NAV CANADA Study Predicts Twenty-Fold Growth in AAM and RPAS Operations by 2045

Why It Matters

The forecast signals a transformative shift for Canada’s aviation sector, promising substantial economic growth, job creation and greener transport solutions, while demanding coordinated regulatory and infrastructure investments.

Key Takeaways

• Study forecasts $120 bn CAD (~$90 bn USD) annual economic boost by 2045.
• RPAS and AAM jobs could rise from 30k to over 260k.
• Annual flights projected to jump from 300k to 21 million by 2045.
• eVTOLs aim to cut congestion, lower emissions, connect remote regions.
• Vertiports, air corridors, and traffic systems needed for safe scaling.

Pulse Analysis

Canada is positioning itself at the forefront of the global advanced air mobility (AAM) wave, a sector that analysts expect to outpace traditional aviation growth rates. NAV CANADA’s study quantifies the potential, projecting a near‑decade‑long escalation from modest $2‑$3 bn CAD revenues to a $120 bn CAD annual contribution by 2045. This surge mirrors worldwide trends where eVTOLs and drones are reshaping logistics, emergency services and passenger transport, offering a compelling case for investors and policymakers to prioritize AAM as a pillar of future economic strategy.

The operational explosion will hinge on a robust digital and physical framework. Vertiports, dedicated low‑altitude corridors, and integrated traffic‑management platforms must be deployed to safely coordinate millions of daily flights. Regulatory bodies will need agile, technology‑driven rules that balance safety with innovation, while industry players collaborate on standards for communication, navigation and surveillance. Early demonstration projects across Canada’s urban and remote regions are already testing these concepts, underscoring the necessity of public‑private partnerships to accelerate deployment.

Beyond infrastructure, the ripple effects span multiple sectors. Construction firms can use drones for site surveys, energy companies can inspect pipelines, and health services can deliver rapid medical evacuations to isolated communities. The projected creation of over 260,000 jobs reflects demand for pilots, engineers, data analysts and maintenance crews, while eVTOLs promise lower emissions compared with ground traffic. As Canada builds the ecosystem, it stands to capture a sizable share of the emerging $1 trillion‑plus global AAM market, reinforcing its reputation for aviation innovation and sustainable transport solutions.