Japan Airlines Selects Boeing's Class-3 EFB for New B-777s

The two new B-777s that will be delivered to Japan Airlines will arrive equipped with Boeing class-3 EFBs (electronic flight bags).  These airplanes are the JAL's first to get the pilot aid, but the airline has eight more 777s on order and 38 already in its fleet.

Boeing's EFB is essentially a pilot-dedicated computer integrated into an airplane's avionics that can do typical tasks such as displaying electronic navigation charts, and delivering performance data and other pilot information, and also serve as a communications gateway between the airplane and ground-based operations and maintenance functions.

JAL has already adopted a number of related electronic systems to improve its efficiency.  In 2005 it began equipping its entire 777 and 747-400 fleets with Boeing's Airplane Health Management (AHM) monitoring system and Performance Toolbox software. AHM collects and delivers real-time maintenance information, and the Toolbox unifies an airline's maintenance and engineering operations.  And in 2006, the carrier expanded its use of Boeing's integrated Materials Management program for most of its spare parts.

Boeing says it has recorded more than 1,000 total orders for its EFB since it was introduced for sale in 2002. Customers have requested it for 737NGs, 747s, 757s, 767s and 777s.  It will come as standard equipment on 787s.  04-06-2007.

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