NAV CANADA - Air Traffic Management Technology Solutions

As owner and operator of Canada's civil air navigation system, NAV CANADA provides air navigation services for over 11 million aircraft movements per year - safely, efficiently and cost effectively.

We deliver these services using innovative Air Traffic Management (ATM) technologies developed by NAV CANADA engineers for use in our own system. All of our ATM technology solutions are built using a collaborative process that ensures end user and customer acceptance. Each system is flexible and scalable in order to meet the unique traffic demands of each site. System deployment is supported by comprehensive training and life cycle support, ensuring a safe and secure investment with continual product growth.

These operationally proven technology solutions are now available to other ANS providers.

AUTOMATING FLIGHT DATA EXCHANGE

The Extended Computer Display System (EXCDS) is an advanced tower, terminal, airport and enroute coordination system that permits controllers to manage electronic flight data online, using touch sensitive display screens. EXCDS automates flight data transactions, eliminating the need for paper handling, reducing voice communications and minimizing heads down time.

EXCDS, with its rapid real-time data exchange and its ability to be customized to meet operational requirements, has transformed ATM by adding efficiency and allowing controllers immediate access to key information.

In Canada, EXCDS is operational at 25 NAV CANADA facilities, and is used by some Canadian airport authorities for apron control and de-icing services. Internationally, EXCDS is operational at Stansted and Gatwick airports in the UK, and is under implementation at Heathrow. In January 2006, Naviair, Denmark’s ANS provider selected EXCDS for Copenhagen Tower.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS FOR AIRLINES AND AIRPORT AUTHORITIES

The NAV CANADA Airport Performance Monitor (APM) is a web-based collaborative decision making service available to airport operators and airline operations centres. APM data is derived from EXCDS and provides near real time metrics such as gridlock monitor, arrival / departure rates, ground movement monitor, runway activity and airport summary and aircraft movement history reports.

REAL-TIME AIRPORT AND METEOROLOGICAL DATA

The Operational Information Display System (OIDS) is a special-purpose system, providing tower, terminal and enroute controllers with safety-critical, real-time airport and meteorological data, navaid status and approach information on a graphical display.

Integrated with OIDS, the Computer Visual Display System (CVDS) allows controllers to access additional air traffic services operational information through graphic displays.

PROVIDING SURVEILLANCE AND DECISION SUPPORT

WINRAD is an advanced PC-based radar display system that provides decision support tools and data that increase efficiency, safety and situational awareness. Integrated into WINRAD is Converging Runway Display Aid / Visual Aircraft Spacing Tool (CRDA / VAST). Originally developed by MITRE, NAV CANADA licensed the specifications to CRDA and has updated it to become a powerful tool, allowing controllers to space aircraft on converging approaches - increasing airport capacity and reducing delays under adverse weather conditions.

ALLOCATING LANDING SLOTS TO MAXIMISE AIRPORT EFFICIENCY

The Scheduling and Sequencing System (SASS) is an arrival manager that assists in allocating landing slots and provides the capability to apportion potential delays into airports when demand exceeds capacity. SASS provides significantly enhanced ability to maximize airport efficiency and better manage traffic surges. Cost savings accrue to ANSPs and airlines by generating arrival schedules that optimize traffic flows. It is a reliable, flexible, portable system that can be adapted to any airport operation.