“Delta Air Lines Completes 5G C-Band Spectrum Compatibility Upgrade Across Entire Fleet

Delta Air Lines announced on Aug. 31 that it has completed the upgrade of the radio altimeters in its entire in-service fleet of more than 800 aircraft to make them compatible with the 5G C-Band spectrum. The radio altimeter is a device that measures the altitude of the aircraft above the ground and is essential for safe landing operations.

The upgrade was done in response to the potential interference that the 5G C-Band signals could cause to the radio altimeters, especially during low-visibility conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have been working with the aviation and telecommunications industries to address this issue and ensure a smooth transition to the 5G C-Band service, which is expected to improve wireless connectivity and innovation.

Delta said that it was the first major US airline to achieve this milestone and that it worked closely with its suppliers, Honeywell and Collins Aerospace, to install the new radio altimeters in a record time of less than two months. The airline also said that it tested the new devices extensively and verified their performance and reliability.

Delta’s president Glen Hauenstein said that the upgrade was part of the airline’s commitment to safety, innovation, and customer experience. He said that Delta was ready to embrace the benefits of 5G technology while ensuring the highest standards of flight safety.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, Delta