Britannia Airways and Virgin Express are the latest European carriers to start equipping their fleets with electronic flight bag (EFB) devices designed to improve operational efficiency and eliminate paper manuals from the cockpit.
UK charter airline Britannia is to issue its 430 pilots with IBM ThinkPad laptops to create "e-flightdecks" on its fleet of 19 Boeing 757s and seven 767s, while Belgian low-fare carrier Virgin Express has opted for Aircraft Management Technologies' (AMT) Flightman EFB solution on its 14 Boeing 737-300/400s.
Chris Entwistle, Britannia flightcrew systems project manager, says the package uses in-house software to deliver aircraft manuals, take-off performance calculators, a flight- planning capability and notices to airmen (NOTAMs) to the pilots' laptops. "Pilots will be able to complete log forms electronically, saving significant time," Entwistle adds.
Britannia uses Weather Services International (WSI) to organise its weather and route charts and pilots will be able to update their laptops by remotely logging on to WSI, according to Entwistle. Although the ThinkPads will also allow pilots to view approach details and images, these features cannot be used during flight and Entwistle says that they will be used only for ground trials and for pilot information. The system is expected to be operational by mid-year.
The AMT Flightman system that has been selected by Virgin Express enables electronic data capture and management covering flight operations and maintenance; technical documentation; fuel and vendor management; onboard sales; weight and balance and performance calculations; and the display of flight plates on portable computers.
Source: Flight International
