CAE inaugurates its first Air Traffic Services Training Centre in collaboration with NAV CANADA

Rhea-AI Summary

CAE has inaugurated its first Air Traffic Services (ATS) Training Centre in Montreal, marking its entry into air traffic controller training. The facility, launched in partnership with NAV CANADA, began operations in October 2024 with the goal of training approximately 500 air traffic professionals by 2028.

The collaboration involves CAE delivering initial training for air traffic controllers and flight service specialists using NAV CANADA's curriculum, while NAV CANADA continues to handle basic training, specialty courses, and on-the-job training. This partnership represents CAE's first venture with the world's first fully private Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP).

CAE plans to leverage its global network of over 70 facilities across five continents to expand ATS training based on demand. The company aims to support ANSPs in their airspace modernization efforts through competency-based training design and data-driven technologies.

Positive

• Expansion into new market segment with air traffic services training
• Strategic partnership with NAV CANADA, world's first fully private ANSP
• Target to train 500 air traffic professionals by 2028
• Potential for global expansion through existing 70+ facility network

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aviation Industry Analyst

This strategic partnership between CAE and NAV CANADA represents a calculated expansion into the critical air traffic services training sector. The commitment to train 500 air traffic professionals by 2028 addresses a growing industry need, as global air traffic continues to increase and many controllers approach retirement age. The timing is particularly strategic given the post-pandemic aviation recovery and increasing demand for qualified personnel.

The partnership leverages CAE's established training infrastructure and NAV CANADA's expertise in air navigation services. CAE's global network of 70+ facilities across five continents positions them well for potential international expansion in ATS training. This move diversifies CAE's revenue streams beyond their traditional pilot and crew training programs, potentially opening up new market opportunities with other Air Navigation Service Providers globally.

While this initiative won't generate immediate significant revenue impact, it establishes CAE's presence in a specialized market with high barriers to entry. The focus on competency-based training and data-driven technologies aligns with industry modernization trends and could position CAE as a preferred partner for airspace modernization initiatives worldwide.

Market Research Analyst

The strategic value of this expansion lies in addressing a critical industry bottleneck. The air traffic controller workforce faces significant demographic challenges, with many controllers nearing retirement age. This partnership positions CAE to capitalize on a growing market need while diversifying its training portfolio beyond traditional aviation training services.

The collaboration with NAV CANADA, which manages the world's second-largest airspace, provides CAE with valuable credibility in the ATS training sector. This reference case could facilitate expansion into other markets, particularly as air navigation service providers globally seek to modernize their training programs and infrastructure. The potential market size for ATS training is substantial, considering the global nature of aviation and the continuous need for qualified personnel.

The recently opened training centre on CAE's campus in Montreal marks a broadening of CAE's training portfolio

MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - (NYSE: CAE) (TSX: CAE) – Today, global aviation training leader CAE has inaugurated its first Air Traffic Services (ATS) Training Centre, on its campus in Montreal, Canada. As the largest provider of civil aviation training worldwide, CAE trains pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and cabin crew. Last October, CAE started partnering in the training of air traffic controllers (ATC) and flight service specialists (FSS) with NAV CANADA.

"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 (ANSP) to meet the increasing global demand for air traffic services personnel and train the highly skilled professionals they need to manage air traffic safely," said CAE President and CEO Marc Parent. "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."

"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," said Mark Cooper, President and CEO of NAV CANADA. "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."

CAE's first partnership in the air traffic services sector is with the world's first fully private ANSP, and second largest in terms of the size of its airspace, NAV CANADA.

The first students began their training at the new facility in October 2024, with CAE aiming to train approximately 500 air traffic professionals by 2028. CAE's instructors deliver initial training for air traffic controllers and flight service specialists to students coming from across Canada using NAV CANADA's training curriculum and courseware. NAV CANADA will continue to deliver basic training, all specialty courses, and on-the-job training, with the latter part of Air Traffic Services training solely offered by NAV CANADA.

"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," said Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President - Strategy, Performance & Marketing at CAE and Head of CAE's new Air Traffic Services (ATS) division. "As ANSPs accelerate their airspace modernization 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."

CAE has extensive experience and a strong understanding of global regulatory requirements, enabling the expansion of Approved Training Organizations across various authorities. The company intends to leverage its existing global footprint of over 70 facilities on five continents and expand its infrastructure to incorporate ATS training wherever there is demand.

Photos of the new Air Traffic Services Training Centre are available on CAE's website.

About CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we're everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we'll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Read our FY24 Global Annual Activity and Sustainability Report.

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Contacts:

General Media
Samantha Golinski, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications
+1 438-805-5856, samantha.golinski@cae.com

Trade Media
Jessica Shergill, Director, Integrated Marketing
+1 514-264-9672, jessica.shergill@cae.com

Investor Relations:
Andrew Arnovitz, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Enterprise Risk Management
+1-514-734-5760, andrew.arnovitz@cae.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cae-inaugurates-its-first-air-traffic-services-training-centre-in-collaboration-with-nav-canada-302352832.html

SOURCE CAE Inc.

FAQ

How many air traffic professionals does CAE plan to train by 2028?

CAE aims to train approximately 500 air traffic professionals by 2028 through its new Air Traffic Services Training Centre in Montreal.

When did CAE's Air Traffic Services Training Centre begin operations?

The training centre began operations in October 2024, with the first students starting their training at that time.

What is the scope of CAE's partnership with NAV CANADA for air traffic training?

CAE delivers initial training for air traffic controllers and flight service specialists using NAV CANADA's curriculum, while NAV CANADA handles basic training, specialty courses, and on-the-job training.

How many training facilities does CAE currently operate globally?

CAE operates over 70 training facilities across five continents, which they plan to leverage for expanding their ATS training services.

Where is CAE's first Air Traffic Services Training Centre located?

CAE's first Air Traffic Services Training Centre is located on CAE's campus in Montreal, Canada.