Forecasts suggest that by 2035 there will be 14.4m flights a year across Europe, 50% more than in 2012. Europe’s airspace, and the way we manage it, will need to be very efficient to deal with that level of demand and maintain both safety and service.

As Airport Live comes to a close, NATS Chief Executive Richard Deakin reflects on the future of Air Traffic Management and the way forward for our ‘invisible infrastructure’.

Juliet Kennedy, Operations Director at our Swanwick Centre spoke to BBC Radio Solent earlier this week about Air Traffic Control.

Most, if not all of us who have flown into London Heathrow will have experienced their aircraft being ‘held’ – circling on the outskirts of the airport – before being given clearance to land. So why does it happen – and is it necessary?

Last summer the eyes of the world were firmly fixed on Great Britain as hosts of the London 2012 Olympics. Guaranteeing the smooth arrival and departure of an additional five million visitors to the UK was of paramount importance under such an intense spotlight.