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2022-07-01

Collins Puts the Spotlight on Sustainability with FlightHub

Collins Aerospace recently launched FlightHub, its new Electronic Flight Folder accessible from an aircraft Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). FlightHub centralises data sources and workflows for pilots and airlines, coordinating the lifecycle of an entire flight from start to finish. The launch aligns with the company’s aim to advance digital aviation solutions that make the flight more efficient and sustainable.

Collating information into a single stream, FlightHub offers fast and easy access to all flight information, from pre-flight documents, like flight plans and weather information, to post-flight summaries with actual timing and fuel burn reports.

FlightHub customers will also get access to Collins’ new Flight Profile Optimization (FPO) solution that delivers real-time route recommendations throughout a flight to help reduce CO2 emissions by saving fuel and time.

Set for release later this year, FPO provides flight path information taken from multiple aircraft and ground sources for more up-to-date information than what is generally obtained from the operational flight plan (OFP) and the flight management system (FMS), which can be several hours old. In aggregate, airlines using FPO could see up to 1 per cent annual savings on fuel per year.

“We’ve created FlightHub to reduce workload and streamline the experience for pilots by cutting out unnecessary time sorting through multiple data sources. The application is also a quick and easy installation for airlines, which is key when implementing new technologies,” said Jen Schopfer, president of Connected Aviation Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “Flight Profile Optimization is the first of many features we will be introducing into FlightHub as we build and implement the right solutions to help our customers operate more efficiently and more sustainably.”

Simplifying Data

Pilots in today’s connected cockpits must constantly review and share multiple data sources with flight crews and ground operations to ensure they have the right information at the right time. However, navigating many disparate systems can be challenging and time-consuming.

Collins FlightHub is an EFB application that centralises these data sources and workflows by collating them into one single stream to the aircraft, providing fast and simple access to flight information when the pilot needs it.

With access to one digital source of information, handling data has never been easier. Lengthy paper-based processes are replaced to speed up tasks and reduce the likelihood of potential errors.

FlightHub provides access to aircraft and performance data at the fingertips. Automated data collection and analysis ensure information is quickly communicated between dispatch and the flight deck to enhance decision making. With fewer applications to manage, flight plans can be easily adjusted to the most optimal and economic routes to help improve planning and sustainable operations, unlocking the potential for time and fuel savings.

The intuitive user interface reduces the complexity of training and makes completing tasks fast and effortless. Accessed by a mobile or tablet, users can quickly navigate to where they need to go. Collaboration opportunities are increased with one single source for information, and information sharing remains enhanced.

Furthermore, third-party data and applications can be easily integrated into FlightHub.

Building a Sustainable Future

Collins’ FPO is a complementary solution that can be combined with FlightHub to enhance airline operations even further.

For decades, researchers have been attempting to reduce aircraft fuel consumption and minimise aviation emissions to the atmosphere. Rising fuel costs are also prompting airlines to look at ways to reduce fuel burn to make flights more cost-effective and sustainable.

The FPO uses real-time data to identify the best flight path trajectory based on both lateral and vertical optimisation. As weather conditions rapidly change in-flight, it can be challenging to determine the most optimal route that uses fuel efficiently and minimises the impact on the environment.

FlightHub supports the integration of airline and third-party applications and can operate as a stand-alone system or connect to the aircraft’s IP network to receive real-time updates. It’s one of many Collins applications designed with its unique data and analytics capabilities to provide value and efficiency to its customers across the aviation industry.

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