Moscow, 19 May –  Aeroflot becomes the first Russian operator to install the Braking Action Computation Function (BACF). The technology enables to more accurately evaluate the braking action the aircraft experienced during landing and share the data with airport ground services departments. In parallel, BACF shared data with RunwaySense another NAVBLUE service to support runway condition reporting to access in real time using the unique data provided by aircraft. By sharing aircraft Braking Action data highly valuable for the next runway users, BACF helps addressing the biggest category of accidents, so-called “runway excursions”, when an aircraft departs the runway. This service aims to increase flight safety and help its users to satisfy ICAO latest standards.

BACF is developed by Airbus and its subsidiary NAVBLUE, a company dedicated to flight operations for airlines and air traffic management. Aeroflot has signed a contract to install BACF on its single aisle A320 Family. The technology will be later available for A350 widebody aircraft.

“Ensuring safety is priority for our airline, – emphasized Mikhail Poluboyarinov, Aeroflot CEO. – Aeroflot meets the highest international standards and acts as guide for global industry initiatives in Russia. The installation of BACF technology will help us to more effectively cooperate with all the partners within the air transportation process.”

“In Russia there are some of the most challenging weather conditions with winter season lasting up to 6 month, runways can be contaminated, particularly with standing water, snow and/or ice. We are looking forward to seeing how Aeroflot’s operations will benefit from this technology and how airports will use this data to enhance Runway Condition assessment”, said Julien Franiatte, Head of Country Russia, Airbus.

The BACF is a special software which is being installed on aircraft. The functionality uses data from an aircraft’s braking phase during landing, comparing this information against different reference runway conditions using Airbus Aircraft Performance Data, based on this comparison the software evaluates the encountered level of braking action.

This information is displayed on the cockpit’s Multifunction Control & Display Unit (MCDU), assisting pilots in transmitting their Braking Action report to air traffic controllers, to be then shared with airport. The calculated BACF data is also sent automatically by digital link to NAVBLUE, which collects and displays the results on its RunwaySense web application. The RunwaySense technological approach is similar to mobile apps that allow drivers to see and avoid traffic jams with data generated by other drivers.

By sharing reports in real-time, RunwaySense users will better understand how runway conditions are trending, and airports can anticipate and mitigate slippery conditions.