Continued from Cover
Spain is a gateway to the world, so air transport has huge strategic and economic importance throughout the country. And nothing exemplifies that more than being able to host World ATM Congress,” he said.
“Being able to organise this conference once again is solid proof that we are witnessing steady and sustained recovery of the entire air sector, of which Spain is a standard bearer.”
Air transportation is one of the engines of the Spanish economy, creating around 400,000 jobs and accounting for 3 percent of the Spanish gross domestic product. Eight out of 10 foreigners arrive in Spain by plane, His Majesty said, necessitating an aviation economic reconstruction that is sound, inclusive, and resilient.
“This industry is probably the most affected by COVID,” he said. But there are reasons to be optimistic about the future. His Majesty predicted Spanish air traffic will reach pre-pandemic levels between 2023 and 2024. In the meantime, the industry needs to address security, digitalisation, new technologies, and environmental standards. “We also must do our utmost to make a Single European Sky a reality,” he said.
The robust growth of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is also a factor in Spanish air traffic, his majesty said. “Spain is one of the better connected countries of the world, but the future includes different means of transport. There’s a growing need for the coexistence of conventional aviation and unmanned or unpiloted aircraft.” But, he said with a laugh, “I won’t be the first to try unpiloted aircraft.”
With hope and determination, the world’s air traffic community will continue to manage all of the flights that sail across our skies, his majesty said. “The most worthwhile journeys are those we embark on together, with people sharing the same dreams.”
PAGE 4