NATS manages UK airspace from our two centres – one in Swanwick and the other in Prestwick, Ayrshire – and the air traffic controllers who work there use radar to safely guide aircraft that might be hundreds of miles away.

We’ve created two 360 videos that put you at the very heart of the action in Heathrow control tower and London Terminal Control.

The air traffic control centre at Swanwick is the stage for most of the NATS-related drama in the upcoming Skies Above Britain TV series, which starts on Wednesday at 9pm on BBC Two.

You could be lost, facing a medical emergency, suffering from engine failure or have a fuel leak – the list of reasons why a pilot may declare a PAN or a MAYDAY is endless and a frightening prospect for even the most experienced pilots.

There’s been a lot of news in the press recently about pilots falling asleep on the job. So what better time for our very own Head of Human Factors, Neil May, to talk about the work being done at NATS to combat fatigue and ensure that controllers at the top of their game when at work.

Two NATS air traffic controllers who were working on 11 September 2001 share their memories of that day 12 years on.

As part of our commitment to the community, NATS works in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) to manage the nature reserve adjacent to our Swanwick Centre. This June marks the 20th anniversary of the reserve and we’ve been celebrating!