At the Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 conference, CAE announced the expansion of its proven CAE Ridge™ technology into its Air Traffic Services (ATS) training portfolio. This advanced 3D visualization tool, already established in defense applications, will now enhance both civil and military air traffic controller training by creating immersive, collaborative learning scenarios designed to accelerate competency and improve decision-making.
As global air traffic volumes and airspace complexity increase, the demands on controllers intensify. Traditionally, controllers have relied on tabletop exercises and limited 2D displays to build the critical mental models of airports and airspace required before advancing to high-fidelity simulators. CAE Ridge™ bridges this technological gap. It transforms foundational training into an interactive 3D experience, allowing trainees, instructors, and qualified controllers to visualize complex operations, explore diverse scenarios, and rehearse procedures in a dynamic synthetic environment.
“CAE Ridge™ represents a meaningful advancement in preparing tomorrow’s air traffic controllers,” said Emmanuel Levitte, Chief Technology Officer at CAE. “Introducing immersive 3D visualization early in training helps build confidence, competencies, and situational awareness faster, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of training programs and reducing time to licensing.”
This commercial off-the-shelf solution underscores CAE’s commitment to delivering innovative, digital tools that support the transformation goals of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and Air Traffic Organizations (ATOs). By enabling more effective pre-simulator preparation, debriefs, and procedure rehearsals, CAE Ridge™ aims to strengthen operational readiness and safety standards.
The tool’s versatility extends beyond initial training. It supports Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) scenario development, controller transfer training, and operational reviews. Accessible in classrooms or for remote sessions, it provides organizations with scalable agility to adapt their training to a rapidly evolving operational landscape.
“Our goal is to help ANSPs adapt to new challenges,” added Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice President of Strategy, Business Performance & Marketing at CAE. “CAE Ridge™ exemplifies the potential of dual-use technologies, combining decades of simulation expertise to deliver accessible tools that empower both instructors and learners.”
By leveraging this immersive technology, CAE is providing a critical tool to help develop the next generation of air traffic controllers, ensuring they are prepared to manage the skies of the future with enhanced skill and confidence.
