Boeing has announced Qatar Airways will be the launch customer for its new Electronic Flight Folder (EFF).

The carrier will install the EFF on their entire fleet of Boeing 777s, making it the first in the world to transmit day-of-flight data such as flight plans and weather information directly to the 777 Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB). 

Qatar Airways will also install the EFF on their future Boeing 787 fleet, making it the first airline to deploy such advanced operational software on both models.

The carrier will begin using Electronic Flight Folder in 2012.

EFF is a software application that runs on an airplane’s Electronic Flight Bag, allowing pilots to conduct route briefing and log flight progress directly on the EFB.

The suite of EFF applications helps the airline to achieve ground report efficiencies and to reduce or eliminate paper printing, handling and storage costs.

“We are delighted to have Qatar Airways as our launch customer for the Electronic Flight Folder,” said Per Noren, vice president of information services for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.

“They are an excellent, long-term customer and we are committed to making them even more successful by helping them connect their data and transform it into actionable, real-time information.”

Boeing received US Federal Aviation Administration certification for its Class 3 EFB in November 2003, when the first commercial unit was delivered to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. 

Boeing has orders for more than 1,500 of their industry-standard EFBs. 

“Qatar Airways is pleased to take part in the development and introduction of the EFF across its Boeing fleet,” said Ra’ed Ayoub, Qatar Airways vice president, flight operations technical.

The airline will continue to work jointly with Boeing to further develop aircraft systems and applications that take advantage of technological innovation to enhance safety and increase operational efficiency.

Qatar Airways is recognised as offering the Middle East’s Leading Airline Business Class by the prestigious World Travel Awards.