Advisory Committee

As the new Chair of the NAV CANADA Advisory Committee (NCAC), I am pleased to address you for the first time. Through this letter, I hope to update you on the current and future state of our committee's activities.

Current State of Affairs
As the industry continues to recover from the effects of COVID, I’m pleased to note that the NCAC recently undertook its first facilities visit since NCAC 72 in Toronto in May of 2019! NCAC members met in June 2023 for NCAC 84 in Edmonton. We had an opportunity to tour the various facilities and, importantly, to learn and observe firsthand the operational execution of NAV CANADA staff.

Meeting cadence and predictability are essential for the members of any committee. I’m pleased to report that our meeting and site tours have been set and agreed to for all NCAC 2024 activities.

Vision and Objectives
Members of the NCAC each bring a unique perspective and insight into the issues affecting NAV CANADA and the industry. Our mandate is to study, report and make recommendations to the Board on matters related to Canada’s civil air navigation system. To that end, I’d like to leave you with three key themes that are relevant and impact the team at NAV CANADA.

1. Staffing and Change Management
2. Technology
3. Operational Execution

Staffing and Change Management
As we navigate the complexities of the air navigation service provider, it's imperative to focus on staffing and change management within NAV CANADA. The dynamic nature of our operations necessitates a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable. At the same time, the organization needs to ensure that employees are provided with the tools, technology and training in order to execute their mission.

The strategic direction NAV CANADA has chosen necessitates a careful review of existing procedures, technology, and ways of work for its staff members. Safe and efficient operations are the foundation of NAV CANADA’s service level. Like you, NCAC members are invested in seeing that continue as the organization adapts to new technology and service delivery.

Technology
Technological advancements offer unprecedented opportunities to improve operational efficiency and safety protocols. However, integrating new technology requires meticulous planning and rigorous testing to meet the highest safety standards.

The NCAC is committed to working closely with NAV CANADA's technical teams to evaluate potential technologies, assess their impact on safety metrics, operational impacts and provide recommendations for implementation. We aim to balance innovation and safety, ensuring that NAV CANADA remains a global leader in aviation safety while embracing the benefits of technological progress.

Operational Execution
Operational excellence at NAV CANADA is increasingly being informed by data analytics and trend analysis. We can make more informed decisions that enhance safety and efficiency by leveraging real-time data and historical trends. Data analytics allow us to identify patterns in air traffic management and optimize routing. Committee members are very interested in these efforts and how they inform and impact their operations. Traffic management in the air and on the ground is central to safe and efficient operations. A theme the industry will continue to experience in the year ahead.

On behalf of my fellow NCAC committee members, I am committed to ensuring that the NCAC serves as an effective advisory body to the Board members at NAV CANADA. I look forward to your support and collaboration as we embark on this journey.

Sincerely,

Anthony Norejko
Chairman
NAV CANADA Advisory Committee