NBAA—ORLANDO, Fla., 21 Oct. 2014. Dassault will offer a factory-approved solution, which includes Iridium-based communications systems from Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ:GOGO) subsidiary Gogo Business Aviation LLC, to help Falcon operators comply with emerging FANS (Future Air Navigation System) mandates.
“With the forthcoming mandates, FANS is a very important topic among business aircraft operators in today’s market. We’re pleased to help Dassault bring a cost-effective solution to Falcon operators all over the world,” explains John Wade, Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager.
FANS capabilities and technologies, useful on frequently-used oceanic routes between North America and Europe, enable flight crews and air traffic controllers to exchange safety-sensitive flight information, such as clearances and requests to climb or descend, via digital data link. They also enable automated position reporting via the aircraft’s Flight Management System. FANS can enable aircraft to obtain preferential altitudes and routing which improves efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and saves time.
From an equipment perspective, Dassault’s new FANS solution incorporates Gogo Business Aviation’s Iridium-based Axxess system and Data Interface Unit (DIU). Both systems meet FAA DO-178B (Level D) certification requirements for FANS. Beginning in November, the solution will be available via a Dassault Service Bulletin at any authorized Falcon service facility for Falcon 900, Falcon 2000, and Falcon 7X aircraft with EASy II flight decks.
“Creating a cost-effective FANS solution for our customers has been a top priority. Gogo Business Aviation’s expertise with FANS and next-generation datalink services made them a great partner in this important project,” says Olivier Villa, senior vice president, Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation. “A significant number of Falcon operators already have Gogo’s Iridium-based Axxess system installed on their aircraft and our FANS solution will permit a simple upgrade for that equipment as part of the overall compliance package.”
First introduced in 2005, the Axxess system is currently flying on thousands of aircraft and offered as standard or optional equipment by most major business aircraft manufacturers, officials say. Paired with Gogo Business Aviation’s Data Interface Unit (DIU), the FANS-compliant Axxess system is available to existing customers as a field retrofit through a special upgrade/exchange program. It is also available for new installations.
