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What is ACARS?

Since its inception as a basic data transmission system in the late 1970s, the ACARS solution has evolved to a complex, automated system with the ability to transmit large volumes of data between the aircraft and the ground anywhere in the world within seconds.

Why ACARS?

The current competitive global business environment requires accurate and reliable information for rapid decision making. ACARS has the ability to send aviation data based on hundreds of parameters from every "New Generation" aircraft across the globe. This information enables any airline to access available detailed and reliable information on which analysis can be performed. As shorter turnarounds, congested airports, and voice networks increase the demands on pilots and ground support staff, ACARS provides a proven means to minimize and automate the workload in and around the aircraft.

How can ACARS support fuel management?

ACARS is a very handy tool that can be easily customized to provide the required data used for professional fuel management in combination with an advanced fuel management system like FuelPlus. Quantities such as Fuel on Board, Before Fuel and Shutdown Fuel are supplied as part of the standard movement messages. Furthermore, the ACARS core software provides additional optional information like Takeoff fuel, APU burn, Uplift volume, Density etc., which allow for detail fuel burn and trend analysis. ACARS serves as a valuable tool in an airline's toolbox of business applications. It can deliver detailed information in near real-time from anywhere in the world directly to FuelPlus, where it can be used as a viable alternative to fuel tickets for the calculation of costs, trends, and burns.

What are the benefits of using ACARS in the fuel management process?

• Capturing of fuel delivery data at origin.
• Fast and reliable delivery of information to a fuel management system.
• Low operational cost.
• Growth and flexibility - can rapidly adapt to the growth / changes in airline requirements.
• Wide range of expansion options available (wireless / tablet PCs).
• Delivery of the required information in the format that is used in the fuel management process, even if an aircraft is leased.
• Optional automation of fueling process - data communication can be established between the refuel vehicle and aircraft.