TheGuat
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- Jan 8, 2004
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UPS to upgrade jets' computer displays
Atlanta Business Chronicle
United Parcel Service Inc. is about to try a retrofit program on its
jets that it believes is the first of its type attempted by any cargo
or passenger airline.
The Atlanta-based package shipper (NYSE: UPS) plans to retrofit a good
portion of its jet fleet with a computerized display system that it
claims will improve safety in the air and on the ground while reducing
fuel use and making the pilot's job easier.
The retrofit program, which will begin with 107 B-757 and B-767 aircraft
in the UPS fleet, will equip each plane with a Class III Display Device
made by the Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA). These advanced electronic systems
today are found only on selected business jets and a small number of
new passenger airliners, UPS said. Eight new 747-400 aircraft recently
ordered by UPS will be built from scratch with the system.
The Class III Display Device is an information system with two independent
computer hard drives coupled to a specially constructed video display.
Its Class III rating means it meets the most stringent certification
requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration.
"This system will support software programs that make available in the
cockpit information that today exists only on paper or in the hands
of air traffic controllers," said Bob Lekites, vice president of UPS
Airline and International Operations. "Ultimately, it will help pilots
with navigation and allow them to space their aircraft on their own;
call up the most complete and accurate long-range weather maps; warn
of potential collisions on the ground; push the maintenance logbook
into the digital age, and place the entire flight manual within easy
electronic recall."
UPS also is investigating to see if the Class III Display Device can
be used for applications such as a digital maintenance logbook, enhanced
electronic checklists, real-time weather information and real-time Notice
To Airmen information.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
United Parcel Service Inc. is about to try a retrofit program on its
jets that it believes is the first of its type attempted by any cargo
or passenger airline.
The Atlanta-based package shipper (NYSE: UPS) plans to retrofit a good
portion of its jet fleet with a computerized display system that it
claims will improve safety in the air and on the ground while reducing
fuel use and making the pilot's job easier.
The retrofit program, which will begin with 107 B-757 and B-767 aircraft
in the UPS fleet, will equip each plane with a Class III Display Device
made by the Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA). These advanced electronic systems
today are found only on selected business jets and a small number of
new passenger airliners, UPS said. Eight new 747-400 aircraft recently
ordered by UPS will be built from scratch with the system.
The Class III Display Device is an information system with two independent
computer hard drives coupled to a specially constructed video display.
Its Class III rating means it meets the most stringent certification
requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration.
"This system will support software programs that make available in the
cockpit information that today exists only on paper or in the hands
of air traffic controllers," said Bob Lekites, vice president of UPS
Airline and International Operations. "Ultimately, it will help pilots
with navigation and allow them to space their aircraft on their own;
call up the most complete and accurate long-range weather maps; warn
of potential collisions on the ground; push the maintenance logbook
into the digital age, and place the entire flight manual within easy
electronic recall."
UPS also is investigating to see if the Class III Display Device can
be used for applications such as a digital maintenance logbook, enhanced
electronic checklists, real-time weather information and real-time Notice
To Airmen information.
