Etihad Airways is not only providing state-of-the art technology for its Guests, but now the Abu Dhabi-based airline has introduced one of the aviation industry’s most advanced computer solutions, which will transform the day-to-day operations in its aircraft.
From June 2006, Etihad flight deck crew will be using the “T & A SkyBook” pilot laptop, developed by the Germany-based T & A Systeme, which significantly reduces the amount of paper-work flight deck members have to carry out.
“The SkyBook securely handles and presents all applications and documents relevant to the operation of a flight for every pilot. Additionally recurrent training and daily communication can be handled in a fast, professional and secure way. It is a proven design and has been tailored to Etihad’s specific needs,” said HH Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways.
Etihad flight deck crew can now access to charts for every airport in the world, an entire aircraft library, training programmes and calculation tools for optimised aircraft performance.
“Pilots and fellow crew members can access email, receive the latest news updates via a ticker, and use the SkyBook’s electronic reporting system. In essence it is a world-class flight training, safety and enhancement tool,” said Captain Christoph Schippel, fleet chief Airbus and Etihad’s project leader for the T & A SkyBook.
Etihad Airways is experiencing a period of tremendous growth both in terms of flight network and fleet of aircraft. Etihad’s flight deck crew, which consists of the captain and first officer, is also increasing to maintain this growth, and now stands at more than 325 personnel.
“The SkyBook reduces piles of copied paper-work to a single laptop for each crew member. It will significantly improved the flow of information, save costs and provide the pilot with all of the data he needs to perform a safe and efficient flight. The SkyBook is our most significant step towards a paper-free cockpit,” continued Captain Christoph Schippel.
Prior to each flight the pilot gets his individual update on the SkyBook from the Etihad central server via a docking station at the airline’s base at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The SkyBook will be used by on all Etihad Airways’ aircraft, including the new fleet of 29 Airbus and Boeing aircraft which is arriving in Abu Dhabi throughout the next two years.
As well as purchasing the five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, Etihad has also ordered 24 Airbus aircraft – four A340-500s, four A340-600s, 12 A330-200s and four double-decker A380s.
Photo caption: (Left to right) Klaus Giesemann, Etihad head of Information Technology, Helmut Weixler, VP Operations, Etihad Airways, Captain Christoph Schippel, Fleet Chief Airbus and Etihad’s Project Leader for the T&A SkyBook project, Arno Therburg, VP Sales, T&A SYSTEME and Geert Boven, acting CEO and VP Commercial, Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the world’s leading new airline and currently offers flights for Guests and cargo to more than 40 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.
Etihad Crystal Cargo – www.crystalcargo.ae – offers a comprehensive range of cargo services throughout Etihad’s network, and services its many all-cargo destinations and world-wide charters with a fleet of modern regional freighter aircraft.
Etihad Holidays - www.etihadholidays.com - offers a range of innovative holiday options in 82 destinations including skiing, fly-drives, cruises, tours, stopovers, inbound programmes and city breaks.
Through these exciting divisions, Etihad Airways is changing the way people see the world.
For more information about this award-winning aviation group, please visit www.etihadairways.ae.
