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Boeing, Embraer collaborate on runway safety
Dec. 19, 2012, Sao Jose dos Campos, Bra. - Embraer S.A. and Boeing today announced that they will provide customers with a shared set of tools, called Runway Situation Awareness Tools, to reduce runway excursions. This further strengthens the collaboration between two of the world’s largest aerospace companies.
December 19, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
To significantly reduce runway excursions in the near term, Boeing and Embraer will provide customers with new pilot procedures and a training video on landing performance. In the longer term, the companies will also develop joint technology and systems for the flight deck to improve pilot information about approach and landing. Based on data analysis of past incidents, the companies believe the Runway Situation Awareness Tools’ broad strategy to reduce runway excursions could be utilized by pilots flying other commercial aircraft, supporting overall industry safety.
“Runway excursion is one of the three major contributors to aviation accidents, and we firmly believe that a robust set of pilot procedures, training and new technology will substantially reduce these events,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “This is another result of a successful joint effort from Boeing and Embraer on technological fronts, with important gains for our airline customers.”
“New pilot procedures, training and technology are effective and practical ways to eliminate runway excursions for Boeing and Embraer customers,” said Ray Conner, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are very pleased to collaborate with Embraer to support our customers and further strengthen industry safety.”
The global commercial aviation industry has substantially reduced accidents and incidents in recent decades, but runway excursions remain a concern. From 2002 to 2011, runway excursions involving the global fleet accounted for 15 out of a total of 79 fatal accidents and resulted in more than 780 fatalities.
The companies’ collaboration on runway safety for commercial aircraft advances their April announcement that Boeing and Embraer will cooperate in ways that create value for both companies and their customers. Embraer and Boeing have also announced collaboration on Embraer’s KC-390 and Super Tucano defense aircraft programs and are working together to advance the supply of sustainable aviation biofuels.
