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Monthly Archives: July 2013

BAOA Suggest APIS to Combat Security Concerns in India

July 31, 2013
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It has been suggested by BAOA that to implementation of APIS could help to alleviate the security concerns raised in India.

Due to these heightened security concerns, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has blocked temporary landing permits (TLPs) for the crews of foreign business jets of non-scheduled operators (NSOPs).  They will now require mandatory employment visa’s from them to work upon flights within the country after arrival and the possibility of advance passenger information system (APIS).

The movement has placed severe restrictions upon business aviation within India and may be as much as 60% of the entire movement of 24,000 general aviation aircraft on a monthly basis recorded last year that will be affected by the regulatory changes.

Previous TLP’s were issued through the Bureau of Immigration for up to 72 hours for NSOPs foreign registered aircraft flight crew.

Mr Rajesh Bali, Secretary of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) is concerned that business and tourism industries will be hit by the changes and recommended to the Government that they mandate APIS for NSOPs which will enable the MHA to ‘Scrutinise personally any passenger or crew flying in on business jets, as it happens in the case of scheduled airlines.’

APIS is currently mandatory for US flights, both national and international and gives the DHS the opportunity to highlight possible high risk passengers and crew before the flight even touches down.

While the issue of TLPs is suspended, airports in major destinations, such as Delhi and Mumbai are losing vital revenue in fees from business aviation.

The BAOA has suggested that if MHA will move to implement a system where crew would be issued a 3-5 year visa as is the regulation in the US, that it continue to issue TLPs until a permanent decision can be made.

Digital APIS offers reliable and secure delivery of Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Records, including that of the aircraft crew.  APIS solutions are offered by business aviation communications providers for border security.

ARINC Award Recognises Service & Operational Excellence

July 31, 2013
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airline messagingARINC has been awarded the coveted ‘IT Service Provider of the Year’ at the Airport Business Partner Award ceremony in New Delhi recently.

The award, given by Indira Ghandi International Airport, demonstrates ARINC’s industry excellence in airline messaging with the use of their vMUSE platform for hugely successful common-use check in kiosks, passenger processing systems and baggage reconciliation system.

Mr Indana Prabhakara Rao, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the organizers of the event, congratulated ARINC on their achievement and said, “GMR-IGI Airport Awards are meant to recognize our business partners who deliver outstanding service.”

ARINC are delighted to receive the award and recognition of their products and services, of which they are immensely proud.  ARINC’s industry-leading innovations have paved the way for the aviation industry for more than 80 years and they continue to provide solutions that meet the growing needs of their customers from airline messaging to airport operations and passenger connectivity.

“ARINC counts some of the biggest airlines and airports in the world as its customers. This accolade by the largest airport in India and one of the largest worldwide is important as it signifies ARINC’s capability and commitment to delivering innovative and reliable end-to-end products and services with superior performance, quality and total customer satisfaction,” said Mr. Michael DiGeorge, ARINC Asia Pacific Managing Director, adding, “ARINC is also committed to growing its business in India, an important market for us, and this award affirms our steady and sustainable growth in the country.”

ARINC AQP ACARS over Iridium Approved for FLYHT

July 30, 2013
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FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd has announced that it has been given approval for the use of AFIRS 228 to send ACARS over Iridium messages over the ARINC network as a result of ARINC’s GLOBALink /Iridium phase 3 AQP tests.

Iridium satellite network provides global reach for messaging and has been used by FLYHT for nearly 10 years rather than traditional VHF radio.  HFDL, part of ARINC’s GLOBALink, fills in the gaps as far as coverage is concerned, with 15 stations that offer truly global coverage for ACARS and other critical data messaging, including remote polar regions.

ARINC is one of only two organizations that are approved to route ACARS protocol; the industry-standard for communication of critical ground and ground-air messaging for over 50 years.

“This is a key milestone for the Company and its customers. To successfully pass the AQP testing on the first attempt is not the industry norm. We are thrilled that the certification program for FLYHT’s products is proceeding as smoothly as planned, which is the result of the highly skilled and dedicated team that FLYHT has assembled,” said Bill Tempany, President and CEO of FLYHT.  “The certification of the AFIRS 228 opens an expanded market to major carriers requiring the AOI capability for FANS or CPDLC compliance for FLYHT. These approvals underpin an aggressive marketing push, which is well underway.”

VIDSys PSIM Providers Raise $15.6 million in Equity Financing.

