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

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

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