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Category: Government

  • NAV CANADA Study Projects Drones Will Reshape Canada’s Low-Level Airspace, Economy and Daily Life

    Landmark study on the future of drones in Canada projects 20x growth in GDP contribution and 10x growth in jobs by 2045

    OTTAWA, ON, April 15, 2026 /CNW/ – A new market study commissioned by NAV CANADA projects that remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) – commonly known as drones – and advanced air mobility (AAM) could become one of Canada’s most dynamic and fast-growing aviation sectors over the next two decades, unlocking tens of billions of dollars in annual economic activity.

    Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) (CNW Group/NAV CANADA)

    “The scale of economic opportunity highlighted in this study confirms that Canada is entering a new era of aviation,” said Mark Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer at NAV CANADA. “To seize that potential, Canada’s key players need to be ready – by investing in the infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships that will enable safe integration of new airspace users. Canada has a unique opportunity to lead globally, and the work starts now.”

    Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) (CNW Group/NAV CANADA)

    The study forecasts a significant expansion in the number of aircraft operating in the use cases it captures, from approximately 24,000 in 2024 to 507,000 by 2045. While most operations occur within the line of sight of the pilot, in the next decade most will be Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) devices – an indication that drones will be travelling further, requiring more extensive traffic management.

    By the year 2045, the RPAS Traffic Management (RTM) system is projected to handle roughly 19 million operations, equating to more than 50,000 operations daily. However, the study anticipates operations of more than 21 million drone and AAM flights by this time, requiring additional investment to increase the system to meet projected demands and seize the potential of this growing sector.

    Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) (CNW Group/NAV CANADA)

    According to the study, the growth of the RPAS has the potential to make Canada safer, healthier, and better-connected. In fact, by 2045, Canadians skies are projected to see:

    • Health care: 350,000 yearly health-care deliveries, including pathology samples, blood, organs, prescription medicine, and other medical goods
    • Public safety: Around 15,000 RPAS assisting with law enforcement, border surveillance, emergency management, and disaster management
    • Transportation: 150,000 RPAS passenger transportation operations, including tourism, commute, and health-care applications
    • Consumer goods: 4.9 million consumer goods delivery flights, including food, grocery, parcels, and e-commerce

    According to the study, the RPAS and AAM sectors contributed between $2.4 billion and $3.6 billion CAD to Canada’s GDP in 2024, supporting more than 30,000 jobs nationwide. By 2045, that contribution is forecast to grow more than twentyfold, reaching over $69 billion CAD and creating more than 290,000 new jobs as demand accelerates for data processing, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and remote flight operations. To meet this growth, skilled and educated local workforces will be required, supporting universities and research, and local businesses development.

    “Integrating millions of uncrewed and advanced air mobility flights will require resilient digital infrastructure, adaptive traffic-management frameworks, and tighter data exchange between operators, regulators and NAV CANADA,” said David Sheppard, Vice President and Chief Technology and Information Officer at NAV CANADA. “This study sets out the scale of that challenge and highlights the work now underway to ensure these technologies can be safely and efficiently integrated into Canadian airspace.”

    Canadian businesses also stand to benefit. Currently, construction, infrastructure, and real estate account for 45 per cent of operations and 39 per cent of total aircraft. However, transportation and logistics is expected to be the dominant sector by 2045, particularly with the rise of drone delivery services, which will lead to a significant increase in the number of aircraft operating simultaneously.

    Beyond recreational flying, 97 per cent of operations are expected to deliver measurable business value, improving efficiency and safety across sectors such as construction, energy and mining. In fact, the study shows that automated solutions can achieve cost savings of 50-70 per cent when implemented on-site.

    Through continued innovation and close collaboration with partners such as Transport Canada (TC), the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM), and the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC), NAV CANADA is helping shape a future where drones and advanced air mobility seamlessly integrate into daily life, drive economic growth, and keep Canada’s skies among the safest in the world.

    Read the full study here

    Quick Facts

    • The first of its kind by NAV CANADA, the study drew input from more than 40 industry experts and analysts across the aviation, technology, and infrastructure sectors.
    • The study draws on more than 3,000 verified data sources, reports, and market insights, making it the most comprehensive forecasting model ever produced for Canada’s RPAS and AAM industries.
    • Together, these efforts have resulted in a robust and forward-looking assessment that will help shape policy, infrastructure planning, and investment decisions as Canada transitions to a more automated and connected airspace.

