Thales announces that SF Airlines, China's leading freight airline, will retrofit their aircraft with Thales/ACSS avionics to improve air traffic efficiency and capacity

• SF Airlines has selected Thales and ACSS as the exclusive equipment supplier for airborne ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) equipment for its fleet to improve air traffic efficiency and capacity, in an active response to CAAC's (Civil Aviation Administration of China) call for implementation of ADS-B technology.
• Thales and ACSS will provide ADS-B-compliant solutions for SF Airlines' existing 59 aircraft and future optional aircraft, notably including replacement TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), TCAS directional antenna, and ATC (Air Traffic Control) transponders.

BEIJING, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SF Airlines, which operates China's largest cargo fleet, has chosen Thales and ACSS, an L3Harris Technologies and Thales joint venture, as the exclusive avionics suppliers to retrofit its fleet with ADS-B Out-compliant airborne equipment. This selection is an active response to CAAC's (Civil Aviation Administration of China) promotion of ADS-B technology.

ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) technology is aiming at vastly improving air traffic efficiency and capacity. It enables air traffic controllers to get much improved situational awareness thanks to the real-time aircraft information provided by their internal GPS, with more accuracy than with the usual radar. In view of these benefits, CAAC has listed ADS-B as one of the new technologies to be promoted for improving flight safety and operational efficiency as well as on-time performance. According to CAAC's plan, all China's in-service aircraft are mandated to implement ADS-B Out Version 2 functions by the end of 2022.

Being the first to market certified ADS-B In and Out Solutions, Thales' partner ACSS is a leading equipment manufacturer in the domain. Together the two companies have delivered over 5,000 NXTs (Next Generation Transponder) on different types of aircraft including Airbus, Boeing and Embraer for airlines around the world.

With this contract, the Thales partnership will provide ADS-B-compliant solutions for SF Airlines' existing 59 aircraft and future optional aircraft. Corresponding airborne equipment will be installed based on the different configuration of each aircraft, including replacement TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), TCAS directional antenna, and ATC (Air Traffic Control) transponders, etc. This avionics retrofit of 59 aircraft will be fully implemented by the end of 2022, and represents the largest cooperation project between Thales and a Chinese cargo airline to date.

In addition to the airborne equipment, Thales has also provided ADS-B ground station equipment to China. By virtue of its expertise in air traffic management, as well as its technology and experience in the field of ADS-B In and Out applications, Thales has actively supported CAAC in carrying out China's ADS-B operations, notably through the first ADS-B In demonstration flight in 2017.

"We are very honoured to partner with SF Airlines and provide this avionics retrofit to the largest aircraft cargo fleet in China. We will continue using our full capabilities in mature airborne and ground solutions to support our partners and CAAC, promoting the safe and efficient development of China's civil aviation industry," Jerome Bendell, Vice President of Thales North Asia and CEO of Thales in China.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of EUR19 billion in 2019 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto over 12 months).

Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations -- connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity -- technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.

About Thales in China

Thales provides innovative solutions for the infrastructure that forms the backbone of China's growth. The Group has been present in China for around 40 years and is the trusted partner for the Chinese aviation and urban rail transportation industries. In the meanwhile, from secure software to biometrics and encryption, Thales has successfully applied its advanced technology to mobile communication, banking, IoT and software monetization etc. Thales has 3 JVs and employs 2,300 people with offices located in 8 cities in China. Thales established R&D centers and Innovation Hubs in Beijing, Dalian and Hong Kong to provide innovative solutions for both China and international market.

About ACSS

Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) is a joint venture, with 70 percent owned by L3Harris Technologies and 30 percent owned by Thales. ACSS designs and manufactures products for all aircraft and helicopter segments, and supports products for air transport and regional airlines, business aviation, and helicopter, General Aviation (GA), manned and unmanned military aircraft operators. ACSS produces avionics systems that increase safety, situational awareness, and efficiency for commercial and military flight operators. More than 75,000 ACSS products are operating in commercial, corporate and military aircraft. Thales Avionics is the exclusive sales and support agent of ACSS products to Commercial Air Transport customers operating Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

About SF Airlines

Established in 2009, SF Airlines is a brand of cargo airline under S.F. Holding and headquartered in Shenzhen. Supported by operation from two other air bases in Hangzhou and Beijing, it dedicates itself to providing highly efficient and safe air shipping services to customers and providing customized air logistics solutions.

SF Airlines is now the freight airlines with the largest fleet size in China. As of April 2020, the total number of aircrafts operated by SF Airlines has increased to 59, including 2 B747, 8 B767, 32 B757, 17 B737, flying to more than 60 cities and regions at home and abroad.

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20200519/2807749-1

SOURCE Thales