANSO’s Enrico Parini
In this episode of “Raising the Aviation Bar”, we sit down with Enrico Parini, the new Director of European Affairs at CANSO Europe, the voice of the European air traffic management industry. In this role Enrico isn’t just tackling technical challenges – he’s passionate about shaping the future of aviation. Representing 36 air navigation service providers (ANSPs), Enrico’s mission is to make sure their voices are heard at the European level, and to spotlight the vital role they play in keeping aviation – and business – running smoothly across the continent. From managing changing air traffic trends and facing growing capacity challenges to addressing cybersecurity risks and GNSS spoofing, Enrico shares CANSO’s perspective on safeguarding the skies while keeping innovation moving forward. In this podcast episode, he highlights the vital role of highly skilled ANSP professionals in enabling global connectivity and maintaining Europe’s leadership in air traffic management – paying special tribute to efforts this summer to manage peak traffic, with many area control centres going well beyond their planned commitments to handling network traffic.
S1 · E17
Nov 24, 2025 · 19 min
Talking to Anastasiia Sobchenko
Talking to Anastasiia Sobchenko In this episode of “Raising the Aviation Bar”, EUROCONTROL expert Anastasiia Sobchenko explains a joint initiative between ICAO and EUROCONTROL: the Location of an Aircraft in Distress Repository (LADR). Developed by EUROCONTROL as part of ICAO’s Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS), LADR supports the aviation community by collecting and sharing the last known position of an aircraft with key operational actors such as airline operators, air navigation service providers, rescue coordination centres and others, so they can act quickly and effectively in an emergency situation. The need to have such a system is clear, with locating missing aircraft proving extremely challenging and costly in disasters like Air France Flight 447 (2009), or to this day unsolved tragedies like the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 (2014).
S1 · E16
Oct 20, 2025 · 32 min
Talking to the European Commission’s Filip Cornelis
In this episode of Raising the Aviation Bar, Filip Cornelis, Director for Aviation at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), shares his insights as a key member of the Team Europe delegation to the 42nd ICAO General Assembly, a seminal event for world aviation every three years. Filip walks us through the Assembly’s major outcomes for Europe such as the successful election of all European candidates to the ICAO Council, a new resolution on GNSS interference championed by Europe addressing growing safety and security risks, broader attention to cyber security and aviation’s role in irregular migration. While safety and technical topics remained core, this Assembly was a notably political one — shaped by global tensions and Europe’s proactive stance on many of the key issues on the table. For the first time, ICAO also saw a resolution adopted on conflict zones, calling on countries to enhance their civil-military coordination to prevent military operations from accidentally interfering with civilian traffic. Asked about the greatest need for cooperation and support collectively as Team Europe, Filip stressed how GNSS interference is one of the key priorities where the Commission works closely with EUROCONTROL and EASA to ensure Europe’s communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) infrastructure remains resilient even if GNSS or other navigation methods fail. Filip further reflects on the various bilateral meetings the Commission conducted with non-EU Member States to discuss possible cooperation in the future to improve air traffic, coordination and cooperation. He also discusses the regulatory push to make aviation energy more sustainable, and the ongoing work on STIP, the Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan - a strategic framework for supporting sustainable transport fuel production and distribution. And on a more personal level, Filip talks about the roles that have shaped him, and his career as a leading EU official working on European integration and international cooperation in aviation.
S1 · E15
Sep 22, 2025 · 31 min
Talking to EUROCONTROL’s Véronique Travers Sutter and EASA’s Cyrille Rosay
In this episode of Raising the Aviation Bar, EUROCONTROL’s Véronique Travers Sutter and EASA’s Cyrille Rosay explore the growing challenge of GNSS interference across Europe and its impact on aviation safety. They discuss how GNSS supports efficient flight operations, and why its resilience is critical. With interference increasing since 2022, especially near conflict zones, EUROCONTROL and EASA have launched a joint action plan to safeguard CNS infrastructure. The episode highlights technical upgrades, operational tools, and regulatory coordination—all part of a centralised strategy to ensure Europe’s aviation system remains safe, robust and future-ready.
S1 · E14
Mar 6, 2025 · 26 min
EUROCONTROL podcast "Raising the Aviation Bar" with Peggy Devestel, Céline Shakouri-Dias and Tânia Cardoso Simões
Special Edition: International Women's Day How important are strong role models throughout one’s career? What barriers do women still face when entering leadership roles – and what can organisations like ours do to help? In our special edition of the EUROCONTROL Raising the Aviation Bar podcast on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025 EUROCONTROL Directors Peggy Devestel (Director EUROCONTROL MUAC), Céline Shakouri-Dias (Director of People) and Tânia Cardoso Simões (Director of the European Green Sky Directorate) answer these questions and share their thoughts about leadership and their perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion. All three of our female Directors came on board in 2024, which marked a historic moment in our history: for the first time, EUROCONTROL has achieved a gender balanced top leadership team – which was one of the key aims of our Raising the Bar programme to modernise our Agency and be ambitious on improving diversity and especially gender balance here and in our sector. In the episode, the Directors share insight into their personal career and the challenges they encountered along the way.
