By the year 2020, civil aviation fleet will basically realize paperless operation in the aircraft cockpit. In order to turn this objective laid down in the strategy of building China into an aviation power into reality, from March 7 to 8, China-EU Seminar on EFB Application was held in Beijing where participants were engaged in in-depth discussions on the application, management and future development of electronic flight bags (EFBs).

For the purpose of improving the operation quality and efficiency of airlines and promoting the wide use of EFBs, the following requirements were proposed during the seminar. First, efforts should be intensified in EFB development and application, and research on certification technologies and methodologies; in the implementation of related rules and regulations, and supporting measures and policies; and in the continuous amendment and improvement of EFB related administrative standards to constantly enhance the operational quality. Second, relevant personnel training should be reinforced to raise the awareness and understanding of new rules and regulations by CAAC inspectors and company operational personnel and to improve their understanding and use of the technologies inherent to EFBs. Last, the communications and exchanges within and outside the industry should be strengthened, and focus should be placed on the sharing of information and resources in order to optimize and innovate EFB application solutions.

An electronic flight bag is an electronic information management and display system used in the cockpit. Through connection with other information systems in the aircraft, EFBs can realize real time information exchange, resources sharing and improved operational efficiency between the aircraft system and traffic control centers of airlines, airports, ATM entities, etc. In recent years, CAAC has issued Guidance for EFB Airworthiness and Operation Approval and Management Procedures for EFB Operation Approval. At present, EFBs have been applied in many aircraft types for nearly half of airlines in China, and in particular with the universal application of portable EFBs, tangible benefits have been brought to the daily operation leading to an effective acceleration of the digitalization of airlines.