Santiago, Chile – In a decisive step toward technological leadership and further consolidating its position as a leader in aeronautical services in the Southern Cone, Aviasur has successfully completed the first full transformation of a King Air to the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite.

Carried out entirely at Aviasur’s facilities in Santiago, this project represents not only a technological leap in the cockpit, but a deep reengineering effort that optimizes aircraft performance, safety, and market value.

The Gold Standard in Avionics: Garmin G1000 NXi

The upgrade fully replaced the legacy electromechanical instruments with the most advanced avionics suite available for the King Air. The new system features dual-core processors for instantaneous map rendering, synthetic vision, and full compliance with NextGen mandates (ADS-B Out and In). In addition, critical systems such as TCAS I and a Garmin Radar Altimeter were integrated to ensure maximum precision during low-altitude operations.

“At Aviasur, our vision has always been to raise the standard of aviation in Chile. This project is a testament to our technical capabilities and our commitment to operational safety. We are not simply installing screens; we are delivering an aircraft with a renewed service life and a significantly more efficient flight platform for operators,” said Rodrigo Contreras, CEO of Aviasur.

Comprehensive Optimization: Beyond the Panel

Aviasur’s intervention included a “Full Upgrade” package designed to maximize operational capability:

• Aerodynamic Efficiency: Installation of winglets with LED lights, improving stability and optimizing fuel consumption.
• Weight Reduction: Removal of obsolete wiring and equipment resulted in savings of approximately 250 lbs, allowing for increased payload or fuel capacity.
• Weather Awareness: Integration of the StormScope WX-500 for real-time lightning activity mapping.
• Cabin Modernization: Installation of LUMA annunciator panels and PWI (LED) interior lighting, eliminating the heat generated by legacy bulbs and providing a more comfortable environment.

Certified Engineering with a Local Seal

The complexity of integrating systems such as the digitized DME-42 and a new Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to meet commercial regulations was executed under the strictest quality standards.

“The challenge of an integration of this magnitude in Chile lies in technical precision and regulatory compliance. Every stage of the process followed rigorous certified engineering protocols. The result is an aircraft that performs like a new unit, backed by direct factory warranty and the technical support of our Garmin Authorized Service Center,” explained Mauricio Bobadilla, Director of Maintenance at Aviasur.

With this milestone, Aviasur reaffirms its commitment to innovation and excellence, strengthening its position as the reference MRO service center for the King Air fleet in the region.