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Monthly Archives: August 2013

New Delhi Civil Aviation Ministry asks for Lower Taxes on Jet Fuel

August 30, 2013
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The New Delhi Civil Aviation Ministry has confirmed its mission to push more state governments into lowering taxes on jet fuel in a bid to ease the pressure on airlines with the rise in crude oil prices and the weakening value of the rupee.  This slide against the US dollar raises concerns as to the increase in prices that the struggling airlines will have to face for leasing commitments, maintenance and repairs, payments to expat crew members and staff costs abroad.

GoAir CEO Giorgio De Roni, said “Almost all airline costs are related to the dollar, including fuel. We have to face this reality. A week rupee is a big challenge for the industry.”

“The rise in ATF (aviation turbine fuel) prices will have an impact. We have been requesting the state governments to consider reduction in taxes they levy on ATF, keeping in mind the rising oil prices,” said Civil Aviation Secretary, K N Shrivastava.

Although some states, namely, Chhattisgarh, Rajastan, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh have brought down the taxes on jet fuel, the CAM are ‘pursuing other states to follow suit’, promising increased air connectivity in return.

This all comes with the added concern of price rises in air fares to sustain the airlines, which no one wants.

ARINC AviNet Mail Chosen by More Than 1,000 Users in the First Half of 2013

August 28, 2013
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ARINC’s AviNet Mail was selected by more than 1,000 users during the first half of 2013; it was recently announced, lending weight to the claim that the aviation messaging solution is indeed industry-leading!

AviNet Mail and ARINC’s AviSec solutions reliably and securely deliver more than 30 million messages per day to over 30,000 users, figures that represent half the world’s critical type b messaging. ARINC’s cost-effective solution enables Type b and SMS messaging over a secure network and is used daily by airlines, airports, ground handling operations, caterers and dispatch operators, to name but a few…

One of the features of the system is that the AviNet Mail service can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and is operated upon a highly secure, private network.  Sensitive data can be reliably transmitted via a single user interface, enabling the low-cost transmission of passenger data, including advanced passenger information and PNR in addition to all other critical messaging.

“AviNet Mail is the industry’s leading platform because it enables customers to maximize operational efficiency and, ultimately, reduce Type B messaging costs,” said Laura Birt, Sales Director, Aviation Solutions at ARINC EMEA. “We are seeing this continuous rise in adoption and use because AviNet Mail is a highly reliable solution that ensures critical messages are communicated quickly and efficiently—and in line with our customers’ budgets.”

ARINC continue to provide innovative solutions for the aviation industry, staying ahead of the game in this ever-expanding sector.

North Dakota Aviation Graduates to Come Under New Ruling

August 22, 2013
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undaviationIt has recently been announced that all new pilot graduates from University of North Dakota aviation school (UND) will be eligible, under new rules, to sit in the first officer seat of the cockpit after 1,000 hours of flying time, from 1,500 hours previously required.

The new ruling will emphasize ‘quality over quantity’ of flight training, according to the UND’s associate chair of aviation, Elizabeth Bjerke as she quoted, ‘A quality program is going to produce quality pilots and that’s who we want flying.’

UND is the first aviation school to receive the exemption from the FAA ruling which came after the fatal crash of a Colgan Airlines flight in 2009 that was deemed to be caused by pilot error.  It was then that Congress issued the ruling that all pilots attain an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which led to the FAA doubling the required flying time before graduates could be hired.

“Historically airlines would hire our graduates at about 700 or 800 hours,” Ms Bjerke said. “They would do very well in training because they had a good solid foundation and still they were trainable by the airlines.”

With researchers from four other colleges, Ms Bjerke looked at the training backgrounds of aviation pilots and forwarded the findings to the FAA when they discovered that pilots with a four-year accredited training program performed better than others from a flight academy, for example.

Worries concerning a potential shortage of pilots prompted the study and there is no doubt that the new ruling will help to boost the workforce, while maintaining critical safety measures in the industry.  It is thought that other aviation schools that run the four-year program will now also apply for the authorization for the restricted ATP license from the FAA.

Dean of the UND’s aviation school, Bruce Smith, said, “To be the first designated is a reflection on the long-term reputation of our graduates in the airline industry.”  He said that the FAA decision clearly demonstrates the quality of the school’s commercial aviation program.

