Universal Avionics Gets EASA Nod for Connected FMS
European operators can now link tablets to flight management systems through a certified upgrade from Universal Avionics.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Business Travel
Universal Avionics has received EASA certification for its Connected FMS upgrade, which lets operators securely connect an iPad to a Universal flight management system. The certification is an EASA Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate.
Why it matters
The upgrade lets flight crews plan flights, update databases and access flight data from a tablet while keeping the connection secured against cyber threats. Certification by EASA extends the system's approvals beyond prior FAA and Transport Canada approvals for Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft.
The certification is an EASA AML STC, building on earlier FAA and Transport Canada approvals for Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft. The upgrade is listed for Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker, Learjet, ATR, De Havilland Dash 8, Embraer and Saab 340 models, and the source does not give adoption figures.
The players
Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics is an aerospace avionics company that develops flight management and cockpit connectivity systems for business and commercial aircraft.
EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
EASA is the European Union agency responsible for aviation safety regulation, including type certification of aircraft systems.
The details
The Connected FMS upgrade uses the SSDTU+, which adds a secure, low-power cockpit Wi-Fi access point with built-in cybersecurity protection. The SSDTU+ shares the mechanical and electrical installation of the existing SSDTU, so aircraft already fitted with an SSDTU can be upgraded quickly.
Timeline
Universal Avionics' certification news was published on 5 November 2026.
Industry Context
The certification extends AML STC approvals Universal Avionics already holds for Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft from the FAA and Transport Canada Civil Aviation. It brings the same connected-tablet capability to European operators under EASA's approval process.
Operators of eligible Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker, Learjet, ATR, De Havilland Dash 8, Embraer and Saab 340 aircraft can ask about the upgrade through their avionics provider. Aircraft already fitted with an SSDTU may be able to move to the Connected FMS through a quick-turn installation.
The takeaway
Connected cockpit tools that let crews work from a tablet are moving from regional approvals toward broader international use. Operators weighing an upgrade should check their aircraft model against the published compatibility list.
Further reading
For more on how corporate and charter operators are adopting new cockpit technology, see Business Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Aviation Pros.
