CAE has long been a global leader in aviation training in multiple sectors but has an increasing focus on the need for air traffic controllers.
In April 2024, for example, CAE partnered with NAV CANADA to train air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. An upgraded CAE campus in Montreal welcomed its first students just six months later and the company has already successfully trained seven cohorts of air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. These students have now transferred to NAV CANADA to complete specialty and on the job training.
Similarly, CAE is investing in innovative training techniques as new technologies and younger talent emerge from the pipeline.
At Airspace World 2025, it is showcasing an eye tracking technology for air traffic controller recruits. The technology is proven for pilot training but has been adapted for air traffic controller training to better understand how trainees scan, process and respond to dynamic radar environments.
Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President – Strategy, Performance & Marketing at CAE and Head of CAE’s new Air Traffic Services division, says that training must keep up with the accelerated modernisation efforts of air navigation service providers (ANSP), such as Trajectory Based Operations (TBO).
“We need to prepare the next generation of air traffic personnel and ensure ANSPs are future ready with high-quality training programmes and adequate training capacity,” she says. “CAE’s turnkey expertise in competency-based training design, advanced instructional delivery and data-driven technologies can support ANSPs in this transformation.”
The interactive demonstration of the eye-tracking technology puts users in a realistic, real-time operational environment where eye tracking analytics can assess trainee focus, scanning behaviour and response prioritisation under pressure.
The technology goes beyond observation and gives instructors measurable feedback to support students’ personalised learning pathways and allow them to build stronger operational habits from day one.
Try your skills in the eye-tracking demonstration at the CAE stand, H2670.