    About NAV CANADA

    NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

    The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record and technology innovation.

  • Team SkyAlyne and the RCAF visit Airbus, Grob, and Pilatus

    9 April 2026

    Over two weeks in late March and early April, members of SkyAlyne, CAE, KF Aerospace, and Royal Canadian Air Force teams had the opportunity to see vital assets for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program in-person, with visits to several aircraft production facilities in Germany and Switzerland, along with attending the Military Flight Training Conference in Switzerland.  

    The itinerary included meetings and tours with Airbus, Grob, and Pilatus, where three of the aircraft fleets for the FAcT program are currently in production. These visits were very useful and provided a detailed view of manufacturing processes, quality control standards, and program progress at each organization. 

    At Airbus, in Donauwörth, Germany, the delegation toured production facilities and met with program representatives to review the CT-153 Juno (Airbus H135) aircraft being delivered as part of FAcT. The visit enabled direct engagement with the supplier while observing progress on the production line, including a test flight of a Juno recently out-of-manufacturing. 

    More photos here

    Similarly, the visit to Grob, in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, included a walkthrough of the manufacturing facilities, where the CT-102B Astra II (Grob G 120TP) is being produced. Important conversations with the supplier also took place, regarding the aircraft on order, including production status and milestones.  

    At Pilatus, in Stans, Switzerland, the delegation toured production areas and met with the teams to discuss the CT-157 Siskin II (Pilatus PC-21) aircraft being procured for the FAcT program. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the build process and engage directly on key aspects of delivery, and included a fly-by demonstration of the aircraft.  

  • NAV CANADA announces fiscal 2026 second quarter financial results

    OTTAWA, ON, April 9, 2026 /CNW/ – NAV CANADA today released its financial results for the three and six months ended February 28, 2026.

    In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, NAV CANADA maintained financial stability while continuing to advance investments in the infrastructure and systems that support Canada’s air navigation system. Air traffic levels moderated during the quarter, primarily due to severe weather disruptions that impacted aviation system capacity. At the same time, the Company continued to progress its modernization agenda, directing resources toward priority initiatives that strengthen service delivery and long‑term operational resilience. Looking ahead, NAV CANADA is monitoring emerging geopolitical developments and higher fuel costs, which may place additional pressure on the aviation industry and could influence future traffic levels and operating costs, depending on their duration and severity.

    “We are making deliberate investments in the systems and infrastructure that will define the future of air navigation in Canada,” said Mark Cooper, President and CEO. “This quarter reflects the balance we’re maintaining: strengthening service delivery today while building the capacity and resilience our industry partners and customers will need in the years ahead.”

    In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company saw an increase in air traffic levels, as measured in weighted charging units, of 1.5% on a year over year basis. The Company’s revenue was $405 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, which is $9 million higher than the same period in fiscal 2025, due to higher weighted charging unit volumes and the increase in customer service charge rates effective January 1, 2025.

    The Company ended the quarter with strong liquidity reserves, including a cash balance of $393 million. This liquidity position provides flexibility to manage through periods of air traffic volatility and cost pressures, while continuing to fund critical operations and infrastructure investments. Negative free cash flow of $71 million was generated in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to $69 million in the same period in fiscal 2025, reflecting increased investment in the Company’s infrastructure.

    The rate stabilization account shortfall balance increased by $60 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. As of February 28, 2026, the shortfall balance was $89 million and is expected to be recovered from customers through future service charges.

    Associated Links

    The Company’s Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended February 28, 2026 can be found at:

    Financial Statements
    Management’s Discussion and Analysis

    About NAV CANADA

    NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

  • NAV CANADA reports February 2026 traffic figure

    OTTAWA, ON, March 31, 2026 /CNW/ – NAV CANADA announced today its traffic figure for the month of February 2026 as measured in weighted charging units for enroute, terminal and oceanic air navigation services, in comparison to the prior year.

    In February 2026 weighted charging units were higher on average by 3.4 percent compared to the same month in 2025.

