ATAG's strategy is based on the concept of building partnership approaches to meet society's growing mobility needs. These include:

• partnerships to improve the industry's efficiency and environmental performance;
• partnerships to develop infrastructure and links with other transport modes;
• partnerships with local communities around airports to reduce environmental effects and equitably distribute air transport benefits; and
• partnerships for development in order to improve transport accessibility and mobility in the developing world.

Strategic partnerships yield gains by combining the complementary capabilities of the partners involved and eliminating duplication of effort. Partnerships are built on common goals, open feedback and flexibility, as well as the ability to compromise and to share rewards.

Partnerships in air transport are possible at the local, regional and global level. They could include, for example, partnerships between: 

• airlines, airports, manufacturers, air navigation services providers, airline pilot and air traffic controller unions, chambers of commerce, travel and tourism institutions, ground transportation and communications providers (e.g.ATAG's members);
• governments and international institutions (such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), other United Nations (UN) organisations, the European Union (EU), etc.; and
• local communities and NGOs.

ATAG chairs a number of groups that adopt such a partnership approach to address infrastructure or environment issues. The Environment Summit Steeering Committee brings together players including airspace users, airports, air navigation services providers, manufacturers and regulators to form the agenda for the annual Aviation & Environment Summit.  

The EUROCONTROL Stakeholder Consultation Group (SCG) advises this organisation in matters relating to the ATM strategic objectives and the architecture of the ATM network. The European Spectrum Frequency Consultation Group harmonises the radio spectrum requirements of the aviation sector prior to the Worldwide Radio Conferences which attribute the frequencies on behalf of ITU. See section on radio spectrum.