The competing needs of providing airline passengers with a healthy, safe and comfortable travel experience and one that is also economical is a main driver for the development of new technologies for terminals and aircraft cabins.
With the demand for air travel expected to continue growing in the years to come, a better understanding of the full experience of travelling by air, from checking in, boarding and flying to leaving the destination airport, is critical for the aviation industry.
Our expertise
The NRC's work in the area of air travel is based on cutting-edge research, involves cross-disciplinary expertise and relies on state-of-the-art facilities. The goal of this research is to help provide a healthy and safe environment for passengers and crew and to accelerate the development of new end-to-end air travel concepts and technologies, moving them along the path to commercialization and market acceptance more quickly. Using a holistic approach, air travel research draws from a diverse knowledge base in environmental controls, vibration, acoustics, human factors, industrial design and physiology. By doing so, we make it possible for clients to advance the design, fabrication, testing and certification of innovative new aerospace products. These innovations will improve passenger health, safety and comfort, as well as the energy efficiency of cabins.
In carrying out their research, experts from the NRC's Aerospace Research Centre also work to strengthen the Canadian supply chain, enhance Canada's market share in an expanding global market for cabin technologies and provide regulators with scientific evidence to inform effective decision making.
Our research, in collaboration with our strategic partners, focuses on revolutionary technologies in the following 3 pillars for R&D and innovation:
- Impact of noise, vibration and the airborne environment on physiology and cognitive function
- Accessibility in air travel
- Enhancements to air travel by integrating health and wellness throughout the journey
Cross-cutting themes for the 3 pillars:
- Technology development and demonstration
- Evidence-based support for regulations development
- Models and simulation of complex systems
- Solutions for problems related to acoustic and structural dynamics in aerospace systems
Facilities and labs
Our facilities and labs that can help you develop, test and validate your sustainable aviation technologies include:
- Centre for Air Travel Research (CATR)
- Airport terminal laboratory
- Flexible cabin laboratory
- Fuselage laboratory
- Human vibration laboratory
- Acoustic transmission loss facility
- Bioaerosol research facility
Success stories
Learn more about our significant milestones and accomplishments in the field of air travel research:
Why work with us
Our specialized research and advisory services range from testing and certification to calibration, prototyping, demonstrations, scale-up and consulting. With our experts and facilities dedicated to aerospace technologies, we can work with you to advance your research on air travel technologies:
- Collaborative R&D: In a joint effort, our expertise can help you innovate and advance your R&D projects
- Technical services: Our expertise is the backbone of our technical services and can help you test and mature your technology and take it to the next level
Testimonials
Discover what our clients have to say about collaborating with us.
"From the Federal Aviation Authority's perspective, we would emphasize the uniqueness of the Centre for Air Travel Research facility and staff in being able to generate the data to support our safety risk management panel. I don't know how we would have accomplished it otherwise. The collaboration and contributions have allowed us to make significant progress in addressing the US Government Accountability Office's critique of the state of knowledge informing national aviation preparedness planning."
"The team was amazing to work with. The project manager was great at communicating any changes or issues and always made sure things were done quickly and efficiently to ensure no delays were caused on their end. We are likely to work with her again given her great knowledge, professionalism and the great experience we had with her."
"The project on the development of a hearing protection program for the Translation Bureau is fundamental because it involves protective measures related to health and safety. NRC experts provided us with their expertise and delivered quality products that enabled us to make important organizational decisions. The experts were extremely flexible and available and spared no effort to help us, with their contribution going well beyond their mandate. We are extremely satisfied and grateful for their work, professionalism and expertise."
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Contact us
Business Development Team
Aerospace Research Centre
Email: NRC.AeroBDT-EDAAero.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca