NAV CANADA Vancouver Airspace Modernization

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One of the busiest and most complex environments in Canada

The airspace in and around Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and Southern Vancouver Island is utilized by a large mix of operators including major domestic and international airlines, regional and commuter passenger transport, small private aircraft, and flight training, floatplanes, para-drop, sightseeing/photography and helicopter operations. NAV CANADA and its industry partners, including the Vancouver Airport Authority (VAA), are collaborating to modernize the airspace surrounding Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

The airspace surrounding the Vancouver Lower Mainland supports the significant community demand for passenger, cargo, flight training and recreational operations with a wide range of aircraft types. The region is home to a large number of airports – including YVR, the second busiest airport in Canada, mountainous terrain and coastal weather patterns. Altogether, the airspace in the region represents some of the most complex in the world. That’s why NAV CANADA and the Vancouver Airport Authority are collaborating to ensure the airspace is prepared to safely and efficiently support long term demand for air travel and the essential role that aviation plays for society and the Canadian economy.

The last significant change to airspace and operations in the Vancouver area occurred in 2007. Since that time, advances in technology, procedures, and standards have provided the aviation industry with new opportunities to modernize operations systems to reduce flying times, pollution from aircraft landing and take offs, and provide for quieter continuous descent operations.

The proposed changes would result in new arrival routes that will enhance safety while reducing overflight of residential communities where possible. As part of the initiative, an additional type of arrival procedure—known as Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR)—is being introduced at YVR to leverage satellite-based positioning and modern aircraft flight management.

If implemented, some residents may observe changes to air traffic patterns associated with select operations in the region. As a result, NAV CANADA is undertaking public consultation to ensure that communities can learn about the proposal and provide input on the proposed changes.

Vancouver Airspace Modernization

One of the busiest and most complex environments in Canada

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