This is an article I found on this subject. As you can see the KLM upgrade is already completed. Lufthansa and JAL are also considering doing the same. JAL will keep classics flying untill 2015.
KLM AND CANADIAN MARCONI'S CLASSIC COCKPIT UPGRADE - A Big Step Forward in Navigation for the 747-Classic
MONTREAL, July 5 /CNW/ - KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Canadian
Marconi Company's joint comprehensive B747 cockpit upgrade has been granted a
Supplemental Type Certification (STC) by the FAA, following recent successful
flight tests. This upgrade will extend the life of KLM's 13 aircraft
B747-200/300 fleet well beyond the year 2010. KLM introduced the first
modified aircraft (one of two freighter aircraft conversions) into revenue
service on May 19, 1999. The first passenger flight with an upgraded aircraft
followed soon after on May 22, 1999. Interviewed during and after the first
flight, KLM Captain and senior engineering pilot, Robert Stade, reported, "no
problems with the system, it operated exactly as expected and is a big step
forward in navigation for the 747-Classic.''
KLM's entire 13 aircraft B747 fleet was modified as of June 25, 1999.
This two-year upgrade program, described by a FAA official as "the most
comprehensive avionics STC activity we have seen,'' was executed by a team
made up of Canadian Marconi (the systems integrator), KLM Engineering &
Maintenance, Smiths Industries and Hollingsead International. Hans Denslagen
of KLM operations engineering group, observed. "We have achieved the
capabilities we worked for, and we are looking forward to enjoying the
benefits of the modernization during this summer season.''
The cockpit avionics upgrade is built around the installation of triple
Canadian Marconi CMA-900 Flight Management Systems (FMS), which incorporate
the Company's industry-leading 12-channel Global Positioning System (GPS)
sensors. The three CMA-900s are fully integrated with the new inertial
reference systems and provide interfaces to the autopilot/flight director,
PMS, ACARS, SATCOM and ACMS. All of the control and display functions for
these systems are incorporated in the Multifunction Control Display Unit
(MCDU) of the FMS, allowing the old technology DCUs to be removed from the
cockpit. Also, LCD digital flight and engine instruments will replace the
analog instruments in a second phase of the program.
The FMS equipment provides for tomorrows air traffic environment
including FANS and CNS/ATM requirements. The upgraded aircraft will have
capabilities, including GPS navigation and data link communications, which are
more advanced than all but the most recently delivered aircraft types such as
the B747-400, B777 and A-330/340.
Rob Lebel, Canadian Marconi Program Manager, reports that a number of
other airlines have already requested quotes for similar upgrades. "Canadian
Marconi and KLM Engineering & Maintenance have shown that this is the most
cost-effective upgrade path for the over 550 747-Classic aircraft still flying
in revenue service.'' This STC sets a baseline for the program, which KLM
Engineering & Maintenance and Canadian Marconi are now marketing in a joint
effort. As well, the total solution can be tailored to meet the specific needs
of other classic widebodies like the DC-10, L-1011 and A-300.''