The global electronic flight bag market size is expected to gain traction by reaching USD 5.86 billion by 2028. This is owing to the increasing focus on the adoption of integrated smart product solutions. The report further mentions that the market stood at USD 2.02 billion in 2020 and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.57% between 2023 and 2028. An Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) is a modern electronic device used by pilots and flight crews to assist in flight operations. EFBs have largely replaced traditional paper-based flight materials, such as navigational charts, aircraft manuals, and operational documents, offering several advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and convenience.
Informational Source:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/electronic-flight-bag-market-103689
List of the Companies Operating in the Market:
- Airbus SAS (the Netherlands)
- The Boeing Company (The U.S.)
- Collins Aerospace (The U.S.)
- L3Harris Technologies Inc. (The U.S.)
- Thales Group (France)
- CMC Electronics Inc. (Canada)
- Jeppesen (The U.S.)
- Astronautics Corporation of America (The U.S.)
- Lufthansa Systems (Germany)
- DAC International, Inc. (The U.S.)
- Teledyne Controls (The U.S.)
- Esterline Technologies Corporation (The U.S.)
Here's an overview of EFBs:
Purpose: EFBs are primarily used to improve the efficiency and safety of flight operations. They provide digital access to a wide range of information and tools, reducing the need for carrying and managing paper documents.
Components: EFBs typically consist of hardware and software components. The hardware includes tablet devices, such as iPads or purpose-built EFB tablets, while the software comprises aviation applications and tools.
Key Features:
- Electronic Charts: EFBs can display digital versions of aeronautical charts, approach plates, and airport diagrams, allowing pilots to easily access and update this critical information.
- Performance Calculations: EFBs can perform calculations related to fuel consumption, weight and balance, takeoff and landing performance, and more, making flight planning more efficient.
- Weather Information: They can display real-time weather data, including METARs, TAFs, radar imagery, and other weather-related information, helping pilots make informed decisions during the flight.
- Checklists: EFBs often include digital checklists for various phases of flight, helping pilots ensure that all necessary procedures are followed.
- Documentation: EFBs can store and provide easy access to aircraft manuals, operating procedures, and other operational documents.
- Notepads: Many EFBs come with digital notepads for pilots to jot down important notes, calculations, or diagrams.
- Connectivity: EFBs can connect to the aircraft's avionics systems, providing data exchange and integration for navigation and situational awareness.
Benefits:
- Paperless Cockpit: EFBs reduce the reliance on paper documents, saving weight and reducing clutter in the cockpit.
- Real-time Updates: Charts and data can be updated in real time, ensuring that pilots always have the latest information.
- Enhanced Safety: EFBs provide access to critical information and tools, aiding in decision-making and improving situational awareness.
- Fuel and Cost Savings: EFBs can assist in optimizing flight operations, potentially reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Regulatory Approval: EFBs must be certified by aviation authorities to ensure their reliability and compliance with safety regulations. Different levels of certification (Class 1, 2, and 3) exist, with Class 3 being the most stringent for critical applications like displaying navigational charts.
Security: EFBs need to address security concerns, especially when they connect to an aircraft's avionics systems. This involves safeguarding against unauthorized access and ensuring the integrity of data.
In conclusion, Electronic Flight Bags have become an integral part of modern aviation, streamlining flight operations and enhancing safety and efficiency. They provide pilots with a wealth of digital resources, reducing the reliance on traditional paper documents and facilitating real-time decision-making.