Jeppesen Offering Look-Alike Applications for All Three EFB Classes

Jeppesen says it is the first and only EFB (electronic flight bag) software provider with applications that work with all classes of EFB hardware platforms (class 1, 2 and 3), meaning airline users can have look-alike applications on multiple aircraft types.

The FAA considers class1 and 2 EFBs to be portable electronic devices, and class 3 systems to be installed equipment.  Class 1 EFBs may be used on the ground and during flight as a source of supplemental information.  Class 2 EFBs may be used to display pre-composed flight-critical information such as charts or approach plates for navigation.  Class 3 EFBs may be used for CNS (communication, navigation, and surveillance) purposes as well as all the applications provided by class 1 and 2 systems.

In addition to multi-class capability, because of working agreements Jeppesen formed with both Boeing and Airbus, the same look-alike applications can be used by carriers that operate models from both manufacturers as well.

(Incidentally, Jeppesen expects both Boeing and Airbus to include its software as an option on their new airframes because of new agreements to be consummated this year.)

Jeppesen has also formed multiple hardware and integrator relationships to serve customers who want to retrofit EFBs without airframe OEM (original equipment manufacturer) assistance.  Miami Air International, which recently implemented Jeppesen's class-2 EFB, is one such example.

Miami Air is also currently installing Jeppesen's operational control suite (OPSControl) to help monitor and control its air charter operations, and has purchased Jeppesen's airport/obstacle data.  The airline already uses Jeppesen's crew scheduling software.  Jeppesen says it is the only company able to offer what it calls a "total mission solution," that includes airline operations services, and full chart and document logistics management, along with EFBs.

Besides Miami Air, Jeppesen says KLM, Malaysia Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, EVA Air, and Air New Zealand, are currently using its EFB system in revenue service, and additional airline customers should join its roster yet this year.  05-22-2006.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines