Astar Air Cargo has become the launch customer for Arinc's eFlightDeck Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB). The removable device is the first to support the ACARS airline datalink. The EFB has received supplemental type certification for installation in the Boeing 727, with approval in the Airbus A300 and McDonnell Douglas DC-8 expected by the end of the second quarter.
Cincinnati, Ohio-based Astar, formerly DHL Airways, plans to complete installation on 29 727s by June, with its six A300s and nine DC-8s to be equipped by the third quarter. To begin with, the EFB will be installed at the flight engineer's position only, says Ron Mallard, director of airline operations.
Arinc's ACARS-capable Class 2 EFB "was the first datalink solution that made economic sense for our business model", says Mallard. The system includes NavAero touchscreen display in the cockpit, Wingspeed VHF avionics module in the electronics bay and ACARS user interface software developed by Wingspeed and Arinc. The DC-8s are also being equipped with Iridium satellite data communications, he says.
Astar's initial fleet-wide EFB application is ACARS, but the cargo carrier plans to add electronic manuals and approach plates in two subsequent phases, says Mallard.
At that time, displays will be added at the captain and first officer positions.
Graham Warwick / Washington Dc
Source: Flight International
