Buddha Air taps Universal FMS to upgrade ATRs

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https://utm.io/uhjqxUniversal Avionics (UA) announced that Buddha Air has selected JANA Engineering to provide Universal Avionics Flight Management System (FMS) upgrades for its ATR 72-500 fleet. The Universal FMS is a highly versatile solution built on 40 years of success and adds precision navigation capabilities to meet modern airspace requirements.

Buddha Air, a prominent Nepalese international carrier, will equip 13 ATRs with the latest-generation Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) Universal FMS, chosen for its reliability and advanced capabilities.

JANA Engineering, a long-standing authorised Universal dealer and integrator, brings extensive expertise with over 100 Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and a proven track record of successful aircraft modifications around the globe. Having previously received certification through EASA, JANA received certifications from the FAA for the UNS-1Lw into the ATR platform earlier this year. The FMS upgrade from JANA Engineering is fully approved by ATR. Buddha Air adopted the STC to replace its current legacy FMS and will be conducting the installation in-house, with Universal equipment and installation kits supplied by JANA Engineering.

“Buddha Air is excited to announce our partnership with Universal Avionics and JANA, Inc to enhance our fleet of ATR-72 aircraft with the Universal Avionics UNS-1Lw Flight Management System,” says Mangesh Thapa, Buddha Air Technical Director. “Upgrading from the Honeywell HT-1000 GNSS, Buddha Air are not only elevating its operational efficiency but also ensuring safer, more reliable navigation through Nepal’s unique and complex airspace and terrain.”

“JANA Engineering shares Universal Avionics’ pleasure in achieving the first ATR-72 FMS upgrade order from an Asian airline. The UNS-1Lw FMS upgrade into the ATR series 500 aircraft provides airlines with an obsolescence free, high performance SBAS FMS which is easily upgradable to provide LPV approach capability, a potential future Buddha Air requirement. JANA Engineering very much looks forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Buddha Air,” says Ean Niland, President at JANA, Inc.

“The addition of complex procedures to Buddha Air’s ATR fleet enhances current operations while securing reliable and advanced aviation services for the future,” says Dror Yahav, Chief Executive Officer at Universal Avionics. “This partnership underscores Buddha Air’s dedication to safety and efficiency, benefiting pilots and their passengers for many years to come.”

Upgrades are set to commence in Q4 2024, with the expected completion of contracted aircraft in 2025. This selection marks a significant breakthrough for Universal Avionics in the Asian commercial airline market, solidifying its expanding global presence and partnerships.

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