CAE has officially inaugurated its first Air Traffic Services (ATS) training centre at its campus in Montreal, Canada. CAE is expanding its scope beyond training pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and cabin crew to now include air traffic controllers (ATC) and flight service specialists (FSS). This move is part of CAE’s partnership with NAV CANADA, the fully private air navigation service provider (ANSP).
The collaboration between CAE and NAV CANADA aims to address the growing global demand for skilled air traffic services personnel. Marc Parent, CAE’s president and CEO, expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting the company’s expertise in aviation learning sciences and its mission to enhance global safety. Parent emphasised the critical role of communication between flight crews and air traffic personnel in ensuring safe air travel.
Mark Cooper, President and CEO of NAV CANADA, underscored the importance of air travel to Canada’s social and economic fabric, noting NAV CANADA’s pivotal role in connecting communities and businesses worldwide. Cooper lauded the partnership as a testament to their commitment to operational excellence, innovative training, and preparing for the future of aviation.
The training centre welcomed its first cohort of students in October 2024, and CAE plans to train approximately 500 air traffic professionals by 2028. The centre delivers initial training to students from across Canada using NAV CANADA’s curriculum and courseware, while NAV CANADA continues to provide basic training, specialised courses and on-the-job training.
This initiative reflects a significant step for CAE as it enters the air traffic services sector, reinforcing its dedication to advancing safety and innovation in aviation. The partnership also positions NAV CANADA to maintain its leadership in air navigation while preparing for the evolving demands of global aviation.
