Kingston breaks ground on Canada’s first-ever digital air traffic facility

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Nav Canada announced this morning that they have broken ground on the country’s first-ever digital air traffic facility in Kingston.

Instead of relying on controllers looking directly out of a tower, the facility uses high-definition cameras and high-speed networks to create a simulated “out-the-window” view. Digital facilities like this are an emerging aviation trend across the globe with more than 65 digital facilities operating or in development in 16 countries.

While this facility is temporary, Kingston will eventually host Canada’s first permanent digital hub managing up to 20 airports by the early 2030s.

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