Airbus is expecting certification of its FANS-A (future air navigation system) avionics next spring following extensive in-flight trials of the system and the first tests in an operational environment.
The system, developed for the A330/A340, supports satellite communications (satcoms), datalink communications and automatic dependent surveillance (ADS). The first operational trial of the system was recently conducted on an A340 by Air Mauritius on a flight from Mauritius to Paris.
The flight involved the exchange of digital messages through satcoms datalinks rather than by means of traditional high-frequency voice messages, with Johannesburg air traffic control centre receiving ADS position reports from the aircraft.
Airbus is conducting a series of flight tests in various parts of the world towards certification, says Peter Potocki de Montalk, director of air traffic systems.
The FANS-A system was launched with an order from Singapore Airlines in early 1997, with the manufacturer originally aiming for spring 1998 certification. "We have rescheduled the programme so that the equipment is available in line with operational benefits," he says. With the development of FANS routes, airlines can now accrue the benefits of the FANS-A package, he adds.
Source: Flight International
