NAV Canada has announced that Edmonton will be the home of a new air navigation system.
The new system is set to be a major improvement in air traffic operations in Canada but also assisting in Europe. The system, called iTEC SkyNex ATM is supposed to improve flying efficiency and promote greener air travel, alongside reducing costs and improving system integration.
“Today, we announce the first location of our next-generation aviation solutions—ensuring Canadian-tested technologies help shape global standards for safety, sustainability, and digital transformation,” said Mark Cooper, President and CEO of NAV CANADA. “Together, we signal a new era of transatlantic collaboration by co-developing with seven other Air Navigation Service Providers. This critical step strengthens our innovation ecosystem and helps us meet the demands of future air travel, boosting our economic resilience.”
Edmonton provides an ideal launching point for iTEC SkyNex, as the Control Centre is located within the world’s larges non-oceanic Flight Information Region.
The traffic mix is diverse, with the airport hosting many domestic and internation flights.
“A safe and secure aviation system plays an essential role in Canada’s economy, and in connecting Canadians, our communities and businesses,” said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. “At a time when transportation networks face growing pressures, Canada’s collaboration with European colleagues as part of the iTEC alliance highlights the power of cooperation between key international partners, reaffirms our country’s global leadership in aerospace innovation and is a clear sign of Canada’s readiness to meet the challenges ahead.”
The core component of the new SkyNex system is the Flight Data Processer, which calculates flight paths, detects potential conflicts and updates data in real time. The new Processer will eventually replace NAV Canada’s current system following further development from its Canadian and European partners.
NAV Canada is a not-for-profit company established in 1996 designed to provide air traffic control, airport advisory services and weather briefing for the over 18 million square kilometres of Canadian airspace.
