December 2025
In June 2025, I launched this biannual newsletter to keep you informed about key initiatives underway at CATSA. In November, I was re‑appointed as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis for the next 18 months, providing continuity as we move forward with focus.
Building on that continuity, I’m pleased to share the second edition of our newsletter, highlighting the progress we’ve made since our last update. Across our operations, we remain extremely active advancing technologies that strengthen detection, streamline screening, and enhance the passenger experience.
- Checkpoint Upgrades: Forty-six CT X-ray machines are now operational at eight airports, including modular CATSA Plus lines being trialed in space-constrained areas. These modular lines are processing an average of 184 passengers per hour, which is over 40% more than the 131 passenger average of traditional multi-split lines. Based on the success of this trial, additional modular lines are now planned for deployment. We also launched an interactive map on our external website that shows where CT X-ray machines are currently in use, which will be updated as more systems are deployed.
- Full Body Scanners: Scanners are being added to Family and Accessible Lines to enhance the consistency of screening across all lines.
- AI-Assisted Oversight: Following a successful first trial, a second phase is planned at St. John's International Airport. This technology uses AI and CCTV to automate oversight at non-passenger screening checkpoints and could support remote monitoring in locations without an onsite regional presence.
- Biometrics Trials: Following the completion of an initial trial at Vancouver International Airport in April 2025, we launched a second trial on November 28, 2025, at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The trial is a key part of our innovation roadmap as we continue to advance technology validation and readiness.
- Annual Report Release: CATSA’s 2025 Annual Report is now available online, outlining key accomplishments and performance over the past year. I invite you to review the report to gain additional insights into our progress and future direction.
As 2025 comes to a close, I want to thank you, our aviation partners, for your continued collaboration. Your support has been vital in helping CATSA deliver on its mandate: ensuring the security of air travel at Canadian airports.
Sincerely,
Neil Parry, President and CEO (interim)
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
Government of Canada’s Comprehensive Expenditure Review and 2025 Budget
In July, the Government of Canada launched a Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) to reduce day-to-day government operating costs by 15% over three years, starting in 2026-27. Proposals were submitted in August under cabinet confidence.
On November 4, the Government of Canada introduced its 2025 Budget, which was subsequently passed on November 17. CATSA is carefully analyzing the Budget to determine its implications. Once more information is available, we will provide an update.
Advanced Analytics in Action
CATSA is leveraging data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to transform how we forecast demand, optimize resources, and enhance operational efficiency across Canada’s airports.
Data-Driven Planning
In our last update, we shared that CATSA was experimenting with a machine learning model to predict passenger traffic at Class 1 pre-board screening checkpoints. That tool has now been deployed.
The model supports two types of screened traffic forecasts tailored for different planning horizons which both play a pivotal role in our operational planning.
Short/medium term forecasts are updated weekly and support operational planning for the next four months. They incorporate seasonal patterns and recent trends across factors such as travel sector, destination, carrier, day of week, and departure time.
To enable our future-focused planning capabilities, long-term forecasts for the next 10 years are developed in advance of our fiscal year and are updated quarterly. These forecasts draw on socio-economic data, geopolitical factors, exchange rates, and more. When combined with CATSA’s operational data, such as historical traffic flows, wait times, and shift schedule considerations, they help us estimate the screening hours needed to meet service requirements. The forecasts form the basis for initial screening-hour allocations and staffing plans.
Our most recent long-term forecast shows steady national passenger growth over the next several years rising by about 3–5% per year. In partnership with industry, we assess how passenger trends will continue to shape infrastructure and service needs, and how our planning can support resilient and efficient airport operations.
Our ability to forecast and plan effectively relies on strong partnerships with industry. Your willingness to collaborate, share data and invest in infrastructure improvements such as checkpoint improvements have been instrumental in ensuring we can meet evolving passenger needs. We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support and engagement of our industry partners, which makes data-driven planning possible.
Increasing Data Capabilities
To strengthen how operational data is accessed and used, a secure, centralized data system is being developed. This infrastructure leverages AI, advanced analytics, and machine learning to organize and analyze data more efficiently. This new system could lead to increased data sharing in more efficient and effective ways.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
AI Powered Security
In collaboration with our vendors and Transport Canada, CATSA has been working diligently on plans to trial an Automated Prohibited Item Detection System (APIDS). The technology, once approved for trial, will be tested to assess its efficiency detecting prohibited items, which could lead to a more streamlined screening experience and potentially fewer searches.
Automated Wait Times Trial
As part of a three-phase trial, an automated solution – using sensors – is being tested to measure wait times and screening process times. Phase one at Calgary International Airport, concluded in October, with results showing strong accuracy. Sensor data closely matched CCTV observations and consistently tracked passengers throughout the screening process. Phase two is now underway. Looking ahead, automated wait times could support optimal resource use, improve operational efficiency, and potentially identify opportunities to strengthen resource management.
Chatbot for Screening Officers
An AI-supported chatbot is being explored to assist screening officers in validating whether an item is permitted at the pre-board screening checkpoint. The chatbot would complement an existing resource for screening officers called CATSA Assist, which contains information about nearly 800 items commonly packed by travellers. If credible, the chatbot will enhance decision making by expanding the repository of information available to screening officers at the checkpoint. This has the potential to positively impact processing speeds and efficiency.
Simulation Model for CT Modular
Modular-based CT screening lines are being deployed at smaller checkpoints where space limitations prevent full CATSA Plus installations. To support these deployments, simulation modeling is used to evaluate different configurations and assess their impact on throughput, without disrupting live operations. This approach ensures each deployed solution is tailored to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
PBS Checkpoint Accessibility
We recognize that some passengers may face barriers at the screening checkpoint, one being the height of the divest table where passengers place their items in the bins for screening. To explore more inclusive solutions, CATSA conducted an evaluation of a height-adjustable table at its test facility with participants who have diverse accessibility needs. Early feedback suggests the table improves comfort, independence and efficiency, particularly for those using mobility devices. Pending final results and potential adjustments, this solution may be trialed in an airport environment in the future.
These efforts contribute to CATSA’s broader accessibility objectives, as outlined in our 2026-2029 Accessibility Action Plan, to be published on December 31, 2025.
CATSA by the Numbers
As part of our commitment to transparency, CATSA developed a dedicated Key Performance Indicator (KPI) webpage to highlight overall service metrics and performance. Updated quarterly, this data provides a clear view of our service levels and reinforces our accountability to the public.