Today, Acron Aviation, formerly L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions, announces that American Airlines will line-fit all single-aisle Airbus aircraft currently on order with SafeRoute+, the advanced ADS-B In platform developed by Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS), a joint venture between Acron Aviation and Thales.

The agreement follows the successful retrofit of American’s entire A321 fleet (302 aircraft) and will now see SafeRoute+ installed on all future Airbus A321 deliveries to American Airlines. As the largest Airbus A321 operator, American has more aircraft equipped with ADS-B In than any other airline.

SafeRoute+ processes ADS-B In data and provides pilots with a real-time display of surrounding traffic, enabling them to manage spacing with greater precision. This translates into reduced vectoring, more consistent operations, and measurable environmental and cost benefits.

Pilot feedback from American’s A321 rollout has confirmed improved efficiency and predictability in day-to-day operations. SafeRoute+ has already proven its value at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW), where two years of FAA operational trials with American have shown that the ADS-B In system resulted in improved runway throughput, fuel efficiency, situational awareness, and safety.

At DFW, the ADS-B In trial data showed potential for four to five additional landings per hour on each runway. The ACSS SafeRoute+ system has just received FAA approval on design enhancements implemented based on findings obtained during this successful operational trial. These improvements, which include increased vertical situational awareness to pilots, are now in the process of being installed, adding additional capabilities to an already powerful flight deck tool.  

Capt. David Surridge, Director of Air Traffic Management at American Airlines. “Our experience with SafeRoute+ on the A321 fleet has shown clear benefits. It has enabled more efficient aircraft spacing, increased runway throughput and aided in additional pilot situational awareness, further enhancing safety. We’re excited to expand the use of this important technology.”

“SafeRoute+ not only enhances pilot situational awareness, but it supports a smarter, connected flight deck while easing the burden on air traffic controllers and improving the flow of traffic system-wide,” said Chris Polynin, Vice President/ General Manager of Surveillance, Acron Aviation “Airline benefits include enhanced safety, reduced delays and improved fuel efficiency. Similarly, for airports, the technology can unlock better capacity planning, maximize runway usage, and enable more predictable operations.”

Acron Aviation has also secured approval of a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) that will enable American Airlines to install SafeRoute+ across its growing Airbus A321 fleet. This certification enhances safety and operational efficiency for one of the world’s largest airlines and supports the ongoing modernization of the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS).

The STC approval allows American Airlines to equip all new Airbus A321XLRs with Acron Aviation’s ADS-B In technology. The certification specifically updates the existing T3CAS Surveillance System, enabling advance operations and improved situational awareness.

Polynin added: “This certification demonstrates our commitment to creating multiple layers of defense in aviation safety across the U.S. National Airspace System.”

This announcement comes as United States lawmakers intensify their focus on aviation safety through an upcoming proposed bill that would look to mandate ADS-B In technology for all commercial aircraft within four years. The bill, introduced by seven U.S senators, aims to enhance situational awareness in congested airspace and close exemptions for military flights operating near busy airports. Acron Aviation is engaging with legislators to support critical safety initiatives and proposed future legislation related to air traffic control support.

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ABOUT ACRON AVIATION

Acron Aviation is strategically aligned to deliver world-leading commercial aviation solutions designed to serve aircraft operators and airframe manufacturers across the globe. Our expertise extends to multiple facets of commercial aviation from OEM certified avionics to state-of-the-art simulation devices, best-in-class pilot training and market-leading flight data analytics. With a global footprint, we are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions that enhance our customers operations and further our mission of innovating to create safer skies.

ABOUT AVIATION COMMUNICATION & SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS (ACSS)

Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) is a joint venture between Acron Aviation and Thales. ACSS produces avionics systems that increase safety, situational awareness, and efficiency for commercial and military flight operators.

ACSS designs and manufactures systems including traffic collision avoidance systems, (TCAS), ADS-B In/Out technologies, along with transponders. ACSS offers solutions for all aircraft and helicopter segments, supporting products for air transport and regional airlines, business aviation, and helicopter operators, as well as general aviation, manned and unmanned military aircraft.

ABOUT FAA AIRS TRIAL AND NEXTGEN INITIATIVE

ACSS SafeRoute+ was a key technology in the FAA AIRS (ADS-B In Retrofit Spacing) Evaluation Program, part of the broader NextGen initiative to modernize air traffic management. As the primary technology provider, ACSS demonstrated the operational feasibility and significant benefits of ADS-B In applications, specifically Cockpit Display of Traffic Information Assisted Visual Separation (CAS) and Interval Management (I-IM), through its SafeRoute+ system. The 2-year trial, conducted at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW), and Albuquerque Center (ZAB) airspace, showcased how advanced in-cockpit displays and data sharing can improve runway throughput, increase airspace capacity and enhance pilot situational awareness for safer, more efficient operations.

Read more about the FAA AIRS trial results here.]

Featured image credited to Acron Aviation/American Airlines