Rockwell Collins HGS

Rockwell Collins has secured a contract from Hainan Airlines to provide head-up guidance system (HGS) for the airlines’ Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft and flight simulators.

With the HGS displays, pilots will be able to access critical flight information in forward field-of-view without the need to transition to head-down instruments, Rockwell Collins said.

The tool also allows airlines for fewer diversions, allowing more takeoffs and landings in low-visibility conditions.

Rockwell Collins Asia Pacific international and service solutions vice-president and managing director Jim Walker said: "We’re honoured by Hainan’s selection of HGS, which delivers enhanced safety and more efficient operations, especially during critical flight phases.

"Hainan will be the latest China-based airline to benefit from the exclusive lower landing and take-off minima offered by the CAAC in China."

"With these HGS installations, Hainan will be the latest China-based airline to benefit from the exclusive lower landing and take-off minima offered by the CAAC in China."

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has so far approved eight airports for lower landing minima for aircraft equipped with authorised head-up displays (HUD), including Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Qingdao, Jinan and Taizhou.

China HUD Application Roadmap had recommended airlines to equip their aircraft with HUD by 2025.

Rockwell Collins has delivered more than 6,800 head-up guidance systems to 54 airlines across 33 countries and corporate and military transport aircraft operators worldwide.

In a separate statement, Rockwell Collins said it acquired Pacific Avionics, which specialises in wireless information distribution including in-flight entertainment and connectivity.

Image: Rockwell Collins’ HGS allows airlines in China benefit from lower landing and takeoff minima. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.