Reliable Robotics says working with Brazil’s Azul Conecta will allow further expansion in South America.
Reliable Robotics has signed a deal with Azul Airlines to study retrofitting its regional airline subsidiary’s Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft fleet in Brazil with flight automation systems.
The timeline for retrofitting the aircraft, as well as the number of aircraft to be retrofitted with automated systems, have yet to be determined, Reliable Robotics said on June 22. The company’s flight automation system would enable the Caravans to fly with an onboard pilot or a remote pilot, depending on the operator’s preference, it says.
Azul Conecta, the regional airline subsidiary, has a fleet of 27 Caravans serving 84 destinations in Brazil, Reliable Robotics says.
“Azul Conecta’s goal is to enable safer and more reliable service for cargo and passenger flights, improving existing operations and enabling new routes and services throughout Brazil,” says the Mountain View, California, aircraft automation startup. “Azul Conecta intends to augment their onboard pilots with our advanced automation system to increase safety and expand their ability to operate in low visibility conditions.”
The company’s flight automation system includes “continuous autopilot engagement” and “high-integrity navigation” features that enhance safety and prevent accidents such as controlled flight into terrain and loss of control, Reliable Robotics says.
“This new philosophy of flying will bring even safer and more reliable service for air cargo and passenger flights, enhancing existing operations and enabling new routes and services across Brazil,” says Flavio Costa, president of Azul Conecta. “Reliable Robotics is leading the industry to certify advanced automation systems, and their deep experience with the Cessna 208 Caravan is particularly relevant for our operations in South America.”
Reliable Robotics is currently working with the FAA to certify and operate its automation system in the U.S. Because the FAA and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) regularly work together to validate approvals through the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, Reliable expects that after the FAA issues a Supplemental Type Certificate it will be able to apply for ANAC validation.
“The collaboration with Azul will enable the subsequent international expansion into South America,” Reliable says.
Reliable is aiming to initially start automated cargo operations in the U.S. after receiving FAA certification. In September, the company announced a partnership with Kenya-based airline Astral Aviation to develop operational, regulatory and business plans for automated Caravan cargo flights in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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