Breathing technology company Caeli Nova and Airbus have signed an agreement to enhance technical collaboration on Cordillera, Caeli Nova’s new passenger emergency oxygen system, for use on board Airbus aircraft.

Cordillera uses Caeli Nova’s patented technology to improve passenger oxygenation in the rare event of an emergency decompression.

The system extends the performance of existing oxygen systems by enabling the aircraft to safely divert at a higher altitude, therefore allowing airlines to operate the most direct air routes, often over high terrain, reducing flight times and therefore fuel usage and carbon emissions, according to a statement.

Caeli Nova added that Cordillera will deliver “optimised payload planning especially for twin engine aircraft and weight savings compared to existing legacy system”.

Furthermore, the partnership will enable Airbus “to take advantage of Caeli Nova’s dynamic approach when introducing new technology”, supporting the certification and installation processes.

Caeli Nova CEO Tim Wakeford said: “Over the past three years we have built a team that is able to adapt quickly and operate highly collaboratively to drive innovation forward.

“For example, in December 2020 we received initial Design Organisation approval from EASA following an intensive 14-month process, an achievement that can take companies significantly longer.

“We will be bringing this agile approach to our work with Airbus and look forward to seeing the results.”

Speaking in March 2021 when Cordillera was first announced, Wakeford added: “Cordillera has undergone extensive testing with both medical and regulatory supervision. The results are a clear demonstration that Cordillera will provide the safe, innovative resolution of a long-term operational limitation.”