Information on Japanese airspace after earthquake & tsunami provided to business jet operators by Rockwell Collins Ascend technology

Posted by John McHale
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, 31 March 2011.Business jet operators traveling back and forth to Japan during the earthquake, tsunami, and current nuclear fallout crisis used Ascend Flight Information Solutions from Rockwell Collins to access important data about flying in and out the Japanese airspace.
"We assisted operators with evacuation flights out of Japan, as well as a flight that transported search and rescue teams from Los Angeles," says Matt Pahl, manager of Rockwell Collins' Flight Operations in Houston. "While some of our customers cancelled flights to Japan, others are planning business or humanitarian aid trips as a result of the disaster."
According to Pahl, airport and fuel availability initially caused concern for operators. Now, the main issue is the risk of radiation, so operators are using Ascend to plan modified routes to avoid the area around the damaged power plants.
"The disaster in Japan shows that we meet our customers' needs in all circumstances," Pahl says. "It also highlights the strength and importance of our network of agents around the world. Our communication with them has enabled us to help our customers make informed decisions about travel to Japan."
For more on Rockwell Collins Ascend, visit http://www.rockwellcollins.com/Services_and_Support/Flight_Information_Solutions.aspx.