SriLankan Airlines Plans EFB Modifications

SriLankan Airlines has chosen to modify its fleet of Airbus A320s and A330s with a new electronic flight bag system from Fokker Services Group that will enable pilots to use the latest iPad model to access information during all flight phases.

The airline will modify 33 aircraft with Fokker Services Group’s (FSG) EFB [electronic flight bag] Provision Solution, which includes a pivot mount that supports both portrait and landscape orientations, a USB-C outlet and DC-DC converter. SriLankan will be replacing its legacy version of FSG’s EFB solution, selected in 2013, which featured a USB-A power outlet and an earlier version of the device holder that only allowed a fixed orientation.

FSG says its legacy EFB Provision Solution was the first of its kind to be classified as a Class II solution, meaning it is securely attached and powered by the aircraft, unlike Class III systems that are fully integrated into the aircraft or Class I devices that are portable, removable devices required to be stowed during critical flight phases.

According to Romy Walraven, program manager at FSG, the company has continued to adapt the product to address technological advancements and market needs.

“In 2023, we upgraded the power outlet to the Boeing 737 family, and most recently, we upgraded it for the A320 and A330 aircraft, aligning with the increasing prevalence of USB-C technology and the EU’s adoption of it as a standard for civilian electronic devices,” she says.

“It’s worth noting that when we refer to USB-C, we’re not just talking about the outlet or the receptacle,” adds Vincent Jansen, sales director at FSG. “The latest iPad models require higher power delivery (up to 60 watts), and our solution is designed to accommodate this increased power demand seamlessly.”

Vipul Misra, head of engineering at SriLankan Airlines, says the modification was selected “with future upgrades in mind” as it phases out its existing devices, and FSG says the change ensures cockpits are “future-proof for current and upcoming device upgrades.”

FSG will be providing SriLankan Airlines with a modification kit that includes the necessary hardware and detailed documentation, including the engineering bulletin and flight crew operation manual supplements, as well as installation instructions.

“For new installations of EFB products, the process requires power supply wiring and minimal structural modifications to install the mount,” says Walraven. “The initial installation typically takes around 20 man-hours, with subsequent upgrades or repeat installations requiring less time.”

SriLankan Airlines is FSG’s launch customer for the EFB Provision Solution on A320 and A330 aircraft, and Jansen says the company has “seen significant interest from major carriers adopting this for 737s.”

“Beyond this, we anticipate adoption across a wide range of aircraft types, including the A320, A330, 737NG/MAX, [De Havilland Canada] Dash 8 and ATR 72 fleets,” he adds.