Aerospace specialists join forces to deliver enhanced in-flight information to improve operational performance

Teledyne Controls, the aircraft data and information management business, and aerospace software  provider  PACE  have  signed  a  new  partnership  deal  that  will  enable  airlines  and individual flight crews to actively improve their flying efficiency and fuel consumption, and pilots to receive live weather updates direct to an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) while in flight.

Interfaced with the Teledyne GroundLink® Comm+ system and its new integrated Aircraft Interface Device (AID) function AID+, PACE’s Pacelab Flight Profile Optimizer software can draw live data from the aircraft’s avionics buses to determine the most cost-efficient flight trajectory. Using real-time operational and meteorological data and a holistic optimization approach for the remaining route to destination, Pacelab Flight Profile Optimizer provides pilots with reliable information on how to minimise trip cost. The resulting reduction of fuel burn is significant averaging up to 2% per year.

And  with  the  addition  of  inflight  weather  updates  direct  to  the  crews’  tablet  devices  via Teledyne’s GroundLink® AID+ ACARS proxy interface, crews have a complete picture of their ongoing  flight,  and  any  changes  in  profile  that  may  be  required  through  a  change  in circumstances to achieve greater operational and fuel efficiencies.

An ACARS proxy allows multiple EFBs to send and receive ACARS messages, supporting pilots with ground and air Flight Operations communications, the distribution of flight documents, and load sheets. Crucially, airlines do not need to install a separate AID unit to benefit from the PACE/Teledyne partnership. With more than 8,000 Teledyne GroundLink® units already flying, it is an easy transition for those with the technology already installed, protecting their legacy investment.

Murray Skelton, Director of Business Development at Teledyne Controls, says that the ease of  integration  has  been  key:  “By  a  simple  interface  with  our  AID+  unit  and  the  PACE application,  we  can  deliver  all  of  the  key  flight  data,  and  external  data  such  as  weather updates direct to a tablet to enable pilots to make informed decisions about their flight, and proactively find ways of maximising their fuel efficiency.”

PACE Managing Partner Oliver Kranz explains how the agreement is a genuine ‘win win’ for all parties: “For airlines to realize the full benefits of AID, they need to see a tangible return on investment,” he says. “Integrating PACE with Teledyne’s systems delivers a new level of control, and feedback from the first users is already encouraging.

“With Teledyne’s significant installed base, we have an immediate network and channel to market,” he continues. “We give Teledyne a tangible business case for airlines to upgrade to GroundLink® AID+, with proven cost efficiencies.”