NATS scoops two awards for international collaboration

NATS picked up two industry awards last week in recognition of its work with suppliers and customers around the world. 

At the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Chain (CIPS) awards, the NATS team was recognised alongside Leidos in the Best Supplier Relationship Management Initiative category for its work deploying the Intelligent Approach arrivals spacing tool into Schiphol Airport.

Left – right: Maciej Zaleski (Procurence), Andy Shand (Leidos), Jonny White, Sean Oliver, Ben Sandford (NATS), Nathalie Langford (Leidos), Christina Young (Leidos), Peter Weeks (Think), Jen Brister (Host)

The award specifically highlighted the strength of NATS’ relationships and how collaboration helps it deliver tangible benefits for its customers. Since Intelligent Approach went live in Amsterdam in 2023, it has boosted capacity during high wind conditions by up to 3-6 aircraft per hour, per runway, delivering greater operational resilience and enhanced on time performance. 

The CIPS awards judges commented: “A winning show of collaborative best practice that demonstrates intelligence and ingenuity. This initiative takes forward learnings from Heathrow Airport and applies them at Schiphol Airport to achieve excellent results.” 

At the Aviation Industry Awards, NATS was recognised in the Aviation Export category for its work with airports, air traffic service providers and governments around the world. 

NATS’ international business portfolio includes technology solutions, design and data services, digital tower services, consultancy and air traffic controller and engineer training. NATS has a well-established presence across the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and in 2023 successfully secured business in 16 countries outside the UK.

Paul Carroll, NATS Solutions and Innovation Director, accepting the Aviation Export award at the Aviation Industry Awards

Ben Kiff, NATS International Director, said: “We have teams of incredibly skilled and dedicated experts based around the world and in the UK helping our customers to achieve their goals. These awards are a fantastic recognition for all their hard work and that of our collaboration partners, highlighting the excellent progress we have made in recent years growing our business.”