July 29, 2013
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Virginia-based VIDSys, PSIM providers have announced that they have raised $15.6 in equity financing led by NewSpring Capital, with participation from previous investors, Motorola Solutions, Flybridge Capital, JVax Investment Group and Atlanta Equity.

Although it is unclear exactly how the PSIM providers will do with the new capital, a statement issued by VIDSys said, “VidSys will use these funds to help grow and scale the company on a global basis beyond our existing footprint. … We will also invest in further development of our core software … for our public sector and enterprise clients.”

Other PSIM providers are also doing well globally.  ARINC PSIM solution has become available across the world after its respected debut in the US, where they provide more than 50% of North America’s nuclear power plants with system security.

ARINC Advanced Information Management (AIM) also provides command, control and access for secure government facilities, seaports, airports and military installations where real-time situational awareness is essential for personnel, passengers and facility safety and security.

LA Students Get a Taste of Air Traffic Control

July 26, 2013
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As a part of a drive to encourage more young people to move into the field of aviation as a career, Los Angeles World Airports have sponsored a free, weeklong Aviation Careers Academy.

lax teensLocal High School students were able to use a Federal Aviation Administration simulator and direct air traffic as though they were standing in a control tower.

Each day, the students have been on field trips to aviation-based employers, such as the FAA, the Transportation Security Administration and Southwest Airlines in addition to the simulator, in order for them to take a glimpse behind-the-scenes and experience the atmosphere of the aviation workplace.

It is hoped that the Aviation Careers Academy, available to high-school and middle school students, will demonstrate to them that there are a wide range of job opportunities in aviation in addition to pilot or cabin attendant.  The future airport police, flight dispatcher, air traffic controller or engineer may be among them, but many young people are not aware that these jobs even exist.

World-wide, there is growing concern amongst the aviation community that in the future there will be a shortage of personnel.  Now is the time to get young people interested in a career in aviation.  Jobs in aviation are rarely minimum-wage and require further training beyond high school.  It is important that young people are made aware of the opportunities and are able to realise what is required in the industry.

Japanese Airports to Implement ARINC vMUSE Solutions

July 23, 2013
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Naha Airport vMUSEAs the passenger pool at Okinawa and Kagoshima airports grows, the decision to implement ARINC’s vMUSE, common bag drop and check-in solutions will help to streamline airport operations.

Mr Michael DiGeorge, MD of ARINC Asia Pacific said, “Airports in the region are demanding a common-use solution that is scalable with their operations and allows them to take advantage of all the benefits afforded at larger sites while meeting budget requirements.  As the industry’s leading innovator, ARINC is providing this solution and remains committed to meeting the needs of airports of all sizes, as passenger traffic continues to grow and airlines increase the number of destinations to meet passenger demand.”

The innovative vMUSE solutions from ARINC will reduce costs by sharing airport resources with offsite servers than can be accessed from anywhere in the world, using any device.

Previous passenger processing systems revMusequire multiple check-in facilities that are airline specific.  The vMUSE platform allows the sharing of passenger information across multiple airlines from one desk, ensuring increased flexibility in airports with limited floor space.

The common bag drop solutions offer self-service check-in that can enhance passenger experience, increase operation productivity and, in essence revenue for the airports.

Photo credit: Hyougushi / Foter / CC BY-SA

Sleepy Year for Salina Regional Aviation Refuelling

July 20, 2013
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Doug Livergood, GM of Flower Aviation at Salina Regional Airport said today that although he believes that, due to its location in the virtual centre of the nation, Salina is a great location for landing and refuelling aircraft, but activity in general and business aviation is proving slow to recover from the recession.

Regrettably, Mr Livergood had to lay off a member of his team earlier this month, as business is so slow; he admits that he has ‘had guys falling asleep.’

Over the first six months of 2013, fuel sales are down by 30% for Flower Aviation, one of two fixed base operators at Salina Airport; the other, America Jet are down in the region of 37% for the same period.

The challenges facing the operators are put down to many factors, such as the loss of long-term clients who no longer own business jets, market competition from both national and international FBO’s, clients not ‘topping-up’ but only refuelling with essential fuel and, of course, the drop in the number of cross-country flights.

Tim Rogers, Airport Authority Executive Director commented, “The physical impact is significant for the airport authority and the FBOs, and merits attention that the airport authority board staff are giving it.”

