Air France selects Runway Overrun Prevention System technology and Auto-Pilot/Flight Director TCAS for its A320 Family and A330 fleets

Air France has agreed to install Airbus’ Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) and AutoPilot / Flight Director TCAS (AP/FD TCAS) on its A320 Family and A330 fleets. ROPS is an innovative performance-based alerting system that assists in preventing runway overruns - one of the most frequent causes of aircraft accidents today. APFD TCAS is a safety enhancement allowing pilot to fly TCAS “Resolution Advisory” traffic avoidance manoeuvres with AutoPilot on or Flight Director engaged. It will enhance the safety of Air France’s fleet, which consists of more than 115 A320s and 15 A330’s. 

Gilles Laurent, Executive Vice President, Flight Operations Air France said “We are looking forward to have ROPS and APFD TCAS installed on our A320 and A330 fleets. We are convinced that ROPS, with its real time energy based technology, is the best solution to date against runway overrun. We are confident that it will greatly enhance aviation safety the same way EGPWS did when it was introduced. APFD TCAS, by simplifying Resolution Advisory manoeuvres, will help to consolidate TCAS resolution efficiency in crowded skies” he added.

Didier Lux, Executive Vice President Customer Services Airbus SAS said “We are pleased that Airbus innovative systems enhancing aircraft safety are adopted by our operators. It also demonstrates the relevance of disruptive business model Airbus Customer Services is developing.”

ROPS is certified by EASA, FAA and CAAC, and is in operation on approximately 430 aircraft including A320, A350 and A380. Its selection by operators on 1,500 aircraft to be delivered is a testament to the need for cockpit technology enhancing safety at landing. ROPS is offered with a complementary aircraft hull cover to airlines that install the system, allowing them to optimize their insurance costs.

Airbus Press release