AirAsia will install the electronic flight bag (EFB) system from Flight Focus, of Singapore, on its entire fleet, the companies announced Monday.
The system, called Flight Focus Platform and includes e-charts, Iridium satellite messaging, a Web-based portal and flight tracking, will be installed on more than 100 A320s. This is in addition to the services already provided by Flight Focus to AirAsia X, where the Airbus A330 and A340 fleets are already operating with its EFB on long haul flights to destinations in Europe, Middle East, Australia and throughout Asia.
The system is deployed in the cockpit through a Pilot Terminal Unit (PTU) using touch screen technology. The PTU, mounted adjacent to the flight crew near the side window, is the user interface providing access into the applications carried in the onboard system. Data entry by the flight crew is made via a detachable keyboard.
“We have been working closely with Flight Focus for a few years now on the EFB solutions provided to our wide body fleets and customised for Air Asia’s requirements. As their launch customer, the system has worked and proven itself time and again. The EFB solution from Flight Focus provides us with a technologically advanced and user friendly system. The performance software, Flight Focus dynamic flight planning system, e-charts and data analysis benefits us in saving up to 5 percent of fuel," said AirAsia’s Capt. Michael Lee.