In a bid to attract more visitors to the Airport, events are being scheduled, such as ‘Wings of Freedom’ which brought World War II aircraft, and Jaded Thunder; a military event that saw more than 500 visitors.  Later this year, America Jet has arranged a fly-in of T33 American trainer jets – America Jet currently hold the contract for military fuelling.

“We want to maintain the effort to attract and schedule military aviation unit training, civilian aircraft associations, and atmospheric and climate research missions, which all provide fuel sales opportunities for the FBO’s,” said Mr Rogers.

Charlotte Airport New Director Wants ‘No Disruption’

July 19, 2013
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Following the recent dramas at North Carolina’s Charlotte Airport, the new interim director, Brent Cagle want the focus of operations to be ‘no disruption.’

While legal issues are resolved, City Leader, Ron Carlee has said that they would never consider any other person to run the airport after the removal of the previous director, Jerry Orr.

Mr Cagle has told airport employees to focus upon their individual jobs to ensure business as usual at the busy airport and not to become embroiled in the public battle over control between city and state leaders.

Cagle said, “Our priority during this time of transition is to focus on no disruption and maintaining business as usual at CLT.”

Since the start of the wrangle, the North Carolina General Assembly issued a law to create a new Airport Authority that would, in effect, take over the airport from Charlotte City.  Within minutes, the City’s attorneys were asking a judge to stop the law in its tracks.

This has resulted in the City, State and the new Airport Authority having to prepare to ‘do battle’ in the courts to decide who will take control of the airport operations.

In the meantime, Mr Cagle is determined to ensure that airport operations run as smoothly as possible, with a focus upon the stability of the airport during the legal and political turmoil.

Head of ARINC Pledges Largest Ever Donation to Annapolis Medical Centre

July 19, 2013
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John Belcher, Head of Aerospace Technology Company, ARINC, and his wife Cathy, have pledged the largest bequest ever to the Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis.

The couple will give the first $1 million to the hospital, where Mr Belcher is a member of the board of trustees, over the next few years.  The hospital plans to rename the Health Science Pavillion after the couple in honor of their generous gift.  The remainder of the bequest has been written into the couple’s estate and will be donated upon liquidation after their deaths.  It is believed that the donation could be in excess of $10 million, depending upon the value of the estate at that time.

The hospital will also found ‘The John & Cathy Belcher Society’, which will recognise people who bequeath gifts of $100,000 or more in the future.

Mr Belcher chaired the hospitals Care Like No other campaign, which funded the Health Sciences Pavillion.  He joined ARINC in 1997, was appointed CEO in 2002 and also named Chairman in 2004.  With over 30 years of aviation, IT and the defense industries experience, Mr Belcher was more than qualified to head the industry-leading aviation communication company.

ARINC Inc were the founders of ACARS messaging and provide innovative solutions to the needs of commercial and business aircraft.  They furnish the industry with messaging solutions for aircraft and airport operations, continuing with the respected reputation they have gained over the past eight decades.

South Korean Jeju International Airport to Implement ARINC vMUSE

July 18, 2013
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ARINC vMUSEJeju International Airport has followed South Korea’s other major airports in its choice to use ARINC’s vMUSE technology to improve and optimize operations as the number of passengers grows each year.

The industry-leading provider develops and delivers innovative aviation solutions that can assist airports and airlines with cost management and increasing operational flexibility with vMUSE common-use technology.

Jeju International Airport will benefit from maximized use of facility space with the vMUSE platform and will be able to access off-site servers with any device, which will in turn reduce the necessity for hardware and support requirements.

This new contract will mean that ARINC now provides its vMUSE technology for all South Korea’s International airports, allowing for interoperability and connectivity between the airports and the airlines that operate from them.  This will lead to further operational cost reductions with the allowance for host sharing between the airports.

“Our biggest problem currently is a lack of check-in counters to accommodate the number of airlines that fly through the airport. ARINC’s vMUSE will enable carriers to directly log into their Departure Control System at any counter over any device. The sharing of counter facilities will improve terminal operations, and allow both airlines and airports to welcome more airlines and passengers,” said a representative of the Airlines Operators Committee of Jeju (AOC-CJU).

ARINC are delighted to be working with Jeju and AOC-CJU.  Mr Michael DiGeorge, ARINC MD of Asia Pacific said, “South Korea is one of our strongest and most important markets in the Asia Pacific region. Being a trusted partner to all the major international airports in the country is indeed a rare honour and re-affirms our reputation as a leader in the aviation industry.”