Universal Avionics’ Connected FMS upgrade has received EASA certification, meaning operators in Europe flying with a Universal flight management system (FMS) can now connect securely to an iPad for flight planning, database updates and access to flight data.

The upgrade received FAA Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML STC) certification in March 2025 for transport-category Part 25 aircraft models.

The upgrade helps operators save meaningful time by wirelessly syncing database updates before flight and aircraft data after flight. Pilots can view and update the FMS flight plan from their tablet on the ground and in flight, use third-party applications to receive FMS flight data or enhance its data flow, while flight operations and maintenance teams receive post-flight performance insights automatically. For fleet operators, simpler routine tasks can help improve aircraft availability.

“European operators can now take advantage of the same time savings and real-time flight planning already available to our customers in the US and Canada,” says CEO Dror Yahav. “This certification reflects the extensive cybersecurity work required to securely connect tablets to certified avionics, and it brings connected operations to even more of the aircraft flying with Universal today.”

The EASA-approved upgrade is available on the following aircraft models:

– Bombardier CL-601-1A/3A/3R

– Cessna 500, 550 (V/Ultra/Encore/Bravo), 560 (Excel, XLS Series), 650 (Citation III/VI/VII)

– Dassault Falcon 10/20/200/50/900A/900B/2000/2000EX

– Gulfstream G200/GIII/GIV/V

– Hawker 800A/B/XP, Hawker 1000

– Learjet 31/31A/35/35A/36/36A/40/45/55/60

– ATR 42-300/320/500 and ATR 72-200/500

– De Havilland Dash 8-100/200/300, Dash 8-400 (Q400)

– Embraer 145/145ER/145LR/135ER/135LR/135KL/145XR/145MP/145EP

– Saab 340A/B

The EASA AML STC builds on approvals of Universal’s AML STCs for Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft by the FAA and TCCA. The Universal SSDTU+ enables the upgrade, adding a secure, low-power cockpit wi-fi access point with built-in cybersecurity protection. It uses the same mechanical and electrical installation as Universal’s existing SSDTU, allowing a quick-turn upgrade for aircraft that already have one installed.