## NAV CANADA Partners with Kongsberg Geospatial for Cutting-edge Digital Air Traffic Services
**NAV CANADA** has chosen **Kongsberg Geospatial** as its technology partner to power the **Digital Aerodrome Air Traffic Services (DAATS)** program. This partnership will see the implementation of **Kongsberg Digital Tower Technology**, providing high-resolution optical sensors, software, and digital hubs for one of the world's largest digital air traffic service initiatives.
### Advancing Air Traffic Control with Digital Technology
Kongsberg Geospatial, known for its real-time software in air traffic and defense, is supported by **Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace** and **Avinor**. They have been awarded a key contract by NAV CANADA. This multi-year project aims to replace certain air traffic control (ATC) towers and flight service stations (FSS) across Canada with advanced digital hubs, leveraging sensor data.
### Transforming Air Traffic Services in Canada
The **DAATS program** is set to revolutionize how NAV CANADA delivers and manages air traffic services. The implementation strategy focuses on using advanced camera technology at airports to offer better or similar services from remote digital hubs, allowing for non-location-dependent operations. These **Digital Facilities** prioritize:
- **Safety**
- **Efficiency**
- **Adaptability**
- **Resilience**
This modern approach ensures flexibility and easy maintenance, enhancing employee experiences and standardizing processes, technology, and training within NAV CANADA.
### Innovative Kongsberg Digital Towers System
The Kongsberg system improves safety and situational awareness using high-quality sensor data, derived from advanced military technology. Key components include:
- **Electro-Optical Sensor Suite**: This includes a 360° visual and infrared rotating camera, a pan-tilt camera with visual zoom, infrared lenses, a laser range finder, and a signal lamp.
This technology has already proven itself in harsh environments, like those in Norway, with daily use in the world's largest digital tower hub facility in Bodo.
### A New Chapter in Canadian Aviation
“**Kongsberg Geospatial** is proud to write aviation history in Canada,” said Jordan Freed, President of Kongsberg Geospatial. “We look forward to delivering a state-of-the-art digital ATC FSS towers solution and continuing our 15-year partnership with NAV CANADA.”
Raymond Bohn, President and CEO of NAV CANADA, emphasized the transformative potential of digital facilities: “This allows NAV CANADA to respond effectively and efficiently to changes in airport traffic demand, increasing resiliency and value for our customers and travelers.”
### First Step: Kingston, Ontario
The initial DAATS digital facility will serve **Kingston, Ontario Airport**. This facility will be critical for refining and evaluating the new technology and operating procedures. The success of this phase will potentially lead to a digital hub in Kingston, offering air traffic services to other communities within four to six years.
### Commitment to Safety and Innovation
The DAATS program aligns with NAV CANADA’s strategic initiatives to enhance safety, improve customer service, and boost long-term resilience and sustainability. This collaboration between NAV CANADA and Kongsberg Geospatial marks a significant advancement in the future of air traffic services in Canada.
**Tags**: air traffic services, digital aerodrome, NAV CANADA, Kongsberg Geospatial, aviation safety, technology partner, digital towers
