Aircraft
UPS Launches A300 Cockpit Modernization Program
Airbus and Honeywell chosen to collaborate on retrofit scheduled for certification in 2020
UPS flies 52 Airbus A300-600s equipped with a cockpit the carrier characterized as "lacking" even when it bought the airplanes in 2000. (Photo: Airbus)
UPS flies 52 Airbus A300-600s equipped with a cockpit the carrier characterized as "lacking" even when it bought the airplanes in 2000. (Photo: Airbus)

United Parcel Service, Airbus and Honeywell have signed a deal to collaborate on a cockpit upgrade for UPS Airline’s 52 A300-600s meant to extend the life of the fleet for at least another 18 years, the partners announced Monday. The program involves installation of a new flight management system, a new Honeywell RVR 4000 weather radar system, new LCD displays for both pilots, a new integrated standby instrument system (ISIS), a new aircraft communication and addressing reporting system (ACARS), a central maintenance system and replacement of the current enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) with an integrated system. Rather than using individual components for aircraft functions such as FMS, ACARS and CMS, the new integrated avionics system uses processor cards installed in a cabinet.