‘To advance aviation and keep the skies safe.’ This common purpose joins everyone at NATS, whether working in an airport control tower, at one of its dedicated centres or from home.

More than a third of employees at the Hampshire-based organisation are air traffic controllers, and while it handles around 2.5 million flights a year, its functions go beyond the ‘in-flight.’

NATS also works with customers and partners – including UK and international airports, airlines and governments – to modernise airspace, improve airport performance and help UK aviation meet net zero by 2050.

It was the first organisation of its kind in the world to set environmental targets and the first and only one seeking to be financially incentivised for sustainability performance.

NATS' ‘one team’ approach is supported by its unifying values, with them forming the bedrock of team conversations. The CEO gives clear examples and sets out expectations in his weekly blog, and engagement surveys measure how well colleagues feel leaders live the values.

And teams are supported to become as effective as possible through sessions including ‘Inclusive Teamworking’ and ‘High Performing Teams.’ Teams are also called upon to inform the strategy, with over 1000 colleagues participating in various sessions at the ‘Directing our Future’ event.

NATS recognises the individual too, with competitive salaries, generous leave, retail discounts, salary sacrifice schemes – including cycle to work and low emission car schemes, and senior managers also benefit from private healthcare and annual incentive schemes.