What the HP / Poly End-of-Life Means for Airline Operations

Before we begin today’s blog, please stow all carry-on items and review the following safety information. As we prepare for takeoff, return your tray table and seat to the upright position and discontinue the use of electronic devices. Seat belts should be securely fastened—we’re expecting a bit of a bumpy ride.

Please Direct Your Attention to This Important Information

Plantronics—now Poly, an HP company—has officially discontinued all essential communication products such as the CA22 DECT system, SHS PTT adapters, and the HW series – all of which have long been standard in air traffic control,air traffic services, and air traffic safety.

For many airlines, this equipment has performed reliably for years. The challenge is that end-of-life decisions often don’t surface as operational problems until something breaks—at which point supported replacements may no longer be readily available.

In the Event of Unexpected Equipment Issues

When end-of-life impacts legacy, mission-critical communication equipment, airlines begin to experience predictable challenges. Teams we speak with are already seeing the following risks emerge:

If You Are Seated In These Seats

This update is especially relevant for airline and aviation teams still using affected HP / Poly aviation and dispatch equipment, particularly in the following environments:

Air Traffic Controllers & Tower Operations

Air traffic management(ATM) teams are among the most directly impacted by this announcement. For decades, Poly equipment has been widely standardized for:

For operations centers,this is less about preference and more about sustaining dependable communication under constant load.

Commercial Pilots & Flight Crews

While many pilots use specialized aviation headset brands, Poly commercial aviation headsets have been a longstanding standard across fleets.

What Other Operations Teams Are Doing Before It Becomes Urgent

This may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s not time to panic. Most airlines and aviation organizations are taking a measured, operations-first approach designed to preserve flexibility and reduce risk.

Common next steps include:

If You Have Questions Before Departure

If your team is evaluating timing, exposure, or testing options, you don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re happy to share what other airline and aviation operations teams are doing to plan ahead—without pressure to change anything today.

That might mean:

Final Reminders Before Departure

End-of-life announcements don’t require immediate action—but they do reward early awareness. Airline and aviation teams that take time to understand their exposure, document what’s in place, and plan thoughtfully retain control over timing, testing, and outcomes.

The goal isn’t to rip everything out today. It’s to avoid being forced into decisions tomorrow, when options are fewer and pressure is higher.

Thank you for your attention. Please remain seated until this blog is concluded—and as always.....safe travels.