In 2000, the company entered into a partnership arrangement with Lockheed Martin one of the largest suppliers of air navigation equipment in the world. The arrangement involved Lockheed upgrading Airways' radar system, and a joint bid by Airways and Lockheed for a us$60 million contract with the us Federal Aviation Administration for the provision of updated technology and expertise. While Airways was publicly criticised for entering into the contract with Lockheed for the upgrade of its radar system without making the contract available for tender, i the arrangement proceeded as intended and became a turning point for Airways