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.

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com, www.skybus.com