ABOUT ATAC

Introduction and Overview

 

The Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC), is the trusted voice representing the aviation industry in Canada. As a non-profit organization, our purpose is to foster growth, advocate for excellence, and champion safety within the air transport sector.

 

ATAC serves as Canada's national trade association for the commercial aviation and flight training industries, as well as aviation industry product and service suppliers. Our membership is comprised of companies engaged in commercial aviation all across the country, including many flight training schools that together deliver the training that leads to most of the commercial pilot licences issued in Canada.

 

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We are dedicated to shaping the future of Canadian aviation by supporting our diverse membership, driving innovation, providing access to flight training, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

 

At ATAC, we play a vital role in connecting industry leaders, government bodies, and other stakeholders to forge partnerships and create opportunities for growth. By uniting airlines, aviation service providers, manufacturers, flight training centres, and more, we build a collaborative environment that drives progress and competitiveness.

 

Through our advocacy efforts, we champion policies and regulations that enable safe and efficient air transport, while continuously promoting the highest level of professionalism and environmental sustainability. We work tirelessly to shape a vibrant future for Canadian aviation by fostering innovation, supporting education and training, and advocating for the industry's needs.

 

Mission

 

To support our Members in their commitment to a safe, world-leading and sustainable Canadian air transport industry.

 

History and Roots

 

The Air Transport Association of Canada was born out of a conference of aircraft operators and manufacturers held at the Château Laurier Hotel in Ottawa on November 18, 1934. ​Forty-one delegates from industry were present, as well as nine representatives from the Government's Civil Aviation Division, which was then under the Department of National Defence, and five members of the National Research Council. The association was called the Commercial Air Transport and Manufacturers' Association of Canada. Several of our current member companies can trace their membership back to this first meeting in Ottawa.

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​At the inception of the Association and during its first three years of existence, the membership consisted of eighteen companies with equal representation from operators and manufacturers. In 1937 a permanent staff was appointed and an office was established in Ottawa.  On November 2, 1942, the name was changed to the Air Industries and Transport Association of Canada. On April 9, 1962, the manufacturing members formed their own association allowing the remaining members to focus exclusively on aircraft operators. The association was subsequently renamed the Air Transport Association of Canada to reflect this new focus, and the modern ATAC was born.