navAero t-BagC2² EFB computer and display hardware has been selected as the flight deck hardware-of-choice for Virgin Atlantic’s initiative that will equip the carrier’s entire fleet with a full-service Class 2 EFB technology solution. System integrator, Lufthansa Systems, will deploy their SkyBook platform – a hardware and airframe-independent solution suitable for Class 2 aircraft installations, together with the navAero tBagC2² hardware – as the system technology for the Virgin Atlantic  EFB initiative. To streamline information processes in the cockpit and fulfill the high requirements for information quality and speed, SkyBook will not only reduce the volume of paperwork in airplane cockpits, but will also outperform devices that are linked to specific aircrafts in terms of flexibility and cost efficiency.

Virgin Atlantic made the choice for a Class 2 EFB solution over Class 1 or Class 3 mainly for the operational functionalities and retrofit cost savings that they can realize with this technology approach. “Our Class 2 solution gives us nearly all of the benefits of a Class 3 solution at a tenth of the cost, and allows us to implement the same EFB solution across our mixed fleet of 33 aircraft.” stated Mark Snelgrove, EFOS (Electronic Flight Onboard/Offboard Solutions) Program Manager.

Dual installations of the navAero tBagC2² hardware system – featuring built-in ARINC 429 receiver interface and the tPad 1000 10.4” display – will be installed on all Virgin Atlantic flightdecks. navAero and its strategic partner for engineering services, Avionics Support Group, Inc., will execute the STCs.

With its process-driven architecture covering all flight and ground procedures, SkyBook will enable Virgin Atlantic pilots to access information and solutions anywhere. Data updates for flight preparation and ground briefing at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports will be accessed via a USB key from replication servers and update stations. Updates at all other airports will be accessed through the Internet using a web application. To update the EFB systems on the flightdeck, the USB keys plug directly into the navAero tBagC2² Connectivity Assembly Interface that is purposefully positioned for easy access by the Captain and First officer.

Flying trials are scheduled to commence during 2006, and it is anticipated that the entire Virgin Atlantic fleet will be fully deployed and operational by the end of 2007.

navAero, Inc. is the world leader in developing and commercializing cost effective Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag computer and display systems. navAero, Inc. is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois USA. For further information visit the navAero Website at www.navaero.com

Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain’s second largest carrier serving the world’s major cities. Now based at both London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, the airline operates long-haul service to twenty-six destinations world-wide as far apart as Las Vegas, Dubai and Sydney. For further information, visit Virgin Atlantic Airways Website at www.virginatlantic.com

 

Source: navAero
Pictures provided and copyrighted by navAero
For further information about navAero, click here