The Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA) has finished the installation of the new Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) that gives the crew a visual warning and alerts them to upcoming terrain threats.
The new system has been installed on all airplanes, such as Airbus, M-D 90, M-D 11, Boeing 747 and Boeing 777, the Saudi Gazette reported today.
The most important improvement with EGPWS is that it continues working even when the landing gear and flaps are extended. This is possible due to the terrain data refinement in the areas close by airports.
The SAA has also finished updating the GPS primary means navigation in oceanic/remote areas that is now compulsory when going over the Pacific Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean.
It has also installed the Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) that sends emergency signals to satellites when needed and allows transmission of voice communications for search and rescue on the emergency frequency; this rule includes all SAA planes except for Airbus.
Ali Al-Milat, deputy director general for technical affairs said the Saudi Arabian Airlines is cooperating with security companies and international organizations all over the world to secure both its airplanes and passengers.
Milat also noted that Boeing 747 has finished establishing the first Internet system that will come into use in six months.
