Etihad Regional became launch customer for ATR’s iPad mount system with power interface

Darwin Airline, recently rebranded Etihad Regional has become a launch customer for ATR’s optimal onboard tablet-based system for the airline’s electronic flight bag (EFB) initiative.

The adaptable ATR iPad mount system with the integrated power interface module will be deployed to provide an installed platform for holding the Apple iPad device, as well as supply certified connectivity to aircraft power for device charging. The integrated system will allow Etihad Regional to realize maximum functionality of the iPad Air tablet as a deployed EFB platform. The Etihad Regional EFB program will be implemented on all ATRs in its fleet with installations planned to take place in second half of 2014.

Due to the growing ATR fleet around the world and strong market, ATR is increasing its design and production capacity in the area of system upgrades. This tablet-based system for the airline’s electronic flight bag (EFB) is among optional modifications of the in-service fleet, in order to help customers maintain the highest residual values of their assets.

“We are glad to be one of the first airline companies to introduce this new technology on board our ATRs, confirming our commitment to both update our fleet by implementing this onboard new EFB program and to reduce our impact on the environment by diminishing the paper utilization”, commented Maurizio Merlo, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Regional.

“We are delighted that Etihad Regional has become a launch customer who has embraced EFB technology and look forward working with them in the implementation of their EFB initiative. ATR performs these modification services to ensure the aircraft will benefit from recent technologies and can comply with the evolving regulations,” ATR’s Senior Vice President Product Support & Services Lilian Braylé said. “ATR can manage the complete project integration for this system upgrade. ATR provides the certified service bulletin and associated kit of parts, revised aircraft documentation and aircraft configuration follow-up.”

This significant cockpit upgrade will be delivered to Etihad Regional as well as to a growing number of interested customers worldwide who are already choosing the system. Pilots around the world will soon be able to consult all their ATR operational manuals on iPad. They will also be able to compute their aircraft performance calculations which will provide them with optimised and accurate results on any runway of their operational route network.

About Etihad Regional, Operated by Darwin Airline:

Etihad Regional is the new European brand operated by Darwin Airline, the leading regional carrier of Switzerland. The airline is a full service carrier with a fleet of eight 50-seat Saab 2000 turboprop aircrafts and four 68-seat ATRs 72-500, operating to over 34 destinations in 9 European countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Serbia, Netherlands and UK. Besides serving a range of key secondary cities in Europe, Etihad Regional offers international destinations across the entire world through its future 33.3 per cent shareholding equity and codeshare partner, Etihad Airways. Thanks to this partnership, Etihad Regional guests are able to earn Etihad Guest Miles and enjoy the benefits of one of the most rewarding loyalty programs. The airline’s major operational hubs are in Zurich and Geneva. The company was founded in 2003 and has its head office in Lugano. For more information, please visit www.etihadregional.com.

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