Thu, Oct 25, 2007
Will Add Upgraded Tech To Classic Narrowbodies
GE Aviation was recently awarded a
contract from Southwest Airlines to provide the flight management
system upgrade for 200 Boeing 737-300 and -500 aircraft. Deliveries
will take place in 2008 and 2009.
"Our advancements in flight management technology for commercial
and military aircraft are essential for the world's ever evolving
airspace," said John Ferrie, President of Systems for GE Aviation.
"Our system is a key part of our customer’s plans to conduct
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) operations, and allows them
to realize significant cost savings with lowered fuel consumption
while simultaneously benefiting the environment with reduced
emissions."
GE’s flight management system controls the aircraft track
to an accuracy of 10 meters, and the time of arrival to within 10
seconds to any point in the flight plan. That level of accuracy
allows planes to fly shorter flight paths and idle-thrust descents
which reduces fuel consumption, thereby lowering emissions and
community noise levels. Software and hardware updates provide the
latest technology to continue to meet the needs of the
world’s evolving airspace, offering safe and efficient
improvements to aircraft operations.
The system will be designed and manufactured at the GE facility
in Grand Rapids, MI.
"Southwest is pleased to select GE to provide this key
capability to our Classic aircraft, which will enable our entire
Boeing 737 fleet to operate more efficiently in today’s air
traffic environment," said Mike Van de Ven, Executive Vice
President and Chief of Operations.
Enhanced GE flight management computer system capabilities
enable Southwest Airlines to take full advantage of
state-of-the-art navigation procedures being designed with the
support of Naverus for greater safety, efficiency and reduced
community noise.
The flight management computer is provided through the Systems
division of GE Aviation, formerly Smiths Aerospace.
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