CommuteAir, a leading regional airline and the sole Embraer ERJ145 operator for the United Express network, recently announced, in partnership with United Airlines, a significant fleet investment aimed to bring next-generation capabilities and efficiencies to its operations through the installation of an enhanced Honeywell Flight Management System (FMS). The upgraded FMS is designed to drive significant operational efficiencies and leverage enhanced safety capabilities as next-generation air traffic control initiatives roll out over the next decade.
“This update to the avionics system will increase safety, efficiency, and mechanical reliability. Our maintenance team is scheduled to begin installing the upgraded FMS in March 2023,” remarked Lon Ziegler, CommuteAir’s Vice President of Maintenance and Technical Services.
“Our upgraded FMS will provide additional instrument approaches at dozens of airports that were not available in prior versions, optimizing flight approach procedures and further strengthens both safety and reliability,” said Captain David W. Fitzgerald, CommuteAir’s Vice President of Flight Operations.
This latest fleet investment in next-gen technology is part of an ongoing multi-million dollar ERJ145 fleet enhancement campaign at CommuteAir that began in 2021. CommuteAir has already refurbished 44 of its aircraft interiors with new sidewalls, overhead bins, bulkhead finishes, LED cabin and reading lights, and a completely redesigned lavatory. Interior refurbishment on the rest of the fleet will be completed in 2023.