From Grassroots to Airways: How Centre De Formation En Transport De Charlesbourg – CFTC, NAVBLUE and Airbus are elevating Aviation Education in Quebec
Quebec’s Role in Airbus’ Vision for Aviation
Quebec has long been a strategic hub for Airbus, hosting over 4,000 employees at its A220 commercial aircraft programme headquarters and Airbus Atlantic Canada. The A220 Programme is jointly owned by Airbus (75%) and the Government of Quebec (25%), reinforcing the province’s key role in the global aerospace industry. As part of its commitment to Canada’s aviation ecosystem, Airbus is deeply invested in supporting the next generation of aviation professionals. One of the strongest examples of this commitment is the ongoing collaboration between NAVBLUE, an Airbus company, and the Charlesbourg Transportation Training Center (CFTC).
A Trusted Collaboration in Aviation Training
CFTC has been a long-standing user of NAVBLUE solutions, utilising the N-Flight Planning system since 2011. This collaboration has helped train generations of students, providing them with real-world experience in flight operations and dispatcher certification. These Graduates from this program have secured positions with airlines that rely on NAVBLUE and Airbus products and services, further enhancing the school’s reputation as a key contributor to shaping the future workforce.
As CFTC continues to enhance its training programs, it has once again chosen NAVBLUE, expanding its technology suite to include N-Ops and Crew, NAVBLUE’s operations and crew control software. With the system’s go-live in March 2025, this upgrade will ensure that students train on the same advanced tools used by commercial airlines, preparing them for the transition from classroom to operational control centre.
Investing in the Future of Aviation
This collaboration is more than just technology, it’s about investing in the future. NAVBLUE and Airbus share a vision of a safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation industry, and education plays a critical role in that mission. By equipping students with industry-leading tools, CFTC is fostering the next generation of aviation professionals who will contribute to the growth of air travel worldwide.
Airbus’ presence in Quebec is built on innovation, collaboration, and long-term commitment, not only in education, but also in the broader Canadian economy. Airbus is a key driver of economic growth, creating approximately 23,000 indirectly sustained jobs in aerospace, working with more than 850 suppliers, and sourcing over $2 billion CAD from Canadian companies.
From grassroots education to the global impact of the A220, collaborations like this strengthen Airbus and NAVBLUE’s ties to Canada, ensuring the future of aviation soars with highly skilled professionals leading the way.
“At the CFTC, our collaboration with NAVBLUE and Airbus represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance our training program and provide our students with privileged access to the tools used in the industry. This is a concrete way to bring education closer to the job market and better prepare the next generation.” Said Michel Couture, CFTC School Principal.
“At Airbus, we’re proud to strengthen Quebec’s aviation sector through our partnerships with educational institutions like CFTC. By connecting students with industry-leading technology and training, we’re building a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive innovation in our industry. This collaboration reflects our long-term commitment to Canada’s aerospace ecosystem and our belief in the power of education to shape the future of sustainable aviation.” Said Katia Bédard Head Of Talent Acquisition at Airbus Canada
“At NAVBLUE, we believe that investing in the next generation of aviation professionals is key to ensuring an efficient future for air travel. Through our continued collaboration with CFTC, we are proud to help equip students with the same advanced tools and technologies used by commercial airlines, empowering them to lead the way in the aviation industry.” Said Erin Appleby, Vice President Operation Excellence, Quality and Safety, and Managing Director of NAVBLUE Canada
About CFTC: Reporting to the Premières-Seigneuries School Services Center, the Charlesbourg Transportation Training Center (CFTC) has as its main objective to promote, through its initial and continuing training activities, the acquisition of professional skills by workers in the transportation industry.
Initial training and further training for workers in the transportation of people and goods are effective ways to meet the new challenges of this sector of the economy. In constant contact with its many partners in the field, the CFTC works daily to adjust to the needs of carriers while offering its graduates the most up-to-date training possible.
About NAVBLUE: NAVBLUE is a leading services company, wholly owned by Airbus, dedicated to Flight Operations solutions and services for airlines and aircraft operators, on the ground and onboard. NAVBLUE combines aircraft manufacturer expertise, flight operations know-how and agile development to enhance operational efficiency, optimize resources and increase productivity, for a safe and sustainable aviation. NAVBLUE delivers a reliable, optimum and customised user experience to more than 600 customers worldwide, in a range of areas, including digital cockpit operations, Operations Control Center (OCC) systems and Flight Ops Engineering . Discover NAVBLUE’s solutions here: www.navblue.aero.
About Airbus: Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, providing products, services and solutions for the commercial aircraft, helicopter, defence and space sectors. Drawing on over half a century of aerospace engineering expertise, Airbus products are defined by innovation. Airbus is developing the next generation of aircraft to be lighter, safer and more fuel-efficient, and to fly using alternative fuel sources.
From the commercial aircraft and helicopters that connect and unite people around the world to the military aircraft and satellites that protect citizens and countries, Airbus products enable modern and connected life.