    Weighted charging units represent a traffic measure that reflects the number of billable flights, aircraft size and distance flown in Canadian airspace and is the basis for movement-based service charges, which comprise the vast majority of the Company’s air traffic revenue.

    About NAV CANADA

    NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

    The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation.

  • WestJet penalized for violations of the APPR

    March 5, 2026 – Gatineau, QC – The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has issued administrative monetary penalties totalling $70,000 against WestJet for violations of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR).

    On or about February 16, 2025, WestJet committed 16 violations of subsection 14(1)(a) of the APPR by failing to provide passengers affected by the delay and subsequent cancellation of flight WS3103, food and drink in reasonable quantities, taking into account the length of the wait, the time of the day and the location of the passengers.

    On or about that same date, WestJet also committed 19 violations of subsection 14(2) of the APPR by failing to offer passengers affected by the delay and cancellation of that same flight, hotel or other comparable accommodation that is reasonable in relation to the location of the passengers, as well as transportation to the hotel or other accommodation and back to the airport, free of charge, while passengers were required to wait overnight for their original flight or for a flight reserved as part of alternate travel arrangements.

    WestJet has until April 7, 2026, to request reviews before the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.

  • NAV CANADA recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for a second consecutive year

    OTTAWA, ON, March 5, 2026 /CNW/ – NAV CANADA proudly announced today that it has once again been named one of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) Top Employers for 2026, marking its second consecutive year receiving the distinction.

    Presented by the editors of The Career Directory, this prestigious recognition highlights organizations in the NCR that lead in workplace culture, employee support programs, and forward-looking people strategies.

    This back-to-back recognition reflects NAV CANADA’s sustained commitment to building an environment where employees are empowered to grow, innovate and contribute to one of the world’s safest and most respected air navigation systems. Earning the distinction for a second year in a row underscores the organization’s consistent focus on employee development, inclusion and well-being.

    The organization has implemented a range of initiatives designed to support its workforce, including the NAV CANADA Operational Career Opportunity Program which provides internal pathways for employees to transition into Air Traffic Services careers. Additionally, NAV CANADA has enhanced its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, including expanded inclusive leadership training and Indigenous education bursaries aimed at broadening access to careers in aviation.

    “We listen, we offer an inclusive environment with health and wellness programs, and employees have opportunities to collaborate and grow within the company,” says Diana Kelly VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at NAV CANADA. “NAV CANADA demonstrates that investing in people isn’t just good policy — it’s the foundation of operational excellence and organizational success.”

    As NAV CANADA looks ahead, attracting and retaining top talent remains a priority. Being featured in the NCR Top Employers directory provides prospective candidates with insight into the organization’s culture, benefits and long-term career opportunities within a unique, mission-driven environment.

    To learn more about why NAV CANADA was selected as one of the NCR’s Top Employers for 2026, visit link.

    About NAV CANADA

    NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

    The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation.

  • NAV CANADA reports January 2026 traffic figure

    OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 24, 2026 /CNW/ – NAV CANADA announced today its traffic figure for the month of January 2026 as measured in weighted charging units for enroute, terminal and oceanic air navigation services, in comparison to the prior year.

    In January 2026 weighted charging units were lower on average by 1.1 percent compared to the same month in 2025.

    Weighted charging units represent a traffic measure that reflects the number of billable flights, aircraft size and distance flown in Canadian airspace and is the basis for movement-based service charges, which comprise the vast majority of the Company’s air traffic revenue.

    About NAV CANADA

    NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit company, established in 1996, providing air traffic control, airport advisory services, weather briefings and aeronautical information services for more than 18 million square kilometres of Canadian domestic and international airspace.

    The Company is internationally recognized for its safety record, and technology innovation.

  • Statement – Minister MacKinnon marks National Aviation Day

    OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 23, 2026 /CNW/ – The Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, today issued the following statement to mark National Aviation Day.

    “On National Aviation Day, we celebrate Canada’s proud aviation history and the vital role air transportation plays in connecting our vast country and linking Canadians to the world.

    “From the first powered flight in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, more than a century ago, to the development of world-class aircraft manufacturing and aerospace expertise, Canada has long been a leader in aviation.

