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Monthly Archives: February 2014

Up to Seven New Glonass Ground Stations Planned for Foreign Countries

February 20, 2014
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Global Coverage with Ground-Stations Networks for AviationRussia plan to deploy a maximum of seven new ground-stations in foreign countries in a bid to improve satellite navigational capabilities with Glonass system monitoring by the end of 2014. The new ground-stations will join 46 that currently operate within Russian territory, three in Antarctica and one in Brazil.

The news was announced at the Security Technologies exhibition conference earlier this month and the focus, according to Vladimir Klimov, Glonass Association Executive Director, is to create a worldwide Glonass augmentation network.

In order for high-precision navigation and communications to operate seamlessly, it is critical that satellite networks can communicate globally with a series of ground-based stations or receivers. High frequency data link communications for example, can only be seamlessly effective if geostationary satellite transmissions can form a truly global network, including remote, Polar Regions and vast oceanic expanses. This is made possible by overlapping coverage zones with carefully placed ground-stations and high frequency receipt and transmission technology is installed within aircraft.

Other aviation HFDL providers include ARINC who successfully achieve global coverage utilising the Iridium and Inmarsat satellite networks.

Cloud-Based Aviation Software for Noise Monitoring

February 18, 2014
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Web-Based Operations Solutions for AirportsA new partnership has been announced for the aviation industry of Casper and Cirrus Environment (UK) who will work together on the much-debated subject of noise monitoring.

The web-based noise management solution is an effective tool, combining automated analysis and reporting functionality to bring a supported noise management system to airports of all sizes. Portable, semi-permanent and permanent units can be used within the cloud-based network giving flexibility over a wide range of applications.

Cloud-based and web-based operations management solutions give access to permission-supported users across the industry in all sectors. This can bring effective and streamlined integration for operators; from airports operations to passenger processing and maintenance management on the ground and in the air. A growing number of aviation industry sectors are turning to web-based solutions as demands increase for cost-effectivity, sharing capabilities and communications speed and capacity.

A*Star at Singapore Airshow with Innovations for Communications

February 17, 2014
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Global Aviation Communications Solutions ProvidersWith a growing focus upon sustainable solutions for the aviation industry, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) plan to demonstrate their R&D initiatives at the Changi Exhibition Centre; the location for the Singapore Airshow this year.

As the industry continues to expand and demands grow, with an expected 3.3 billion people expected to use commercial flights in 2014, globally, the industry needs some solutions – and fast. Aviation communications is just one area that will be addressed with the latest innovations and solutions, in addition to maintenance issues and analytics.

The very latest aviation communications technology will be on display including an electromagnetic compatibility tool which is designed to minimise interference and enhance evaluation of sensor systems onboard. There will be solutions for Software Defined Radio and Disruption Tolerant Networking that will allow for message routing in intermittently-connected networks with a focus upon reliability and performance.

In today’s busy skies, and with a forecast of ever-increasing traffic, airport and airline management has never been so critical. Operators are looking at sustainable aviation communications solutions to carry them forward in a competitive industry that never sleeps.

EUROCONTROL to Use Information Management Program for SESAR

February 16, 2014
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Aviation Information Management Solutions ProvidersAs we near the implementation of phase three of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR), EUROCONTROL announce that they will be using MEGA’s software solutions to help describe the repository and conduct SESAR information management.

SESAR is a fundamental part of the program that will aim to supply and manage the modernisation of air traffic control over Europe in the Single European Sky initiative. Over the next thirty years, aviation management will be harmonised and unified and will include a unique air traffic control for both civil and military aviation.

Information management allows for sharing resources and information, including security data, research and collaborative decision making. MEGA are proud to see ‘our solutions used in transformation projects that will bring everyday benefits to so many people.’

McCarran International Airport to Launch PreCheck System for Passengers

February 15, 2014
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Maintaining Airport Security Whilst Improving Passenger ExperienceBy the end of February passengers at McCarran International Airport will be able to apply for PreCheck, a scheme that will allow expedited check-in for up to five years at a cost of $85.

The scheme will be run by the Transportation Security Administration PreCheck Application Center, based in the Airport Terminal 1, and will follow more than 100 airports across the country that currently operate the screening program.

Passengers will apply for a Known Traveller Number, which will be granted after rigorous identity verification processes, fingerprinting and immigration status investigations, allaying fears from opposers of the scheme, who raised initial concerns about maintaining high security for airline passengers.

Once membership is granted, successful applicants will pay an $85 fee for a five-year period of expedited processing. PreCheck will allow passengers to pass through airport security without being held up by the usual process of removing their shoes for screening or without removing laptops and TSA-compliant liquids from their hand luggage.

Rosemary Vassiliadis, Director of aviation for Clark County welcomes the scheme, saying “At McCarran, our priority is a positive travel experience for passengers and expedited screening provides just that.”

