ATSG Subsidiary Airborne Leads New ADS-B In Retrofit Program for Boeing 757 and 767 Fleets
Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, widely known as Airborne, has announced a major new avionics modernization initiative aimed at Boeing 757 and 767 operators around the world. Airborne, a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG), is partnering with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) and Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, LLC (ACSS) to develop and certify an advanced ADS-B In retrofit solution for these widely used aircraft platforms.
The program is designed to help operators of Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft gain access to next-generation traffic awareness, operational efficiency, and flight deck safety benefits without the need to replace their fleets. By combining proven ADS-B In technology with modern flat-panel cockpit displays, the collaboration seeks to extend the useful life and competitiveness of two aircraft types that remain vital to cargo, charter, and passenger operations worldwide.
The retrofit solution is expected to enter service in early 2027, offering airlines and cargo operators a practical pathway to modernize aircraft systems while minimizing downtime and installation complexity.
Modernizing Legacy Aircraft for the Future
Although the Boeing 757 and 767 are mature aircraft programs, both continue to play an essential role in aviation. The 757 remains popular for medium-haul passenger routes, charter flying, and express freight operations. Meanwhile, the 767 is heavily utilized in long-haul cargo missions, military support operations, and international passenger services.
Because these aircraft remain operationally valuable, many operators are seeking ways to modernize them rather than retire them. Avionics upgrades are among the most effective methods of extending fleet life while improving performance and regulatory readiness.
The new ADS-B In retrofit solution directly addresses that need by integrating advanced surveillance capabilities into existing cockpit environments.
What Is ADS-B In?
ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast. It is a technology that allows aircraft to determine their position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcast that information. Many aircraft already use ADS-B Out systems, which transmit location data to air traffic control and nearby aircraft.
ADS-B In goes a step further by allowing aircraft to receive broadcast traffic and situational data from other properly equipped aircraft and ground stations. This enables pilots to see surrounding traffic in real time and benefit from a wide range of advanced operational tools.
In simple terms, ADS-B Out lets others see you, while ADS-B In lets you see others.
This additional visibility can significantly enhance safety, improve route efficiency, reduce delays, and support more advanced air traffic management procedures.
Combined Expertise from Three Aviation Leaders
The retrofit initiative brings together the strengths of three specialized aviation companies.
Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services
Airborne will lead the aircraft integration and certification process. The company has extensive experience in Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs), aircraft modifications, engineering, and maintenance support. As part of ATSG, Airborne also benefits from broader fleet knowledge and operational insight, particularly in cargo aviation.
Innovative Aerosystems
Innovative Aerosystems is supplying its retrofit Flat Panel Display System. This modern display architecture enables older aircraft to adopt newer cockpit technology while reducing the need for full flight deck redesigns.
ACSS
Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) is providing the SafeRoute™ ADS-B In technology along with upgraded traffic collision avoidance capabilities through its next-generation TCAS 3000SP platform.
Together, these organizations are creating an integrated solution specifically tailored to Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
Seamless Cockpit Integration with Minimal Disruption
One of the central goals of the program is to minimize disruption for operators. Many airlines and cargo carriers are hesitant to pursue large-scale modifications if they involve lengthy aircraft downtime or extensive cockpit reconstruction.
According to program leaders, the ADS-B In retrofit has been designed to integrate into existing flight deck environments as efficiently as possible.
Mike Glover, Vice President of Business Development at Innovative Aerosystems, explained that the project focuses on bringing ADS-B In capability into current cockpits with limited disruption.
He noted that flexible display architectures allow the solution to be deployed across a wide range of Boeing 757 and 767 configurations while supporting advanced traffic awareness and spacing applications.
This flexibility is especially important because these aircraft often vary significantly depending on age, prior modifications, operator requirements, and mission profiles.
Heavy Maintenance Synchronization Reduces Downtime
To further reduce operational impact, installation of the retrofit system will be aligned with scheduled heavy maintenance visits.
This means operators can add the new capability during planned maintenance events rather than removing aircraft from service solely for avionics upgrades.
That strategy offers several advantages:
- Lower total downtime
- Better maintenance planning
- Reduced disruption to schedules
- Lower incremental installation costs
- Faster fleet rollout potential
For airlines and cargo operators that depend on high aircraft utilization, integrating upgrades during existing maintenance windows is a major benefit.
