OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced that Fast Company, a leading business magazine that focuses on innovation in technology, leadership and design, recognized Garmin as a finalist for the development of Autoland as part of its 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards. Autoland autonomous flight technology revolutionized the aviation industry when it was announced late last year, as the first system for general aviation aircraft designed to land an aircraft when the pilot cannot. Among some 3,000 entries – the largest number the award program has ever received to date – Garmin Autoland was chosen as a finalist in the Transportation category and selected as an honorable mention in the all-encompassing Best World Changing Idea Award in North America. The list of winners and honorees was announced by Fast Company last week across 20 different categories that highlighted innovative and inspiring technological solutions that are capable of transforming the world.
“We are truly honored and proud to be selected by Fast Company and their editors, along with a list of venerable judges, for our commitment to innovate within the aviation industry,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director of aviation. “This recognition is representative of the hard work and dedication of the entire Garmin team, who challenged conventional ideas that led to the development of the world’s first Autoland system in general aviation aircraft. Congrats to everyone at Garmin who contributed to one of the most significant achievements in aviation history.”
From the thousands of entries, an elite list of winners, finalists and honorees were selected for the 2020 Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards in categories such as Advertising, Education, Energy, Food and Transportation. Winners and honorees were selected by a board of over 25 judges and chosen based on innovation, ingenuity, design and impact throughout the world. Among nine other companies, Garmin Autoland was selected as a finalist in the Transportation category, and as an honoree among 50 other companies in the Best World Changing Idea throughout North America.
Garmin Autoland is available as part of the G3000® integrated flight deck on select general aviation aircraft. In the event of an emergency, Autoland is capable of completely taking control of the aircraft and landing at the nearest, most suitable airport without human intervention1. Elements taken into consideration when identifying the most suitable airport include a wide range of performance, operational and environmental factors. Throughout an Autoland activation, the system provides simple visual and verbal communications in plain-language so passengers in the aircraft know what to expect. Even further, the system will automatically communicate with air traffic control (ATC), advising controllers and pilots operating near the aircraft of its location and its intentions.
On approach to land, the system initiates a controlled descent to the airport. Once in landing configuration, the aircraft begins its descent to the runway. On the runway, automatic braking is applied while tracking the runway centerline to bring the aircraft to a full stop. Engine shutdown is also automated so occupants can safely exit the aircraft.
Autoland will soon be available with the G3000 integrated flight deck on the Piper M600, Cirrus Vision Jet and the Daher TBM 940 pending Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. For additional information regarding the Garmin Autoland and its family of autonomously activated flight technologies, visit www.garmin.com/Autonomi.
Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.
For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary markets, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garminnews, instagram.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.
1. See Garmin.com/ALuse for Autoland system requirements and limitations.
About Garmin
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and G3000 are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
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Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Category: Aviation