Korean Air Renews GLOBALink and AviNet with ARINC

August 22, 2013
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ARINC have announced that Korean Air has chosen to renew GLOBALink and AviNet contracts and will be the airlines primary satellite communications providers.

ARINC has worked with Korean Air since 1987 and will continue to provide services that ‘demonstrate consistent commitment to reliability and innovative excellence.’  GLOBALink’s voice and data structure is the most reliable in the world, offering truly global coverage with uninterrupted communications over a seamless network.  AviNet Airport offers streamlined passenger processing and a cost effective solution across the vMUSE platform.

Mr S.M. Lee, Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of IT for Korean Air says, “As our needs continue to grow, we believe ARINC will continue to meet our requirements as it understands our business.”

Korean Air will continue to receive AviNet Airport for operations, GLOBALink/VHF & HF, Type A & Type B Messaging, satellite and voice communications. Being the airlines primary SATCOM services provider will enable ARINC to resolve any arising issues faster and will be able to manage communications more effectively with even greater efficiency.

“Every day, ARINC helps more than 14,000 commercial aircraft for over 300 airlines execute over 100,000 take offs and landings with mission-critical network and communication capabilities,” said Mr. K.B. Cho, Director, ARINC Korea. “ARINC remains committed to meeting the evolving needs of airlines like Korean Air with our portfolio of capabilities and applications. We evolve as our customers evolve, and airlines can certainly depend on us to maximize performance, safety and operational excellence.”

AviNet Airport handles passenger processing solutions and airport operations management over a high-performance network enabling cost-sharing and wide-area networking.

Air Canada Rouge Select ARINC’s GLOBALink for Communications

August 21, 2013
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It has been announced that Air Canada Rouge, North America’s newest leisure group has selected ARINC’s GLOBALink for their worldwide ground-air and flight deck communications requirements.

Air Canada Rouge will use GLOBALink, VHF, HF and Iridium data link as their primary means of data communications in addition to GLOBALink voice services providing continuous voice communications throughout the flight enroute.

Air Canda Rouge’s Vice President of Operations, Al Read, said, “Air Canada Rouge’s success depends upon the team work of our employees and the support of trusted partners like ARINC.”

ARINC’s reliability and support capabilities continues to keep them at the top of the pile in the aviation industry.  Their cost effective and innovative flight deck communications solutions and flight support, in addition to passenger communications packages make them a comprehensive, industry-leading provider.

“GLOBALink’s voice and data infrastructure is the most reliable in the world,” said Ron Hawkins, Staff Vice President, Commercial Aviation Solutions, at ARINC. “We have been helping Air Canada with its air/ground communications for more than 20 years and we were excited to be selected by Air Canada rouge to help them for many years to come.”

South African Airways Signs 5 Year Deal with ARINC for GLOBALink & HFDL

August 20, 2013
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hfdl ARINC have been right up there in the aviation news these past few weeks and continue to push forward in the industry.  It has been announced today that South African Airlines has renewed its relationship with ARINC in signing a new 5 year contract for GLOBALink ACARS Services and will use ARINC’s High-Frequency Data Link (HFDL) for seamless global coverage.

The new data link agreement is just part of a long-standing business relationship between South African Airlines and ARINC.  The new contract will make ARINC the exclusive providers of all their communications needs.

ARINC’s HFDL Service, combined with HF voice then aircraft have high levels of reliability for air-ground communications during long-range flights.

ARINC’s GLOBALink ACARS data link provides airlines with reliability, using their industry-leading superior services and technical support systems.

South African Airlines will use ARINC for all VHF, HF and satellite ACARS traffic.  ARINC’s HFDL service will provide cost-effective, truly global coverage across vast oceanic expanses and Polar Regions, interfacing seamlessly with the VHF and SATCOM communications networks.

The data link services from ARINC gives airlines greater reliability, comprehensive operational messaging that eradicates the errors associated with radio voice communications.

“We are very excited to continue working with South African Airways,” said Alexis Hickox, Senior Director, Aviation Solutions, at ARINC EMEA. “We believe this renewal demonstrates the value ARINC provides our customers and positions us well for future growth in Africa.”

Fast UK In-Flight WiFi Possible by 2014

August 20, 2013
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in flight wifiLast week, the UK’s OFCOM began a deliberation into the possibility of the authorisation of the use of ESOMPs to enable in-flight wifi with speeds capable of streaming content from sites such as BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

If the proposed license of a new satellite system is approved, the connections, up to 10 times faster than current in-flight wifi could be available in the air, on the ground within the UK rail networks and on-board ships as soon as 2014.

