Europe-based business jet operator Sparfell has gained approval from Austrocontrol and Transport Malta’s Civil Aviation Directorate for paperless operations under its Austrian and Maltese AOCs with the launch of its electronic flight bag (EFB).

This builds on the company’s sustainability commitments to further reduce its environmental footprint, strengthen its corporate social responsibility strategy and increase its overall operational efficiency.

“The approval process to operate as paperless took a year to complete,” says captain and EFB administrator Thomas Detraz. “This time was needed to evaluate the systems, establish the procedures, train people, gather vital feedback and adapt the process to our needs. It is an excellent tool that allows any crew to obtain real-time information. It always has up-to-date data and facilitates filling in and sending documents. Abroad or in a remote location, no more searching for a printer, having to send files back to the office after the mission, and we instantly get last-minute changes on our device.”

The EFB will replace all printed documents onboard all its aircraft, with pilots being equipped with iPads holding all relevant documentation. Documents being digitalised include charts, company manuals and aircraft documentation, which reduces paper weight on board by about 25kg per aircraft, therefore decreasing fuel burn.

The change simplifies pre-flight planning and ensures more efficient and flexible inflight and remote operations. Pilots are able to access multiple documents at the same time, anytime and anywhere, and have quick access to up-to-date information. In addition, all instant changes and revisions are controlled remotely by the EFB manager, making it easier for crew to be updated continuously.

With the increased focus on sustainability, advances in the business aviation industry and being an EBAA ambassador, Sparfell strives to continuously implement new measures and projects to foster environmental stewardship further. The next step for Sparfell's cockpits concerns the digitalisation of the techlog.