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NAV CANADA, Searidge launch remote ATS trial on East Coast

NAV CANADA commenced a trial to provide Aerodrome Advisory Services at Fredericton International Airport remotely from Saint John, New Brunswick, using Searidge Technologies’ Enhanced Airport Vision Display (EAVD). With Transport Canada approval, the trial is anticipated to run until the fall.

NAV CANADA explains the trial, which integrates the EAVD platform into its operational display suite, aims to demonstrate how certified video technology can increase levels of safety, efficiency and flexibility in air traffic services and aircraft operations.

“This made-in-Canada technology has the potential to become an important, adaptive service delivery solution, allowing NAV CANADA to respond cost-effectively and efficiently to changes in demand while enhancing safety through increased situational awareness,” said Ben Girard, VP and chief of operations, NAV CANADA.

Flight Service Specialists will benefit from increased situational awareness with a clear and real-time view of the airfield operating areas and surrounding airspace, explains NAV CANADA, which will support service enhancements like the control of vehicles on the ground.

NAV CANADA notes this new remote services trial builds upon past successes with Searidge, where installations in Red Deer, Kingston, Lethbridge, London, Vancouver and Winnipeg have leveraged camera technologies to enhance operations by providing air traffic services staff with the ability to see beyond line-of-sight obstacles.

“ATSAC looks forward to proving this technology,” said Elizabeth O’Hurley, President, Air Traffic Specialist Association of Canada. “With it, Flight Service Specialists will have another tool to move the flying public into and out of airports across this country with added safety. Great collaboration between the three entities involved.”

Searidge has deployed its EAVD technology at many international locations around the world – at over 35 sites in 25 countries – as part of its digital tower platform.

“Being a Canadian company, we are extremely proud to be supporting NAV CANADA and Transport Canada as they assess the benefits of our Enhanced Airport Vision Display platform for domestic operations,” said Moodie Cheikh, CEO, Searidge. “NAV CANADA has been a close partner of ours for many years. This is an excellent demonstration of how, together, we continue to bring innovation to air traffic management.”