Cobham and Inmarsat implement first EFB connectivity

Cobham SATCOM and Inmarsat have enabled in-air connected electronic flight bags (EFB) for the first time with Hawaiian Airlines.

The Hawaiian Boeing 767-300 fleet is equipped with AVIATOR 300D and SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S) service, enabling EFB applications and voice and data connectivity simultaneously.

The secure broadband capabilities of SB-S enhance airline safety and operations through more powerful and flexible communications and the availability of real-time, in-air information for pilots, crew and air traffic management.

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC aviation communications network establishes the links and provides the managed service, enabling seamless, secure connectivity anywhere in the world without interruption. 

Conventional flight bags that weighed more than 18 kg have been replaced with tablet computers, virtually eliminating bulky paper documents. Pilots are able to obtain real-time information while in flight, rather than waiting for downloads on the ground. Applications include graphical weather, telemedicine, passenger data and aircraft documentation.

“The SwiftBroadband-Safety platform, delivered via AVIATOR S avionics, increases the level of information and knowledge that pilots use every day on the flight deck by orders of magnitude,” said Mary McMillan, Inmarsat Aviation’s vice president of safety and operational services.

“Having information like networked graphical weather in flight is a real game changer. It will boost the efficiency of flights, improve safety and make flights more punctual.” 

The live EFB capability was achieved as part of a Federal Aviation Administration-supervised technology evaluation with Hawaiian Airlines. It monitored the transmission of communications data over SB-S on the first ever commercial flights.

“We are confident that the world’s airlines will embrace the concept of a fully connected flight deck, as it will provide them with a new level of improved operations which will translate into an improved financial bottom line,” said Andy Beers, global sales director for Cobham SATCOM.

“Enabling broadband flight deck connectivity opens up vast opportunities for airlines like Hawaiian to enhance their operations through new applications that deliver real-time value,” said Michael DiGeorge, vice president of commercial aviation and networks for Rockwell Collins.

“Our vision is to enable airlines to use connectivity to drive operational benefits by leveraging our ARINC global network to secure this process at the level necessary for flight deck operations.”