Hong Kong-based, Cathay Pacific Airways, has begun an implementation of efbTechLogs™ Electronic Logbook (ELB) software developed by Ultramain Systems. ELB software is new technology that replaces the long-standing paper-based aircraft technical log. Cathay Pacific will implement the Ultramain ELB on its Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) installation to a common standard across all its aircraft types comprising 170 aircraft. The ELB software operates on Electronic Flight Bag hardware, which itself constitutes new technology, and is classified by aviation authorities from least to most integrated with the aircraft: Class 1, 2, or 3 EFB respectively.  

“The majority of airlines are still using paper-based aircraft technical logs, so the use of ELB software is in its infancy,” says Tim Spears, Vice President of Ultramain and head of Ultramain’s Onboard Systems division. “When you look at airlines actually operating Electronic Logbooks, the majority are flying with efbTechLogsprovided by Ultramain Systems. Cathay Pacific Airways is set to be the first industry operator with a common Electronic Logbook across all fleet types.”

“Replacement of paper with the real-time capture of structured maintenance information through an Electronic Logbook will dramatically improve the efficiency of processes in Line Maintenance operations,” says Rob Saunders, Cathay’s Head of Engineering Cost Management and Business Improvement. “Working closely with HAECO, our MRO partner, we have looked much further than just replacing the paper. To realize the benefits, we needed a proven ELB solution integrated with our M&E system.

Mark McCausland, President of Ultramain Systems, says, “efbTechLogs operates on Class 1 (mobile devices), as well as Class 2 and 3 EFB, and has been in continuous approved use on Class 3 EFB since 2008.efbTechLogs has a great deal of experience incorporated into the software and has been installed by more operators than all other ELB offerings combined.” McCausland said, “No other ELB has the cross-fleet and cross-manufacturer capabilities that efbTechLogs has.”

Christopher Gibbs, Director of Engineering for Cathay Pacific, said, “Similar ELB software that spans all of our fleet types is essential in managing an e-enabled fleet. Commonality of software makes sense on many levels, from training to ground systems integration. e-Operations can provide incremental benefits for individual aircraft, but we see a significantly stronger business case for full fleet enablement.