Operational Benefits Confirmed by FAA Programs
The selectable ADS-B In capabilities included in the solution have already been studied and validated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the companies involved, these capabilities can deliver measurable operational and safety gains.
Improved Situational Awareness (AIRB)
Enhanced cockpit traffic displays help pilots better understand surrounding traffic conditions, improving awareness during all phases of flight.
Increased Runway Throughput (CAVS/CAS)
Cockpit-assisted visual separation tools may support more efficient runway operations and improve airport throughput.
Optimized Enroute Spacing
Aircraft can maintain more efficient spacing during cruise, reducing vectoring from controllers and shortening block times.
Reduced Oceanic Fuel Burn (ITP)
Improved surveillance allows aircraft to reach more fuel-efficient flight levels during oceanic operations, where traditional radar coverage may be limited.
Runway Surface Alerting (SURF-A)
Ground movement alerts can help crews avoid runway incursions or conflicts while taxiing.
These benefits can translate into lower fuel consumption, improved punctuality, reduced emissions, and stronger overall operational performance.
ACSS Adds Latest TCAS Capabilities
Cam Morast, Product Manager at ACSS, said the company is delivering proven ADS-B In functionality together with updated Traffic Collision Avoidance System requirements through the TCAS 3000SP platform.
He noted that the package gives operators a clear path to adopt flight deck traffic awareness and spacing tools that have already shown both efficiency and safety benefits.
This dual-function approach may be especially attractive to operators planning multiple avionics upgrades, as it allows modernization efforts to be combined into a single installation strategy.
ATSG Strategy Focused on Integrated Fleet Solutions
Todd France, Chief Commercial Strategy Officer at Air Transport Services Group, said ATSG’s strategy centers on combining leasing, operations, and technical services to create practical customer value.
He emphasized that many operators no longer want isolated products or one-off services. Instead, they seek integrated solutions that can be implemented efficiently and at scale.
France added that Airborne’s technical expertise, supported by ATSG’s broader platform, makes it possible to deliver modernization programs that reduce complexity, minimize downtime, and create both immediate and long-term value.
This reflects ATSG’s broader position in the aviation market, where customers increasingly want one partner capable of supporting aircraft ownership, operations, maintenance, and modernization.
Why Boeing 757 and 767 Fleets Matter
Even with newer aircraft entering the market, the Boeing 757 and 767 remain extremely relevant.
Boeing 757
- Popular in express parcel networks
- Strong performance from shorter runways
- Ideal for medium-range operations
- Continued use in charter and government sectors
Boeing 767
- Major global freighter platform
- Reliable long-haul cargo aircraft
- Used for passenger, tanker, and military missions
- Strong aftermarket support base
Because both aircraft types continue to generate value, operators are motivated to keep them competitive through technology upgrades.
Regulatory Momentum Building Worldwide
The companies also noted that regulatory interest in ADS-B In continues to grow in the United States and internationally.
While ADS-B Out mandates are already established in many regions, future expectations may increasingly favor broader use of ADS-B In functions as air traffic systems modernize.
Operators that adopt early may gain several advantages:
- Immediate efficiency benefits
- Better fleet competitiveness
- Smoother future compliance readiness
- Stronger resale or lease value
- Enhanced pilot tools and safety systems
Early movers may also gain operational experience before mandates become widespread.
Expected Availability in 2027
Development work is currently progressing through aircraft surveys, engineering design, and certification planning. These steps are essential to securing approval for installation across Boeing 757 and 767 fleets.
The integrated solution is expected to be commercially available in early 2027.
Once launched, it could represent one of the most significant avionics upgrade pathways available for operators seeking to modernize aging yet valuable aircraft.
A Smart Upgrade for Long-Life Fleets
As aviation companies balance capital spending, sustainability goals, and operational reliability, retrofitting proven aircraft with advanced cockpit technologies is becoming increasingly attractive.
Rather than replacing entire fleets, operators can upgrade critical systems and continue using aircraft that still perform effectively.
The ATSG-led ADS-B In program for Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft demonstrates how targeted modernization can unlock new efficiency, safety, and regulatory advantages while preserving existing fleet investments.
For airlines, cargo carriers, and leasing customers worldwide, that combination may prove highly valuable in the years ahead.
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