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Updating flight plans in newer aircraft takes just a few swipes on an iPad. But for the large number of older models still in service, connectivity felt long out of reach—until a tiny innovation changed everything. A dongle, no bigger than a thumb drive, plugged into an aircraft’s Solid-State Data Transfer Unit (SSDTU+) has transformed how legacy aircraft interact with modern aviation tools. This compact piece of hardware links older flight management systems (FMS) to the cloud, bridging a technological divide. The breakthrough emerged from Universal Avionics’ Universal Grand Challenge, an annual competition in which engineers seek to solve aviation’s most pressing problems. The task at hand was to bring legacy aircraft into the digital era without using the costly ‘rip and replace’ approach. “With a minor hardware modification and a field-installable software upgrade, we’re enabling a secure, certified data interface—seamlessly connecting avionics and the FMS to a pilot’s iPad,” says Dror Yahav, CEO. Legacy aircraft, built or upgraded with a Universal Avionics FMS, can now integrate with applications in the iPad and benefit from cloud-based solutions. No expensive overhauls. No disruptive downtime. Just a more innovative way to fly. Getting Updates on the Fly Pilots have access to a host of benefits as soon as the device is plugged in. An intuitive, easy-to-use graphical interface allows them to interact with the FMS through an electronic flight bag (EFB) installed on an iPad. With real-time access to a map integrated with weather and traffic data, situational awareness is enhanced at a glance. The system pulls present position data directly from the FMS and avionics, transforming the iPad into a fully connected flight management tool—leveraging its best-in-class touch capability and display quality. Tedious manual maintenance tasks like uploading updated databases into the FMS have also become a thing of the past. Databases are delivered automatically to the iPad from the cloud, available for the specified aircraft FMS. This saves time, reduces the risk of human error and ensures the system remains up-to-date. A Connected Cockpit Powered by Smart Flight Analytics Every takeoff and landing manoeuvre generates valuable insights that can optimise engine performance and operational efficiency. This data is lost without a connected avionics system. Universal Avionics is turning raw flight data into actionable intelligence. Its UA FlightPartner app suite streamlines pilot workflows at every phase of flight. Advanced features include weather-driven Smart Flight Planning, which dynamically adjusts to changing conditions and ADS-B traffic awareness, which provides real-time situational insights. Combined, they enable pilots to make data-driven decisions that enhance safety and efficiency.
Top Aviation Consulting Services in Europe 2025
aviaCONsult is a certified service provider flight procedure design according to European Commission Implementing Rule 2017/373. It is a motivated team of certified procedure designers, management experienced airline pilots, regulatory experts and other graduated specialists. With a focus on enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, the company helps clients, ranging from regulatory authorities and airlines to navigation service providers and airports.
Top Military Logistics Services Provider in Europe 2025
The defence market is constantly in flux, but AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. has honed its expertise over 24 years to stay ahead of the curve. Military cargo supplies have become a highly sought after, high-stakes sector, with tighter controls, faster demands and shifting logistics shaping the industry. While the rules may change, AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. delivery ability remains consistent. Being a company that has been engaged in arms and ammunition trading for more than 20 years, AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. knows all the nuances of military logistics thoroughly. Today, the company operates confidently in this field, ensuring uninterrupted deliveries of defence products and quality performance of every task. NATO recognises AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. as an official supplier under NCAGE Code 334DG, confirming that the company holds all necessary certifications and permits for international defence contracts. The company is also an accredited member of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic and a certified member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic. AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. covers all bases in military logistics, moving defence cargo by sea, air and land. It has a fleet of more than fifty certified heavy-duty vehicles, enabling rapid ground transportation of defence products with precision and reliability. This strong foundation has fuelled the global growth of the company, whose representatives are now present on four continents. Thanks to this broad presence, AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. is able to meet the diverse needs of its partners - quickly, accurately and with a friendly professionalism which makes all the difference. “Thanks to our professionalism and ability to analyse the dynamics of changes, AKM GROUP-CZ, a.s. is ready for the new realities in the industry,” says Jaroslav Nadvorník, Member of the Board of Directors.
CXO INSIGHTS
Designing Strategies for Innovating Supply Chain Management
Adrian Quinones, Director of Supply Chain, Curtiss-Wright Corporation
From the Roar of Jet Engines to Strategic Leadership: A Journey from Air Force Skies to Civilian Horizons
Angelos Varelis, Associate Director Engineering, Quality & Logistics, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International
The Evolving Landscape of Irish Military Logistics
Colonel Gareth Prendergast, Head of Strategic Force Design, Irish Defence Forces
Advancing Aviation Safety: Strategies for Risk Management, Knowledge Transfer, and Global Cooperation
Dominik Zgieb, Director of Aviation Operations Safety Bureau, Warsaw Chopin Airport, Polish Airports S.A
Architect Of Modern Logistics In The Hellenic Army
Stavros Psofidis, Army Corps - Director of the Logistics Support Division, Hellenic Army
IN FOCUS
EDITORIAL
The Synergy Driving Aviation’s Next Chapter
In modern defence and aerospace, the unseen frameworks supporting airborne operations are more crucial than ever. At the core of this intricate ecosystem lie three essential elements—military logistics services, aviation consulting, and connected avionics systems. Together, they form the backbone of a new aviation readiness and resilience era. Military logistics services are often operating behind the scenes and are the linchpin of operational success. From transporting personnel to ensuring the timely delivery of critical equipment and supplies, these services enable agile responses in dynamic environments. What once was a linear supply chain is a multidimensional network requiring strategic foresight and on-the-ground adaptability. Today’s logistics are as much about digital coordination and predictive planning as physical transport. Aviation consulting services have become a strategic imperative to navigate this complexity. Whether advising defence agencies or private operators, consultants bring clarity to regulatory frameworks, fleet modernisation efforts, and performance optimisation. Their role is increasingly integrative, helping organisations harness new technologies, align with global standards, and stay ahead of operational risk. Consulting is no longer limited to compliance or costcutting; it is a catalyst for transformation. At the technological core of this transformation lies the rise of connected avionics systems. These systems serve as the nerve centre of modern aircraft, linking onboard components with external data networks in real time. Enhanced situational awareness, predictive maintenance, and data-driven flight management are no longer aspirational but foundational. As aircraft become smarter, the value of interconnected systems expands beyond efficiency, directly influencing safety and strategic decision-making. A growing emphasis on interoperability and insight ties these domains together. In a sector where precision and preparedness can define outcomes, the integration of logistics, consulting, and connected avionics is essential. Each area informs the other; logistics depends on the intelligence of avionics, consulting translates that intelligence into strategy, and together, they form a resilient support structure for mission-critical aviation. This edition delves into how the industry is leveraging logistics, consulting, and connected avionics to stay ahead of the curve. The magazine features companies like Universal Avionics, a leading manufacturer of innovative commercial avionics. The edition also presents insights from expert CXOs like Tim Komkowski, Head of Operations & Production Management, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Candace Givens, Sector Vice President Mission Assurance at Northrop Grumman, offering their opinions on the currently used business practices. We hope these valuable insights from industry leaders and solutions and services from firms featured in this edition will assist you in making informed decisions for your businesses. Let us know your thoughts.
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