Airbus selects Thales for its new flight management system

The new flight management system (FMS), which is based on the PureFlyt product and has been adapted to meet the specific needs of Airbus, will be developed by Thales to equip Airbus commercial airliners, and in particular the A320, A330 and A350, with service entry planned for the end of 2026. The new system will improve interoperability for airlines and pilots and optimise flight paths to help reduce the carbon footprint of airline operations.

"As the only player in flight management technologies in Europe, Thales is proud to contribute to the digital transformation of the airways with our flight management system, and delighted to have this opportunity to continue to support our partner Airbus. Our connected and cybersecure solution will improve interoperability for airlines and pilots and optimise flight paths to help reduce the carbon footprint of airline operations", said Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, Thales.

PureFlyt draws on 40 years of experience in flight management systems and over 100 million flight hours with Thales's current generation of FMS systems, enabling airlines to benefit from an optimal combination of flight safety, operational efficiency and fuel savings. This comprehensive solution includes navigation and performance databases for precise calculation of optimal flight paths and flight times. Airbus's choice of a system that is compatible with all its aircraft will enhance fleet interoperability for airlines and make it easier for pilots to make the transition from one Airbus aircraft type to another. The new system, which is based on the PureFlyt product and has been adapted to meet the specific needs of Airbus, will also be available as a retrofit option for aircraft currently in service.

The FMS is the "brain" of the aircraft. It is used to prepare flights, calculate and provide the crew with the information they need, set flight parameters and ensure aircraft guidance throughout the flight and during approach and landing procedures, based on fuel efficiency factors and instructions from air traffic control. Designed from the outset to be connected and cybersecure, the system maximises the benefits of access to open-world data including real-time weather information. By linking the new FMS with non-avionics systems — such as the pilot's Electronic Flight Bag and airline operational control centres — the solution makes it quicker and easier to analyse flight plan revisions, providing the pilot with the best route and simplifying interaction with air traffic control. It will help to ease airport congestion, cut fuel consumption, decrease noise pollution and reduce pilot workload.

With its expertise in avionics, connectivity and cybersecurity and air traffic management, Thales is the only European company to offer end-to-end onboard and ground-based solutions that help to meet the ambitious objectives of optimising flight operations in terms of the air transport sector's carbon footprint.