Air traffic control services to remain at Sault Airport: NAV Canada

NAV Canada has announced that it will maintain air traffic control service at Sault Ste. Marie Airport and six other cities across Canada. 

In a release issued Thursday, the owner and operator of Canada's civil air navigation system said it elected to limit changes "after considerable consultation with airlines, airports, industry associations, local officials and internal stakeholders." 

“Stakeholder engagement is at the heart of NAV Canada’s aeronautical study process. The valuable input we have received indicates that a balanced approach is warranted as the industry navigates the ongoing pandemic. We are proactively taking these steps to maintain a consistent level of service as the aviation industry and our many partners shift their focus to recovery,” said NAV Canada President and CEO Ray Bohn.

NAV Canada says it will consider other alternatives to streamline operations, including changes to hours of operation.

Other airports that were under NAV Canada review included those in Windsor, St-Jean, Que., Regina, Sask., Fort McMurray, Alta., Prince George, B.C.; and Whitehorse, Yukon.

The review, announced by NAV in November 2020, looked at whether air traffic at those airports warrants having a control tower as opposed to an advisory service for pilots. 

In a statement release today, Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan said he was please to hear the news that the local air traffic control tower will be maintained.  

“I would like to thank the Sault Airport and all the local stakeholders that contacted my office and that participated in NAV CAN’s independent review," he said. “The Airport tower is a very important asset to our community’s future.”