CAE has inaugurated its first Air Traffic Services (ATS) Training Centre at its Montreal campus in Canada. Known as the largest provider of civil aviation training globally, CAE has expanded its portfolio to include the training of air traffic controllers and flight service specialists through a partnership with NAV CANADA, initiated in October 2024.
Marc Parent, President and CEO of CAE, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to officially inaugurate CAE’s first ATS training centre in collaboration with NAV CANADA. As an innovator in aviation learning sciences, CAE is perfectly positioned to partner with NAV CANADA and other Air Navigation Service Providers to meet the increasing global demand for air traffic services personnel and train the highly skilled professionals they need to manage air traffic safely. This is an extension of CAE’s core mission to make the world safer, and as a pilot, I can attest to the critical importance of the communication between flight crew and the air traffic personnel who play an essential role in the safety of every flight.”
Mark Cooper, President and CEO of NAV CANADA, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Air travel is a cornerstone of Canada’s social and economic vitality, with NAV CANADA positioned at the crossroads of international traffic, connecting communities and businesses globally. This partnership with CAE exemplifies our dedication to operational excellence, ensuring safe and efficient air navigation while preparing for the future of aviation through innovative training and collaboration.”
NAV CANADA, the world’s first fully private Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) and the second largest in terms of airspace coverage, began training students at the new facility in October 2024. CAE aims to train approximately 500 air traffic professionals by 2028. Training is delivered by CAE’s instructors using NAV CANADA’s curriculum and courseware. NAV CANADA continues to oversee basic training, specialty courses, and on-the-job training, ensuring comprehensive development of air traffic services personnel.
Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President of Strategy, Performance & Marketing at CAE and Head of the new ATS division, stated: “We are very proud of this first partnership with NAV CANADA and are excited to help them train more air traffic controllers and flight service specialists over the coming three years. As ANSPs accelerate their airspace modernisation efforts, it is critical that equal emphasis is placed on training innovation to prepare the next generation of air traffic personnel. CAE’s turn-key expertise in competency-based training design, advanced instructional delivery, and data-driven technologies can support ANSPs in this transformation.”
With a robust understanding of global regulatory requirements, CAE plans to expand its Approved Training Organisations across various jurisdictions. Leveraging its network of over 70 facilities across five continents, CAE is poised to integrate ATS training into its infrastructure to address the growing demand worldwide.
IMAGE: ©CAE – Instructor and students in the simulator room at CAE’s Air Traffic Services Training Centre. SOURCE: CAE
