NAV CANADA technology now in use at three more U.K. airports

OTTAWA, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Air traffic control towers at Scotland's three busiest airports are now using technology developed by NAV CANADA to manage critical flight data. Earlier this summer, Glasgow Airport became the third tower in Scotland, following Edinburgh and Aberdeen, to implement the flight data system in 2010. There are now eight control towers operated by NATS, the U.K.'s leading air traffic service provider, benefiting from this advanced technology.

The system known as EXCDS in Canada and EFPS (Electronic Flight Progress System) in the U.K., allows air traffic controllers to manage flight data online with a touch-screen application, eliminating the need for traditional paper flight strips and providing immediate access to key information.

"We're very happy to see EFPS go live across Scotland," said Mike Culver, General Manager Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports, NATS Services.  "EFPS not only gives efficiency benefits now, but also provides a great foothold for future development and growth."

EFPS is already operational at Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow and London City Airport. Stansted was the first site to use EFPS beginning in 2004.

"We are pleased to continue and grow our association with NATS," said John Crichton, NAV CANADA President and CEO. "The proven track record at the London airports illustrates the adaptability of the system to meet the unique traffic demands at each site."  

Aberdeen marked the first time that the technology was put in use for Enroute as well as Terminal operations.

EFPS increases efficiency by enabling faster information sharing, helping to reduce the workload on air traffic controllers and increase capacity for future growth. In Canada, EXCDS is in use at over 75 locations. Designed by NAV CANADA, the system has been adapted and licensed for use at airports in Denmark, Australia and the U.S.

NATS handled 2.2 million flights in 2009, covering the UK and eastern North Atlantic and carried more than 200 million passengers safely through some of the busiest and most complex airspace in the world.  NATS provides en-route air traffic control from two centres as well as air traffic control services at 15 of the nation's major airports.

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.

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