Embraer is preparing to offer an electronic flight bag (EFB) and enhanced vision system (EVS) for its Legacy business jet. The EFB is expected to be on offer "by the end of the year", says Embraer senior vice-president corporate aviation Luis Carlos Affonso.
Affonso says some Legacy operators already use Class I and Class II EFBs – portable, non-integrated laptops – although Embraer has not made a final decision about the supplier, nor whether the system will be fully integrated. The basic function of an EFB is to store and update documents such as aircraft manuals, aviation information systems data and charts. But EFBs contain software that enables performance calculations to be carried out more accurately and with less potential for error.
Affonso is also reticent about naming the potential EVS provider, but says three "of the larger suppliers" have been shortlisted.
Embraer, meanwhile, has received interest from potential service and training partners since launching its very light jet (VLJ) and light jet (LJ) last month. "We are confident we can assemble our integrated solution in a time compatible with development of the new products," says Affonso.
To support entry into service of the VLJ in mid-2008 and LJ in mid-2009, Embraer plans to expand its network of company-owned service centres and add authorised service representatives.
DAVID LEARMOUNT/LONDON
Source: Flight International
