23 December 2019: Airbus has started deliveries of the first A350 XWBs equipped with new touchscreen cockpit displays to airlines.
The touch screens are specially developed for the A350 XWB together with Thales. They will confer enhanced operational efficiencies, greater crew interaction, cockpit symmetry and smoother information management.
China Eastern Airlines took delivery of the first A350 XWB equipped with the new devices in Toulouse on 18 December. To date, about 20 airlines have chosen the option for their new A350 XWBs.
There are six large screens on A350 XWB cockpit out of which three can now become touch capable: the two outer displays plus the lower-centre display. These displays now provide touchscreen capability for the pilots when presenting Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications. This new method of input complements the current physical keyboard integrated into the retractable table in front of each pilot and also the keyboard and trackball "keyboard-cursor control unit" (KCCU) located on the centre console.
EASA had certified the new technology for the A350 XWB by EASA in November. It facilitates 'pinch-zooming' and panning gestures and will facilitate more flexibility and better interaction between both pilots, particularly during these scenarios: (a) before take-off (for computing take-off performance while entering data into the flight management system "FMS"); (b) in-flight/cruise (for accessing en-route navigation charts); and (c) during approach preparation (for consulting the terminal charts before entering FMS data). Moreover, during high workload phases of flight, the touchscreen capability reduces the need for pilots to make multiple cursor inputs and avoids them having to flip between different displays when using the EFB applications collaboratively on the lower centre display.
Patrick Piedrafita, Head of Airbus' A350 XWB Programme said: "Airbus continues to set the industry trends in aircraft cockpit design with these new interactive touchscreen displays in the A350 XWB. With our partner Thales we are very proud to bring this technology to our customers, to enhance their aircrews' operations."