Boeing and United Airlines complete digital communications tests

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) completed flight tests of advanced digital communications technology designed to improve information flow between flight decks, air traffic control and airline operations centers, according to a company statement.

The tests used a United 737-8 aircraft as Boeing's 2025 ecoDemonstrator Explorer to evaluate Internet Protocol Suite standards. The internet-based communications system aims to enhance operational efficiency and flight safety while reducing air traffic congestion, fuel use, costs and emissions.

Flight testing began in late October and lasted approximately two weeks, with U.S. flights based in Houston and European flights based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The testing represents the final step in a decade of development by Boeing and its partners to prepare the technology for operational service.

"Boeing is proud to lead the advancement of digital communications that significantly enhance safety and operational efficiency in commercial aviation," said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Todd Citron. "Our collaboration with United Airlines and the industry team is a pivotal step towards improving the reliability and speed of communication between the flight deck and air traffic control."

The collaboration included government agencies from the U.S. and Europe, Boeing suppliers, aircraft communications service providers and academia. Participating organizations included Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, SITA, Thales, Viasat, the European Space Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, NASA Air Traffic Management and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 250 technologies since 2012 to enhance safety, reduce fuel use, emissions and noise, and improve operational efficiency and passenger experience. The program takes new technologies from laboratory settings and tests them in operational environments.

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