Comair selects Honeywell avionics for its new airliners

23rd March 2018

By: Martin Zhuwakinyu

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

     

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South Africa’s second-largest airline company, Comair, and American software-industrial group Honeywell have announced that the airline has chosen the US group’s advanced cockpit technologies suite to equip the Boeing 737-800 MAX 8 airliners that it is acquiring. The suite will include a three-dimensional weather radar system, the IntuVue RDR-4000.

“Our new fleet additions will enable us to be on the cutting edge of aerospace technology and in a leadership position among airlines in the region,” affirmed Comair CEO Erik Venter. “Supplementing that with some of the best navigation and weather equipment from Honeywell International Inc means that we can keep our commitment to safety and ensure passengers reach their destinations quickly and comfortably.”

“Maintaining reliable, safe service is of maximum importance to airlines, especially as they look for new and impactful ways to upgrade their fleets,” highlights Honeywell International aerospace leader: Africa Rudolph Louw. “Working with Honeywell International Inc provides pilots with the intelligence they need to not only make incremental adjustments in the flight route to save time and fuel, but also avoid patches of turbulent weather. Ultimately, this helps drive fuel and maintenance efficiencies, while promoting a positive passenger experience.”

Apart from the IntuVue RDR-4000 radar, the other major elements to the cockpit suite are an integrated multimode receiver, a SmartTraffic alert and collision avoidance system, and a Mark II+ communications management unit. With these systems, Comair will be able to meet not only existing, but also upcoming, regulations from the US Federal Aviation Administration.

The IntuVue RDR-4000 is the first automatic commercial weather radar, with a bad-weather detection range 5% better than other radars. It can detect turbulence as much as 60 nautical miles (nm) ahead of an aircraft and predict lightning and hail.

The integrated multimode receiver gives the aircraft cutting-edge radio navigation abilities, accessing both ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems in a single, lightweight receiver. It allows the flight crew to precisely locate the position of their aircraft, while reducing volume and weight by as much as half, compared with other systems.

The SmartTraffic alert and collision avoidance system can detect incoming aircraft at a range of 100 nm. It is an active surveillance system that gives pilots excellent awareness of other air traffic and so reduces risks during flight.

The Mark II+ communications management unit is responsible for managing two-way air-ground data link communications. This allows the transmission of the airliner’s health and position data in real time. It also links the pilots with their airline’s operations centre.

T

he press release states: “These advanced technologies work together to help pilots prepare for and respond to new or difficult runway approaches and hazardous weather conditions. In turn, Comair can increase passenger safety and comfort, while preparing for future flight safety regulations. . . . Using precise Global Positioning System data, the technology can accurately pinpoint an aircraft’s position in real time and share this data with surrounding aircraft and air traffic control to meet the aim of running more efficient, safer flights.”

Comair will take delivery of its first 737 MAX 8s in January 2019. It has eight on order and their delivery will compete the airline’s fleet replacement strategy. Comair operates the British Airways and the Kulula low-cost carrier brands in South Africa and provides both scheduled and nonscheduled air services in South Africa, as well as within Southern Africa and to the Indian Ocean islands. Founded in 1946 and listed on the JSE, it is a Level 4 broad-based black economic empowerment group.

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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