How new aviation technology is upgrading our flight deck

Following last month’s Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) explainer, we take a closer look at some of the applications within the platform. Developed by our subsidiary, Cathay Technologies, the EFF combines decades of operational expertise with live data feeds, delivering real-time information directly to pilots’ iPads and helping crews make faster and better-informed decisions.

En-route diversion guide

One example is EDG (En-route Diversion Guide). If a flight needs to divert because of a medical emergency, technical issue or cabin depressurisation, pilots must quickly identify a suitable alternate airport. In the past, that involved what General Manager Operations Captain James Toye describes as a “convoluted procedure”. Crews relied on static diversion maps showing alternate airports and surrounding terrain, based on assumptions about seasonal winds, aircraft weight and fuel load.

“They could be difficult to create and difficult to use,” says Captain Toye.

As Line Operations Manager Captain Tony Pringle explains, pilots first had to determine their position relative to the map and the suggested airways, all while managing the situation that required the diversion.

Today, EDG presents crews with three diversion options based on geography and live operational data. Airport capabilities, weather conditions and fuel requirements are all factored into the calculation.

“It massively reduces the workload for crews during an event, so they can just concentrate on flying,” says Captain Toye. “It’s the first of its kind anywhere in the world.”

Critical communication with the Electronic Flight Folder

Another EFF tool, Ops Chat, brings together teams across the operation, from our Integrated Operations Centre and Engineering teams to airport colleagues, within a dedicated channel for each flight.

“You can bring other departments into the discussion and even share photos,” says Captain Pringle. “It’s separated from all the other noise, so from a flight deck perspective, crews aren’t receiving messages from multiple directions.”

A new generation

Together, tools such as EDG and Ops Chat demonstrate the broader ambition behind the EFF: turning connectivity into practical solutions that support safer, more efficient operations.

“Cathay Technologies was established to share our technology leadership and aviation expertise,” says Captain Toye.

“We’re now seeing that innovation adopted by other airlines as well.”