    “Aviation remains essential to the daily lives of Canadians. Our air transportation system enables millions of passengers and vast quantities of goods to move safely and efficiently each year. It connects families, supports tourism, strengthens supply chains, and ensures that communities–particularly in rural, remote, and northern regions–have access to critical services and economic opportunities.

    “Aviation is also a powerful economic engine. The sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country and contributes significantly to Canada’s prosperity. A strong and competitive aviation system helps Canadian businesses reach global markets, attracts investment, and enhances our ability to compete on the world stage.

    “Safety is, and will always be, our top priority. Canada’s aviation system is recognized globally for its strong safety record, built on rigorous standards, continuous oversight, and close collaboration between government, industry, and international partners. We remain committed to learning, improving, and adapting to new challenges so that Canadians can continue to have confidence in our air transportation system, and so that it continues to be resilient, reliable and trusted.

    “As we look to the future, innovation and technology will play an increasingly important role in shaping the next chapter of Canadian aviation. From cleaner fuels and quieter aircraft to digital systems that improve efficiency and environmental performance, these innovations are helping to reduce environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and position Canada as a leader in the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector.

    “Today is also an opportunity to recognize and thank the people who make aviation possible. Pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, engineers, maintenance professionals, airport workers, manufacturers, inspectors, and many others work tirelessly–often behind the scenes–to keep Canadians safe and connected. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication are the backbone of our aviation system.

    “On National Aviation Day, we recognize the achievements of the past, the strength of the present, and the promise of the future. Together, we will continue to build an aviation system that serves Canadians, drives innovation, and helps our country thrive.”

    Visit Transport Canada’s website.

  • Statement – Minister MacKinnon marks International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families

    OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 20, 2026 /CNW/ – The Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, today issued the following statement to mark the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families.

    “Today, on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families, Canada joins countries around the world in honouring the memory of those whose lives were tragically cut short in aviation accidents, and in expressing our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones who continue to feel the impact of their loss.

    “We reflect not only on the lives taken too soon, but also on the resilience and courage shown by families in the face of unimaginable grief. Their strength inspires us to continue our work to make aviation safer and more transparent and reinforces our collective commitment to preventing future tragedies.

    “Canada is steadfast in its commitment to global aviation safety. Through the Safer Skies Initiative, we are working with international partners to strengthen safety standards, mitigate risks to civil aviation — including those posed by conflict and unstable environments — and promote the highest levels of protection for passengers and crew. This initiative reflects Canada’s belief that safety is a shared responsibility and that every air traveller deserves to arrive at their destination safely and with confidence.

    “When air disasters occur, the way we respond matters deeply. Transport Canada is honoured to collaborate with ICAO and with States around the world to improve the support provided to victims and their families. Together, we advance international standards and best practices that ensure timely, transparent communication, respectful care, and coordinated support for those affected by tragedy. These efforts are rooted in compassion and guided by our shared commitment to placing people at the centre of our global aviation system.

    “Canada will continue to work with ICAO, member States, industry partners, and families to strengthen how we prevent accidents and how we care for those left behind when tragedy strikes. On this International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families, we reaffirm our resolve to honour the memory of victims through concrete action, collaboration, and a sustained commitment to safer skies for all.”

    Visit Transport Canada’s website. 

  • Canadian Transportation Agency Launch of New Air Passenger Protection Website

    February 3, 2026 – Gatineau, QC – The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) launched its newly redesigned Air Passenger Protection website.

    The upgraded platform represents a significant step forward in the CTA’s ongoing commitment to provide clear, accessible information about the protections available to passengers when they travel.

    The new site also reflects the CTA’s vision for user-focused public-facing digital services that meet the evolving needs of Canadians.

    Key enhancements include:

    • Modern, responsive design so that passengers can easily access the site on any device no matter where they are
    • Streamlined navigation so passengers can quickly find what they need to know
    • Accessibility-driven design and functionality that meet international accessibility standards and align with WCAG standards
    • Modular structure allowing the CTA to update and expand content efficiently

    By leveraging new design capabilities and a flexible architecture, the CTA is better equipped to provide timely, pertinent information to Canadians, including during travel disruptions, regulatory changes, or emerging situations.