Airline ops for Airbus' ROPS

American Airlines will equip all its A320s with Airbus' Runway Overrun Prevention System (ROPS) technology. This on-board cockpit technology which Airbus pioneered independently over several years increases pilots' situational awareness during landing, reduces exposure to runway excursion risk, and if necessary, provides active protection. ROPS was first approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency on the A380 in October 2009 and is in service or ordered on around 70 percent of the A380 fleet. ROPS is part of the A350 XWB's basic configuration and is also being applied on the other Airbus types being produced today, starting with the A320 family, with certification on this type expected later this year. (Source: Airbus, 03/20/13) Gulf Coast note: Groundbreaking is slated for April 8 for an A320 final assembly line in Mobile, Ala.