CAE Tackles Canada’s Air Traffic Controller Shortage with New Training Centre

Amid a severe air traffic controller shortage in Canada, CAE Inc. has launched a new training centre in Montreal to help address the growing demand. The initiative aims to increase the number of trained air traffic controllers, aiming for 478 graduates by 2028. This new program, developed in collaboration with Nav Canada, targets the labor shortage affecting Canada’s air navigation system.

The center uses realistic simulations to prepare trainees for high-pressure scenarios, including emergency situations. For example, students recently practiced guiding aircraft through mayday emergencies, mimicking real-life situations where swift decisions are crucial.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for managing an immense 18 million square kilometers of airspace, guiding pilots through takeoffs, landings, and airways. However, increasing flight traffic, an aging workforce, and prolonged training processes have exacerbated the shortage.

CAE’s training program focuses on accelerating the certification process, with a goal of tackling the urgent need for more controllers. As air travel grows, the challenge becomes even more pressing, with CAE aiming to bolster staffing levels by producing qualified professionals. Despite the training complexity—requiring up to 27 months of preparation—there’s a significant push to recruit and retain talent.

The labor shortage, intensified by retirements and delays from the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to delays in flights and put pressure on the existing workforce. To attract new recruits, Nav Canada has set competitive salaries, offering between $133,000 and $194,000 annually, with potential to exceed $250,000 with overtime.

The collaboration between CAE and Nav Canada signifies a concerted effort to address the critical shortage and ensure the continued safety and efficiency of Canadian airspace.

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