The world’s first air traffic control tower is commissioned at Croydon Airport, laying the foundations for the modern air traffic control profession.
The College moved to Hurn in 1949 from being above the Hoop and Toy pub in London.
National Air Traffic Control Services (NATCS) is created as the forerunner to NATS, covering civil air traffic control while liaising closely with the military.
While training continued at Hurn, a new building for the College opened in 1962.
With the creation of the Civil Aviation Authority, NATCS becomes part of the new regulator and shortens its name to NATS.
NAS processes customers’ flight plans into data that assists controllers to manage the UK’s air traffic.
Recognition of the need to separate provider and regulator, while structural change didn’t occur until 1996.
NATS is established as a separate company within the CAA structure, with civil staff, contracts and corporate functions moved across into the new company.
Government announces that NATS will move to a Public Private Partnership.
The Transport Act 2000 provides the legislative basis for the PPP.