Garmin has unveiled AXIS, a new family of flight displays intended for certified piston-powered single- and twin-engine aircraft, experimental aircraft and the LSA segment. The system further expands Garmin’s avionics portfolio for general aviation, while also introducing a significantly higher level of integration compared with traditional retrofit configurations.

The most important new feature is that AXIS can combine functions that have typically been housed in several separate units into a single display. Depending on the version, the 11.6-inch display can include an IFR GPS, NAV/COMM radio and audio panel, simplifying installation, reducing weight and lowering the complexity of cockpit upgrades. In its announcement, Garmin describes it as an industry-first solution.

The AXIS family includes three display sizes: an 11.6-inch landscape display, an 8-inch portrait display and an 8-inch landscape display. Each can be configured as a primary flight display, or PFD, or as a multi-function display, or MFD, with an optional engine indication system. Garmin has retained a combination of touchscreen operation and physical controls, which is particularly important in smaller aircraft and in situations where pilots want quick access to essential functions without navigating through menus.

For the 11.6-inch version, three certified variants are available. The base version offers PFD/MFD functionality, while the GPS/COMM and GPS/NAV/COMM versions add an integrated IFR GPS and built-in audio panel. The COMM radio has 10 W of transmit power, supports 8.33 kHz channel spacing and allows monitoring of a standby frequency. The integrated four-place intercom supports dual-comm switching, one external radio, communication playback and Bluetooth for music and phone calls.

The system is designed as an upgrade for a wide range of existing aircraft. Garmin says AXIS is compatible with many of the navigators, radios, modules and sensors used with the G3X Touch system. An important detail for aircraft owners and maintenance shops is that the system can use the same panel cutouts and mounting points, allowing modernization to be carried out more easily than with a complete instrument panel redesign.

AXIS also brings a range of functions aimed at improving situational awareness. The PFD can display primary flight data, an HSI with an embedded map or traffic view, as well as compact widgets with information normally shown on the MFD. The system supports Garmin’s enhanced Synthetic Vision Technology, 3D depictions of terrain, obstacles, runways and taxiway markings, as well as a “highway in the sky” flight path display. It also includes 3D SafeTaxi, giving pilots a three-dimensional view of the airport environment.

The MFD displays dynamic maps, ADS-B traffic, weather information, waypoint data, terminal charts and an expanded engine indication system. Each display also has an HDMI input, allowing live camera video to be shown, for example to monitor specific parts of the aircraft.

Garmin has also integrated several of its safety-focused functions into AXIS. A dedicated emergency button is located on the display bezel, while the system supports Smart Glide, which helps the pilot select and navigate to a suitable airport in the event of a loss of engine power. If the aircraft is equipped with a GFC 500 or GFC 600 autopilot, the system can automatically engage and fly the aircraft toward the selected airport. Runway Occupancy Awareness and the optional SurfaceWatch function are also available, both aimed at reducing the risk of runway and taxiway incidents.

AXIS can also serve as the primary engine indication system for most normally aspirated and turbocharged four- to six-cylinder piston engines, with the appropriate adapters and sensors. In experimental aircraft, radial and turbine engines are also supported. After landing, flight and engine data logs can be automatically uploaded to flyGarmin.com via the Garmin Pilot app, the GDL 60 datalink and the PlaneSync service, and can also be shared with flight and engine health analysis services.

Connectivity is another key feature of the new system. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow connection with the Garmin Pilot app and the sharing of GPS data, traffic, weather and flight plans. A USB-C port supports data transfer, database updates and flight log downloads, while also providing device charging at up to 27 W. Database Concierge allows pilots to download updates to Garmin Pilot and wirelessly transfer them to compatible avionics.

Garmin also highlights the role of its Team X group, which represented the needs of experimental aircraft builders and pilots during AXIS development. For that reason, the system has been designed as a relatively straightforward upgrade from the G3X Touch platform, using existing sensors, LRUs, cutouts and mounting holes wherever possible.

The 11.6-inch AXIS flight displays have already received FAA and EASA TSO approval and will be available in July 2026, while the 8-inch versions are expected in early 2027. Garmin says the FAA STC will cover hundreds of certified Part 23 piston-powered single- and twin-engine aircraft models, with approvals from other civil aviation authorities expected later.

With the launch of AXIS, Garmin continues to push the cockpit modernization segment in general aviation. For owners of older aircraft, the most important element may not be only the size of the display or the new graphics, but the fact that several functions, from navigation and communication to the audio panel and engine monitoring, can be combined into fewer units. That directly affects the cost, duration and complexity of installation, which is often decisive when choosing whether to modernize avionics in older piston aircraft.