- News
- Apr 16, 2025
- 3 min read
CGI Expands Virtual Flight Data Recorder Initiative
Virtual FDR is a cloud-based alternative to traditional “black box” devices.
CGI has announced the expansion of its Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative, which promises to improve aviation safety by introducing a cloud-based alternative to traditional onboard “black box” recorders that complies with global regulatory standards.
Developed with the support of the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder will use AWS cloud infrastructure to enable the real-time transmission and storage of flight data in accordance with ICAO standards for global aeronautical distress and safety systems.
Building on initial pilot demonstrations, the system incorporates blockchain technology to ensure data authenticity and integrity—critical factors for regulatory compliance and potential use in accident investigations. The system is designed to transmit flight data via satellite in emergency situations, creating a virtual backup that will remain accessible even if the physical recorders are damaged or lost.
“This ongoing project highlights CGI’s role in improving aviation safety through transformative technologies,” said Neil Timms, senior vice president for space, defence and intelligence at CGI in the UK and Australia. “By developing UVFDR into a commercial service, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder will help aircraft operators improve their operational efficiency while supporting safer skies.”
CGI’s VirtualFlightRecorder is intended to serve commercial air transport, business and general aviation, as well as advanced air mobility, and is designed to integrate with existing aircraft interface devices.
The expansion phase will include demonstration flights using Cranfield University’s flying laboratory to test data resilience and transmission capabilities.
While traditional flight data recorders remain the industry standard, virtual solutions could provide additional data redundancy and accessibility during aviation accident investigations.
CGI has announced the expansion of its Universal Virtual Flight Data Recorder (UVFDR) initiative, which promises to improve aviation safety by introducing a cloud-based alternative to traditional onboard “black box” recorders that complies with global regulatory standards.
Developed with the support of the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder will use AWS cloud infrastructure to enable the real-time transmission and storage of flight data in accordance with ICAO standards for global aeronautical distress and safety systems.
Building on initial pilot demonstrations, the system incorporates blockchain technology to ensure data authenticity and integrity—critical factors for regulatory compliance and potential use in accident investigations. The system is designed to transmit flight data via satellite in emergency situations, creating a virtual backup that will remain accessible even if the physical recorders are damaged or lost.
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“This ongoing project highlights CGI’s role in improving aviation safety through transformative technologies,” said Neil Timms, senior vice president for space, defence and intelligence at CGI in the UK and Australia. “By developing UVFDR into a commercial service, CGI VirtualFlightRecorder will help aircraft operators improve their operational efficiency while supporting safer skies.”
CGI’s VirtualFlightRecorder is intended to serve commercial air transport, business and general aviation, as well as advanced air mobility, and is designed to integrate with existing aircraft interface devices.
The expansion phase will include demonstration flights using Cranfield University’s flying laboratory to test data resilience and transmission capabilities.
While traditional flight data recorders remain the industry standard, virtual solutions could provide additional data redundancy and accessibility during aviation accident investigations.
