'Smarter' EFBs Will Help Save Time And Fuel

Development and production work is underway to allow Hawaiian Airlines to provide better connectivity to the carrier's aircraft and airline network, and this industry leading system is from UTC Aerospace Systems.

Hawaiian Airlines' Airbus A330, and Boeing 717 and 767 flight crews will employ state-of-the-art Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) systems that provide enhanced functionality, greater safety and stronger cybersecurity via a custom-tailored network-security architecture. For passengers, these advances mean a more efficient and comfortable flight overall. These intelligent systems are modular, tablet-based, and maximize aircraft in-flight data connectivity through satellite communications systems and ACARS*. Development and production work is being performed by UTC Aerospace Systems' Sensors and Integrated Systems business in Burnsville, MN.

"These new electronic flight bags use the latest technology to provide a highly capable, reliable and lightweight system," said Mark Skarohlid, Vice President of Business Development for UTC Aerospace Systems. "For flight crews, these upgrades enhance their ability to evaluate aircraft performance and weather conditions while also providing the airline with a cost-effective, low-risk means to upgrade the software. We continually work to develop new, market-driven technological capabilities and applications."

Tablets can now function as full-scale EFBs. These advances in aircraft data management allow a pilot's iOS or Windows® tablet to operate as a full EFB that receives real-time updates from the aircraft and airline network.  Information transfer occurs through the aircraft's data connectivity and is received securely through UTC Aerospace Systems' Aircraft Interface Device (AID) and its patented Tablet Interface Module (TIM). The tablet EFB systems provide Bluetooth connectivity between the tablet and TIM during all phases of flight.  

Better for airlines, flight crews and passengers. "As one of the most progressive commercial airlines in the U.S., Hawaiian Airlines is committed to evolving its services and operations, in particular through low-risk, state-of-the art technology," says Ken Rewick, vice president of flight operations for Hawaiian Airlines. "This new EFB aircraft data management system gives us a clearer, real-time picture of our flight operations so that we can keep providing the safest and most affordable on-time travel for our customers."

The new system is FAA-approved. UTC Aerospace Systems' received FAA supplemental type certification this year for the EFB system for use on the three Hawaiian Airlines airframes. The system features support for air-speed and fuel optimization in real time, access to aircraft health and maintenance data, and on-aircraft software upgrade capability.

(Source: United Technologies news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.utc.com