NAV CANADA announces agreement with Searidge Technologies

OTTAWA, June 30 /CNW Telbec/ - NAV CANADA today announced it has acquired a majority interest in Searidge Technologies Inc., a leading provider of intelligent video solutions to air traffic control and airport markets.

Searidge Technologies provides its customers with intelligent video solutions to help them cost effectively increase safety and efficiency of surface management operations. The company's intelligent video platform IntelliDAR(TM) is a robust Non-Cooperative Surveillance System (NCSS) and the first operational system of its kind in an air traffic control tower to provide detection, positioning, and tracking of all targets on an airport surface.

"NAV CANADA believes in the potential of intelligent video technology to drive the adoption of new methods to support air traffic surveillance at airports. Searidge continues to demonstrate innovation and leadership in this space and together we intend to bring to market proven solutions that meet strict industry standards," says John Crichton, President & CEO, NAV CANADA.

NAV CANADA is a world leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), that has already invested $1.4 billion modernizing the Canadian civil air navigation system. NAV CANADA will continue to invest in innovation that returns significant safety and efficiency benefits for its customers.

NAV CANADA's investment in Searidge enhances its strategy that allows other ANSPs and airports around the world to take advantage of ATM technology solutions, which it has provided to customers on three continents. Searidge and NAV CANADA will leverage technology, business and marketing synergies to continue to provide innovative solutions to air traffic control markets.

"Searidge is customer focused and driven to innovation - this partnership addresses both of those areas. The investment will accelerate the development of new features, technologies and products while the relationship with NAV CANADA will enhance our ability to innovate and test new concepts," says Moodie Cheikh, CEO, Searidge Technologies.

Searidge staff, including its co-founders, will remain in their current positions and the company will continue to operate as an independent entity, including support of the company's customers and partners.

NAV CANADA, the country's civil air navigation services provider, is a private sector, non-share capital corporation financed through publicly-traded debt. With operations from coast to coast to coast, NAV CANADA provides air traffic control, flight information, weather briefings, aeronautical information services, airport advisory services and electronic aids to navigation.

Searidge Technologies provides intelligent video solutions to Air Navigation Service Providers and airports to help them cost effectively increase safety and efficiency of surface management operations. The company's intelligent video platform IntelliDAR(TM) is a robust Non-Cooperative Surveillance System (NCSS) and the first operational system of its kind in an air traffic control tower to provide detection, positioning, and tracking of all targets on an airport surface.

Searidge is helping its customers with ATC-grade video, gap filling/A-SMGCS augmentation, apron management, and remote tower capabilities. Working with industry leaders such as DFS, FAA, EUROCONTROL and NAV CANADA, Searidge solutions are installed in sites throughout Europe, Middle East and North America. Founded in 2001, Searidge is based in Canada's National Capital region.

For further information: John Morris, Director, Communications, [phone]; Ron Singer, Manager, Media Relations, [phone]; Media Information Line: 1-888-562-8226, www.navcanada.ca; Searidge Technologies Inc., Sheri Bailey, Director, Marketing, Tel: [phone] ext. 310, www.searidgetech.com