French operator Twin Jet has become the launch customer for an avionics subscription service offered by BendixKing that enables aircraft operators and owners to upgrade their systems via a monthly fee instead of an outright purchase. The scheme is one of the first in the integrated avionics segment, and will cover BendixKing products including AeroVue, AeroVue Touch, xVue Touch, KSN 770 navigator, its AeroWave satellite communications system and MST 70B transponder with ADS-B Out.

Twin Jet intends to install the BendixKing AeroVue integrated flight deck across its Beech 1900D charter fleet, meeting the 2020 ADS-B Out mandate in time. "With BendixKing's introduction of this new service, we will be able to upgrade the avionics of our entire fleet without the upfront expenses associated with purchasing equipment and paying for installation," says CEO Guillaume Collinot. "We will be able to pay as we fly, which matches our operational costs to our revenues."

Subscription will include avionics equipment, installation by an authorised BendixKing dealer, equipment repairs, software updates, databases and navigation charts and technical support. Instead of paying $20,000 or more to purchase and install a flight display, 'Avionics-as-a-Service' will cost around $400 a month.

BendixKing president Gregg Cohen says: "With our Avionics-as-a-Service option, we are working to make the latest technologies affordable for all aircraft owners."