Dubai-based Skyplan (Booth B317) has introduced a new interface for its Aurora flight-planning engine, designed for the Chinese market. Called Aurora 2.0, new features include aeronautical maps, weather, and Notam alert functions, and the software is integrated with a weight-and-balance calculation system.

Skyplan air transport director Sunam Datta said that, more importantly, Aurora 2.0 is able to run on a Chinese server, something that was not possible in the past. Chinese operators are also able to upload domestic routes and Notams.

He said that the development of Aurora 2.0 took about two years to complete. The software is integrated with local Chinese systems and displays information in English, according to the ICAO language standard. "Having all the systems integrated into Aurora 2.0 not only will save time for flight dispatches, but also reduces human error, and increase information dissemination,” he added.

Skyplan president Muhammad Sami hopes to capture 30 percent of the Chinese market within six months and he estimates that will generate 5 to 10 percent of the company’s revenue.