In 2001, NATS became a Public Private Partnership, making it the first Air Navigation Service Provider in Europe to be privatised. The PPP model brought together public interest safeguards with the ability to invest in the people, technology and infrastructure that UK aviation depends on.

Twenty-five years on, NATS has helped steer the aviation network through major change and periods of significant challenge, from 9/11 and the volcanic ash crisis to the Covid-19 pandemic. There have also been major milestones along the way, including the opening of our Swanwick and Prestwick operations centres, investment in airport towers across the UK, and the safe management of airspace during major events such as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

As we mark this anniversary, we’re taking a look back at the progress made since 2001, and ahead to what the next 25 years might bring.