Spotlight Episode 17 - Switzerland

In this last episode of 2025, IFATCA Spotlight host Thorsten Raue engages with Benjamin Fichtner and Jesse Giacometti, representatives of our Swiss Member Association Helvetica. They discuss their journey into air traffic control, the formation of Helvetica, challenges faced in European airspace management, gender representation in the field, and the unique aspects of Swiss air traffic control. The conversation also touches on communication protocols, team resource management, and community engagement through sports activities. The episode concludes with insights into the future of Helvetica and leadership changes within the organization.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, Thorsten Raue interviews Andy Mullins, an air traffic controller from the Irish Air Traffic Controllers Association. They discuss the background of air traffic control in Ireland, the career path to becoming a controller, the role of the association, and the challenges faced in the industry. The conversation also covers the management of airspace, the dynamics of traffic flow, and the implementation of team resource management in Ireland. It further focuses on the positive work environment at Shannon ACC, the importance of critical incident stress management and peer support, and the challenges of addressing workplace stress and substance abuse. They explore operational differences between Shannon and Dublin centres, advanced technology in air traffic control systems, and the unique aspects of Irish airspace. The conversation also touches on the future of air traffic control, including the integration of AI and the implementation of the TopSky system, emphasising the need for controller involvement in these developments.

In anticipation of the IFATCA Asia/Pacific Regional Meeting, our Spotlight host, Thorsten Raue, interviews Raymond Tam, the president of the Macau Air Traffic Controller Association. They discuss the unique challenges and operations of air traffic control in Macau, including the region's airspace coordination with Hong Kong and China, the layout of Macau International Airport, and the upcoming Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting. Raymond shares insights into his journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the role of the association, and future developments in air traffic management in Macau.

The upcoming IFATCA European Regional Meeting is the perfect opportunity to listen to this episode of IFATCA Spotlight. Our host, Thorsten Raue, discusses the intricacies of air traffic control in Italy with his guests Alessandra Piotto and Fabrizio Fiorente. They explore the career paths for air traffic controllers, the transformation of services, the role of ANACNA, gender dynamics in the field, the challenges faced by regional airports, and the future of Fiumicino Airport. The conversation also delves into the structure of Italian airspace, language use in air traffic control, the ongoing digital transformation, and, of course, the upcoming European Regional Meeting in Bologna.

Traveling to the Americas Regional Meeting in Aruba? Why not get in the mood with the latest episode of IFATCA Spotlight. Our host, Thorsten Raue, interviews members of the Aruba Air Traffic Controllers Association (ATCAA) to explore their experiences, challenges, and the unique aspects of air traffic control in Aruba. The conversation covers the journey to becoming an air traffic controller, changes in service levels, the dynamics of working in a small island environment, and the importance of coordination with both air and maritime traffic. The episode also highlights the upcoming Americas Regional Meeting and the beauty of working in Aruba's picturesque setting.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, Thorsten Raue interviews Andre Budi Situmorang, a representative of the Indonesia Air Traffic Controllers Association. They discuss Andre's journey into air traffic control, the evolution of training in Indonesia, the structure of Indonesian airspace, and the challenges faced by air traffic controllers in the region. The conversation also touches on the importance of language in coordination, the need for critical incident stress management, and the role of team resource management in ensuring effective communication among controllers. Additionally, they explore the impact of seasonal traffic and weather challenges on air traffic management in Indonesia.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, Renz Bulseco interviews Miriam Kelm, an air traffic controller and executive board member of GDF, the German air traffic controllers' association. They discuss Miriam's journey into air traffic control, the roles and responsibilities within GDF, the challenges of gender representation in the field, and the impact of weather on air traffic management. The conversation also touches on mental health support for controllers, training processes, and the future of air traffic control, including the implementation of remote towers.

In this tenth episode of the IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Renz from the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association (PATCA). Renz shares his journey to becoming an air traffic controller, the challenges faced during training, and his involvement with IFATCA. He discusses the operations of PATCA, the organisation of air traffic control in the Philippines, and the impact of technology on their work. The conversation also touches on the importance of teamwork, stress management, and the camaraderie within the air traffic control community, including sports and team-building activities.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Sean Blair and Petro Pinnock from the Jamaica Air Traffic Controller Association (JATCA). They discuss the journey to becoming air traffic controllers in Jamaica, the history and structure of JATCA, the traffic flow and operations at Jamaican airports, and future developments in the aviation sector.The conversation highlights the challenges faced by air traffic controllers and the importance of their role in managing air traffic, especially in a tourist-heavy region like Jamaica. This conversation delves into the intricacies of air traffic control in Jamaica, focusing on vacation planning, external coordination challenges, automation, critical incident stress management, team resource management initiatives, and the impact of weather on operations. The speakers share insights into their unique cultural context and the importance of maintaining high service standards despite challenges.

In this episode of IFATCA Spotlight, host Thorsten Raue interviews Maitha Alobeidli, a senior air traffic control officer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They discuss the Emirates Aviation Association, the role of women in air traffic control, the challenges of managing air traffic, and the upcoming IFATCA Global Conference in 2025.Maitha shares her journey into aviation, the training process for air traffic controllers in the UAE, and the importance of community and recognition within the profession.