New LCC To Start Flying In 2007
Aero-News learned
Monday that SkyBus Airlines, a new low-cost carrier based in
Columbus, OH, has selected Rockwell Collins avionics and an eFlight
information management solution for its upcoming fleet of 65 Airbus
A319 aircraft.
"We worked closely with SkyBus to determine their specific
needs, and provided solutions to help them be successful in today's
environment," said Randy Lincoln, vice president, sales and
marketing, for Rockwell Collins. "We were fortunate to begin our
relationship with Skybus in their early stages to accommodate their
needs and we look forward to strengthening it further in years to
come."
As Aero-News reported last
week, SkyBus is set to begin service with leased
planes in 2007, with its new A319s added to the fleet later.
"Rockwell Collins has been an integral part of the SkyBus team,"
said Skybus Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Ken
Gile. "They worked closely with us to develop an avionics solution
for the Skybus fleet that includes some of the most advanced
technology in the industry that will keep out costs low.
Additionally, th
eir eFlight program will help us create an efficient,
streamlined operation from day one."
Two key features of the avionics package include the Rockwell
Collins WXR-2100 MultiScan Weather Radar and the GLU-925 Multi-Mode
receiver. MultiScan is a fully automatic radar that reduces pilot
workload and enhances safety and passenger comfort by reducing
unexpected turbulence encounters. MultiScan provides optimal
weather detection from the nose of the aircraft to 320 nautical
miles. The GLU-925 MMR is the first to include LAAS, and supports
growth to future FMS landing system (FLS) and GPS landing system
(GLS) capabilities currently in development at Airbus.
The avionics package also includes a complete array of Rockwell
Collins sensors.
Rockwell Collins'
eFlight ground system was also selected by SkyBus Airlines. The
initial system will manage select operational data using ACARS
communications, but is planned to expand to a full end-to-end
solution set to manage the secure exchange, processing, storage and
retrieval of information among SkyBus airplanes and various
business, flight operations and maintenance systems.
Rockwell Collins specializes in flight deck avionics, cabin
electronics, mission communications, information management and
simulation and training.