737NG FLIGHT AVIONICS-----LATEST TECHNOLOGY

OL, which bills itself as a “smart,” lean, low-cost airline with a young fleet, plans to install new avionics in its Boeing 737NG fleet to further improve the safety and performance of its operations.

The digital communications and operational management system with global coverage is based on the Iridium satellite network. “This new technology, which allows the exchange of information in real time via voice and text message, is linked to the company’s ACARS (aircraft communication addressing and reporting system) and can be used as an operational management tool,” said a GOL representative.

New 737NGs will include the communications system and a multi-mode receiver that will enable GOL to make precision landings with either Global Navigation Satellite Systems or Instrument Landing Systems, as well as use RNP (Required Navigation Performance) navigation, which is more efficient, thus saving fuel, compared to visual or non-precision approaches.

GOL plans to retrofit the Rockwell Collins’ CMU-900 on its existing 737NG fleet in May. The retrofit also includes installing special software and an aircraft personality module, which permanently stores an aircraft’s unique parameters and feeds that information to the CMU for aircraft identification, said Fernando DeSantos, principal account manager for Rockwell Collins.

Neither GOL or Rockwell Collins disclosed the system’s cost. GOL currently operates 109 737s.