In the U.S. the FCC have already authorised the use of Earth Stations on Mobile Platforms (Sumps) which are the key to enabling the fast connections on a global scale.

It is unclear, as yet, just how many of the British-owned airlines will actually use the technology, given the inevitability of high costs.  Upgrades to equipment would be needed and some airlines are reluctant to commit at this stage, as users on-board may be dismissive of the high prices, preferring to remain connected with the 3 or 4G mobile option.

ARINC, U.S. based industry-leading passenger communications providers offer, under the US regulations, next-generation passenger connectivity solutions for commercial and business jet aircraft with CabinConnect.

Chicago O’Hare International Introduce Automated Passport Control System

August 19, 2013
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electronic border managementChicago O’Hare International Airport officials have announced that they will be launching an Automated Passport Control Programme to help passengers take more control of their journey by using self-service kiosks to speed up the US border clearance procedure and streamline operations with electronic border management.

“This technology reinforces Chicago’s leading position as a world-class destination for business and leisure travellers while spurring economic growth and smartly improving our nation’s security,” said Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel.

The new procedure for electronic border management became operational in Terminal 5 at the beginning of July and is open for free use to all US passengers arriving at Chicago’s O’Hare.  During the first month, the average waiting time over peak periods has been reduced by 16 minutes or an impressive 33%.

The introduction of the electronic border management system means that US passengers can proceed directly to the self-service kiosks to input their information, rather than filling in the paper Customs forms.  They can scan their passports and answer standard questions electronically using the user-friendly, touch-screen interface.

Self-service kiosks are also used for check-in operations around the world and are saving airlines, airports and passengers time and ultimately money with streamlined passenger processing and increased operational efficiency.  Companies such as ARINC Inc, provide cost-effective solutions for global travel improvements.

ARINC Direct Markets Xplore Satcom Box at LABACE

August 16, 2013
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Following the announcement of the proposed sale of its parent company, ARINC Direct senior director of sales, Joel Ehrmann admitted that the merger could provide opportunities for both companies in terms of online flight planning and support services, but he was unable to talk about the deal.

“It’s still got to be approved by regulators,” he said, “So its business as usual until the sale completes. But there are a lot of potential synergies.”

Flight planning

At LABACE this year, ARINC Direct had their latest innovation, Xplore, the SATCOM box.  Once certified, the connection of iPad and other mobile devices in the cockpit will be easily and efficiently linked to the Iridium satellite network.  ARINC Direct may begin the pitch to helicopters, especially in the offshore oil industry.

ARINC Direct seem to be preparing for a new office in Brazil shortly; according to Mr Ehrmann, “The major thing here is everyone’s ramping up for the World Cup and Olympics in Rio.”  He believes that major improvements will be seen in infrastructure and activity.

Mr Ehrmann would not comment as to how many Brazillian or Latin American customers ARINC Direct have, but stated that worldwide, the company cater to over 3,100 aircraft.

ARINC Direct’s iPad app has been particularly popular in the business jet industry, with its flexibility for flight planning and flight support services.  It will work well with the Xplore box in the cockpit of private aircraft across the globe.

Integrated Airport Security Awareness Solution from Indmex

August 14, 2013
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airport security Indmex Aviation and OPEN Inc have collaborated to offer an integrated solution for airport situational awareness and incident response, it has been announced today.

The companies will provide runway incursion warnings and a records information management system for airport first responders and hope to initiate integrated airport EMS incident response systems.

Scott Streicher, Operations Director for OPEN, the creators of SafetyPAD for Emergency Medical Services, which is already used by Fire and EMS teams at some of the worlds busiest airports, said “After speaking with airport operations directors and airport emergency responders, it was clear to us that there is an unmet need for solutions that solve ongoing challenges at airports resulting from increased operations by both aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface. With the INDMEX partnership, we will be able to fulfil that demand.”

The solution is hoped to boost security and accountability for airport personnel with vehicle and personnel tracking and can be deployed over a range of mobile devices.

Airport security providers, such as ARINC, offer technological solutions to integrated physical and advanced information security.  The use of biometrics and other applications can serve to enhance monitoring capabilities of all system and subsystem activity.