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.

FMI: www.ge.com/aviation, www.southwest.com