Montreal Airport Launch Self-Service Bag Drop

February 14, 2014
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Industry Pioneering Self-Service Bag Drop Solutions OnlineMontreal Trudeau Airport has converted eight of their 17 previously manned baggage desks into self-service bag drop points in a bid to enhance passenger check-in and speed up operations within the terminal.

More passengers will now be able to make use of the common use, self-service bag drop points for multiple airlines baggage on any flight bound for the US. The airport has observed that the new system has already been adopted by almost half the passengers.

Common-use self-service bag drop points have and will continue to revolutionise airline travel worldwide, streamlining the check-in system and helping to create fluidity within the terminal space that has previously lacked the world over.

Maintaining airport security still remains a priority and the common use desks use up-to-the-minute technology to ensure all the bases are touched in this area. While many of us still check-in online and an increasing number check-in at off-site locations, the self-service bag drop desks offer airlines and airports greater use of terminal space and staff to ensure that the passenger service and experience is better than ever.

India Excited About Planned Solar Impulse Landing

February 13, 2014
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Solar Impulse Will Make Aviation History The first day and night, solar powered aircraft is expected to land in India in April 2015 amid much excitement, approximately one year after it is officially unveiled. The record-breaking expedition will take approximately three months with actual flight time of around 20-25 days.

It is not yet clear where Solar Impulse will land in India, but it is hoped that two landings will be made on the west and the east coast.

“Solar Impulse will land in India in April 2015 and will be the first ever day and night-abled solar powered aircraft to do so,” Solar Impulse CEO Andre Borschberg said. “Solar Impulse that weighs 2,740 kg is an attempt to push the envelope as far as research and innovation are concerned in areas such as renewable energy and materials research. It is also a powerful educational tool, encouraging young minds to unleash their imagination.”

Powered by 12,000 solar cells and no fossil fuels, the aircraft reaches high altitudes during daylight hours to enable it to glide at night, covering long distances as it slowly descends.

The amazing Solar Impulse is the first aircraft in history to fly solely under the power of the sun and can reach speeds of up to 70km per hour. Built in Switzerland, the manufacturers have harnessed the latest technology which they plan to showcase around the world.

Mr Borschberg is proud of the opportunity to illustrate the potential of modern technology and said that if it can be used effectively within an aircraft, the potential for use on the ground will be clear.

Virgin Atlantic Introduce Google Glass to the Aviation Industry for Passenger Services

February 13, 2014
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Innovative Solutions for Passenger ServicesGoogle Glass will appear at Heathrow Airport as Virgin Atlantic trial the technology for six weeks to assess improvements in passenger services, check-in and processing.

It is hoped that a touch of glamour will also appeal to the industry with the simultaneous trial of the Sony SmartWatch 2, with both technologies expected to benefit the provision of enhanced customer service.

The SmartWatch and Google Glass will be connected to Virgin’s passenger services system and to a concierge dispatch app, which will send passenger data to the glasses at the beginning of the check-in process.

The app technology will also collect and transmit passenger data, which is hoped will benefit the passenger in terms of enhanced experience. If the trial is successful, Virgin hopes to deploy the technology across their network.

Indian Pilots Will Receive Real-Time Weather Data with AWOS

February 12, 2014
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Reliable & Efficient Real Time Weather Data SolutionsFor the first time, pilots in India will be able to gain online access to real-time weather data thanks to the Aviation Weather Observation System (AWOS) that was rolled out at Juhu Airport by IMD Mumbai.

This will now offer pilots a much-needed update to the system of weather warning, as the new system will continuously monitor weather conditions and, using the new air traffic control tower wifi, information on weather conditions will be relayed to pilots via hand-held PC’s.

The system will now give pilots real-time weather data regarding conditions of visibility, wind patterns, temperature, pressure and types of clouds in addition to advance weather warnings through a wireless capability of a range of 50 nautical miles.

The system will come into its own during monsoon season, during which visibility is most commonly affected. “It is a great leap in aviation meteorological forecasting,” said Deputy-Director General of meteorology, IMD Mumbai, K S Hosalikar, and said that the AAI had granted clearance for the installation and for the operation at the required frequency.

The rollout of the greatly enhanced system will be the first time that pilots in the area have had access to such up-to-date information as real-time weather data. It is expected that safety and operational productivity will show considerable improvements.

Bombardier Opens New Service Centre at Seletar Airport

February 12, 2014
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Bombardier Opens New FacilityBombardier were pleased to announce the opening of their first service centre of business jets in the Asia-Pacific. The new factory-owned centre is located at Seletar airport in Singapore and boasts 92,000 square feet.

The 41-strong, locally recruited staff team have been trained at the Bombardier service centre in Hartford, Conn, including 25 engineers. There are already maintenance approvals on the table for the centre for business aviation customers from Singapore, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Australia, Europe, the Philippines, Malaysia and the Isle of Man and will be seeking certification for Part 145 now that the US have lifted former restrictions on foreign repair and maintenance centres.