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Viasat and Teledyne Controls have partnered to bring real-time connected flight deck services to commercial airlines. Designed for Viasat in-flight connectivity (IFC) customers, this partnership allows commercial airlines to decrease operational costs by eliminating expensive manual data off-loading processes; make better use of data mid-flight with improved data analysis and relevancy; and reduce data loss through preventative maintenance and the immediate access of flight deck information.
As data becomes increasingly critical in aviation operations, commercial airlines are looking to leverage analytics to identify actionable insights that will help streamline operational efficiencies, reduce costs and increase safety. Using Viasat’s IFC system paired with Teledyne’s Aircraft Interface Device (AID), airlines can off-load Quick Access Recorder (QAR) data and reliably stream Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) messages in real-time from the flight deck. Additionally, airlines can augment flight operations and maintenance quality assurance programs by immediately identifying and responding to maintenance issues, reducing aircraft on ground (AOG) timelines.
“The combination of Viasat’s in-flight connectivity service with Teledyne’s Aircraft Interface Device is delivering tremendous cost savings along with data benefits to commercial airlines,” said Murray Skelton, senior director of Aircraft Solutions, Teledyne. “In working with Viasat, we can securely off-load over 80% of ACARS data in real-time, which allows airlines to improve quality assurance programs and reduce costs associated with sending messages over expensive Very High Frequency (VHF) radio systems, especially when over water.”
Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Aviation, Viasat added, “Through our partnership with Teledyne, we’re changing connected flight deck services by enabling airlines to creatively use in-flight connectivity to create a fully connected fleet. Commercial aircraft generate large volumes of data, and our goal is to help airlines use this data more effectively by removing the expensive manual, post-flight data acquisition process as well as create an environment where communications and analysis happens between the flight deck and ground operations teams—all in real-time.”
Qantas is using high-speed Viasat satellite connectivity with Teledyne’s GroundLink® avionics software across its domestic fleet of B737 and A330 aircraft with Wi-Fi to stream information over the Viasat system. The airline is also looking at new ways to leverage the system for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) application – for tracking and visualising weather, turbulence modelling and to improve pilots’ overall situational awareness when in flight.
“Viasat’s inflight connectivity service delivers a comprehensive aircraft data delivery solution for the flight deck and cabin,” said Alex Passerini, Qantas Chief Technical Pilot.
“Together with Viasat and Teledyne, we have an innovative solution that has modernised our flight deck communications, allowing us to streamline the process for how we deliver information to the ground for advanced flight tracking and real-time aircraft monitoring. It is also enabling aircraft communications in remote areas of Australia without traditional ACARS coverage.”
