Airbus recently delivered the first A350 with this amazing new technology to China Eastern airlines after certification in November. This is a option on A350 XWB series aircraft which adapts the two outer screens, commonly used for EFB(Electronic Flight Bag)information and the lower of the two centre screens which acts as a multi-purpose display to touchscreen LCDs. This presents enhanced operational efficiencies, greater crew interaction, cockpit symmetry and smoother information management. Airbus says they’ve secured around 20 customers for the feature. This feature is used with the KCCU(keyboard-cursor control unit).
Airbus suggests that the touchscreens facilitate greater flexibility before takeoff, in-flight/cruise and during approach preparation. Included in their examples is the computing of performance data for various stages of flight, accessing charts, accessing en-route data and consulting arrival information to enter into the flight management system. However, during turbulence, it may be more comfortable to use the KCCU. The aircraft delivered was registered B-30CW and it is a -900 powered by RR Trent XWB-84 engines.
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