Irish based aviation industry solutions provider, Aircraft Management Technologies (AMT) today announced that in conjunction with Futura International Airlines, they have entered into a major cost savings project. Using AMT's innovative product eTechlog™, an electronic version of existing paper forms carried on commercial aircraft, allowing electronic entry of operations and maintenance information by flight and ground crew, the AMT and Futura joint development initiative will lead to substantial cost savings and operational improvements through the deployment of the eTechlog™ application.

AMT, which was founded in Dublin in late 2000 develops information system technology to automate and streamline operations within the aviation industry. AMT's initial product eTechlog™ offers secure, wireless transmission of aircraft technical and operations data via XML technology and portable computing devices. Flight and ground crew input operations and maintenance information, which in turn is transmitted to a web-based Aircraft Data Server during the aircraft turnaround cycle. AMT, which is using blue chip technology, will work with Futura International Airways to introduce eTechlog™ to their aircraft fleet and to incorporate additional functions such as Fuel Management, Weight & Balance and Performance Calculations.

Futura International Airways, a subsidiary of Aer Lingus based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, is one of the leading charter airlines in the world. Operating a fleet of 737-400 and 737-800NG aircraft, the airline operates to over sixty destinations in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In 2001, Futura will carry in excess of 2.1 million passengers. Following the announcement, Michael Meagher, Chief Executive commented: “Futura has been working closely with AMT on this initiative and we now know that with the eTechlog™ application, we can achieve significant improvements in our overall operation complementing our good safety record”.

Mr. Bernard Hensey, Chief Executive of AMT said: “In the current international climate it is imperative that airlines cut costs without compromising passenger safety. We are delighted to enter this development phase with Futura and we believe that the implementation of eTechlog™ presents the airline with a real opportunity to benefit from substantial cost savings and operational improvements.”