The Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative is being expanded to improve aviation safety globally. The project is entering a new phase with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) programme.
In 2023, CGI secured a contract under the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) programme with the support from the UK Space Agency to develop a cloud-based virtual flight data recorder that securely transmits and stores in-flight data in real time, enhancing aviation safety, compliance, and incident response for all types of aircraft.
Following the success of the original UVFDR project, CGI is now establishing a scalable, cloud-based system – CGI VirtualFlightRecorder, which replicates the functions of a Black Box, improves operational efficiency, and provides compliance with emerging global aeronautics distress and safety (GADSS) standards.
According to the press release, key benefits include:
- Improved data resilience in emergencies: by demonstrating satellite data transmission for flights in emergency scenarios, exploring solutions for completeness of flight telemetry and data integrity through flights with Cranfield University’s Flying Laboratory.
- Global standards compliance: the system will provide a route to an acceptable means of compliance for GADSS informed by EASA, FAA, and EUROCAE recommendations.
- Seamless operational integration: advanced interfaces and features will support real-time data transmission and monitoring, which can be integrated with existing aviation systems through commonly available aircraft interface devices (AID) or similar systems.
- Data integrity and legal admissibility: demonstrating compliance with standards for using flight data in regulatory and legal investigations.
Neil Timms, Senior Vice President, Space, Defence and Intelligence at CGI in the UK and Australia, said:
“This ongoing project underscores CGI’s role in advancing aviation safety through transformative technology. By evolving the UVFDR into a commercial service, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder will help aircraft operators boost their operational efficiency while supporting safer skies, meeting the industry’s evolving operations, safety and regulatory needs.”
This technology will empower stakeholders across the industry and is designed with commercial air transport, business and general aviation, and advanced air mobility in mind.
For more like this see:
- How will tariffs impact the industry?
- Airbus, Iberia Maintenance, and Telefónica among those recognised in Munich as ATR Awards 2025 winners are announced
- MD, Munich Aerospace: Flight ops, supply chain, and quantum