S1 · E13
Feb 18, 2025 · 13 min
EUROCONTROL podcast "Raising the Aviation Bar" with Tony Licu
Our new #RTAB podcast episode with Tony Licu, EUROCONTROL’s Head of Technology Division shares invaluable insights into iNM - the integrated Network Management programme set to modernise EUROCONTROL's operational systems by 2030. Tony explains how iNM will renew our legacy operational systems with advanced digital products, utilising the latest technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and cloud services. Most important are of course improvements to the user experience through more intuitive user interfaces and increasing the security and resilience of the system. The episode also sheds light on the challenges of such a large-scale transformation and Tony’s experience and advice on how to make progress.
S1 · E12
Jan 22, 2025 · 31 min
EUROCONTROL podcast "Raising the Aviation Bar" with Predrag Vranjkovic
Talking to Predrag Vranjkovic This episode of our #RaisingTheAviationBar podcast catches up with Predrag Vranjkovic, Team Lead of EUROCONTROL’s CNS Programme Manager. Predrag explains how EUROCONTROL is supporting the sector in optimising its Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) infrastructure, with the aim of increasing operational efficiency, resilience and sustainability while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security. While CNS infrastructure is a national responsibility, aviation transcends borders, and there is a common interest for the sector to take into account aspects that are relevant for the air traffic network as a whole. In 2024, EUROCONTROL was given the role of CNS Programme Manager to accelerate the upgrade of CNS equipment across Europe. In this episode Predrag explains EUROCONTROL’s work to create a process and the collaboration between national CNS experts to best support the evolution of CNS over time across the air traffic network.
S1 · E11
Oct 9, 2024 · 15 min
EURCONTROL podcast "Raising the Aviation Bar" with Charlotte Pedersen
Talking to Charlotte Pedersen In our latest EUROCONTROL Raising the Aviation Bar podcast, pioneering helicopter pilot, CEO and diversity champion Charlotte Pedersen provides insights into a life-long career in aviation, and what it takes to attract a young generation to aviation. Born on the Danish island of Bornholm, Charlotte became the first female pilot in the Royal Danish Air Force in 1989, and served for many years as a helicopter search and rescue pilot. She worked at the Civil Aviation Authority in Luxembourg as a flight operations inspector, and later became CEO of Luxaviation Helicopters. She is currently the Founder and CEO of advisory company Pegasus Consilium SarL and serves among others, as a Member of the Board to WizzAir and Air Greenland. Drawing on her own experience she stresses the enormous potential for exciting opportunities the sector has to offer and hopes in particular to reach a young generation with her story.
S1 · E10
Jul 11, 2024 · 20 min
EUROCONTROL podcast "Raising the Aviation Bar" with Marylin Bastin and Tamara Pejovic
Talking to Marylin Bastin and Tamara Pejovic Talking about EUROCONTROL’s work on aviation sustainability and FlyingGreen, its new green aviation services platform In this episode of our #RaisingTheAviationBar podcast we speak to Marylin Bastin, Acting Director of EUROCONTROL’s European Green Sky Directorate and Head of Aviation Sustainability and EUROCONTROL FlyingGreen Platform Programme Manager Tamara Pejovic about the first release of FlyingGreen, EUROCONTROL’s unique one-stop-shop of green aviation services. FlyingGreen provides vital data and tools for informed decision-making on aviation decarbonisation strategies and climate change resilience.
S1 · E9
Apr 22, 2024 · 18 min
EUROCONTROL podcast “Raising the Aviation Bar” with Dorothea von Boxberg
Talking to Dorothea von Boxberg The CEO of Brussels Airlines on the aviation business, sustainability and preparing for busy summer traffic. In this episode of our #RaisingTheAviationBar podcast we speak to Dorothea von Boxberg about her plans of growing Brussels Airlines’ profitability, with a strong focus on the airline’s routes to Africa. Brussels Airlines connects the capital of Belgium with over 85 destinations, 18 of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa, and has over 3,000 staff members. As the European aviation sector prepares for busy summer traffic, Dorothea shares her insights into the airline’s preparations, as well as the latest business developments facing the sector.
S1 · E8
Mar 14, 2024 · 17 min
EUROCONTROL podcast “Raising the Aviation Bar” with Pierre Depireux
Talking to Pierre Depireux How will one of EUROCONTROL’s key aviation services – the Central Route Charges Office – develop in the future? This episode of our #RaisingTheAviationBar podcast catches up with Pierre Depireux, our Head of EUROCONTROL’s Central Route Charges Office (CRCO) to learn how the route charges system works, and how EUROCONTROL is using digital technology to provide an even better service and customer experience – a priority for the future CRCO 2.0 roadmap set out in our corporate programme #RaisingtheBar: Building EUROCONTROL 2030. In this podcast episode Pierre explains how the CRCO supports Member States and the aviation sector by collecting route charges, which cover the cost of ATC air traffic control for every flight and are the main source of liquidity for air navigation service providers across Europe. Pierre explains how route charges are calculated – and discusses potential system evolutions. The episode is a must-listen to understand better how crucial route charges are to the efficient functioning of the European aviation network.

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