OTTAWA — Canada’s Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, has announced the launch of the new Centre for Air Travel Research, the world’s first and only facility to study the air travel experience from start to finish.

Located next to the Ottawa International Airport and managed by the National Research Council of Canada,, the facility was designed to provide the aerospace industry with a flexible, collaborative space to develop, integrate and evaluate aerospace technologies, systems and materials. In addition to offering a realistic recreation of an airport terminal, the Centre also boasts the Flexible Cabin Laboratory, complete with an A320 aircraft cabin that allows for the study of passenger flight experience, human vibration and more.

“Canadians want safe, efficient, affordable, and comfortable air travel services. The National Research Council of Canada’s Centre for Air Travel Research – a research and development facility – will benefit travellers, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers from around the world,” said Garneau.

In 2017, over 140 million passengers travelled through Canadian airports. According to Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Canada must invest in leading-edge technologies in order to remain a leader in the aerospace industry.

“Our government is working to make sure that the Canadian aerospace industry is in the best possible position to meet customers’ needs and remain competitive,” said Bains. “By launching the world’s first and only centre dedicated to improving customers’ air travel experience, Canada is demonstrating that it’s at the leading edge of innovation.”