Archive

Monthly Archives: April 2015

Advanced Border Management Systems Technology ProvidersInterpol World 2015 in Singapore this week will see Gemalto demonstrate its latest next-generation Border Management Systems with automated eGates, electronic passports and visa monitoring capabilities.

Government and border agencies all over the world are looking to the latest technological advancements to increase border security, at all border checkpoints but not least in the airport environment. As traveller numbers steadily increase year-on-year, it is critical to maintain utmost security while streamlining the passenger processing system in order to keep ground delays to a minimum.

Self-service kiosks and biometric systems from providers such as Gemalto, SITA and Rockwell Collins are amongst the most popular with passengers, allowing them to take greater control of their travel experience and reducing queueing time.

Self-service and common-use systems provide airlines with an opportunity to share costs and reduce the time spent micro-managing the passenger check-in process, while airports regain valuable terminal space and personnel time, which can be better utilised to maximise operational productivity.

Other Providers of Leading Cabin Services & Aircraft BroadbandSmartSky Networks announced a partnership with Kontron this week at the AEA Convention held in Dallas. Kontron, German-based cabin WiFi access point (CWAP) manufacturer, and the relatively new SmartSky Networks, air-to-ground aviation telecommunications network provider, will team to provide a SmartSky 4G service with an expected capability of 10 times the current speed and capacity of other networks, according to the Florida-based SmartSky.

As passenger and operational expectations increase across both business and commercial aviation sectors, airlines and operators are seeking greater transfer speeds and capabilities for cabin services and flight deck options.

Other next-generation cabin services providers are utilising powerful satellite communications networks, such as Inmarsat and Iridium, to deliver aircraft WiFi solutions that can be as effective in the sky as they can on the ground.

Other Business Aviation Passenger Communications Solutions ProvidersGogo, business aircraft communications provider, announced the launch of a new service at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show this week. The ATG 1000 is a new system for connectivity that is aimed at the light private aircraft market, offering passengers the chance to use their own personal smartphones inflight for calls and texts.

Additional services such as web browsing, can be added using a software key, offering complete flexibility for operators wishing to provide basic services.

This new offering from Gogo joins the passenger communications revolution sweeping the industry as traveller demand increases for affordable, yet fast connection speeds.

Business jet owners and operators are seeking solutions for inflight communications on all levels from the cabin to the cockpit to enable streamlined operations.

Other inflight connectivity providers, such as Rockwell Collins’ ARINCDirect, offer passenger communications with high-speed broadband to give larger operators and charter companies the capability of an office-in-the-sky, almost a prerequisite in the modern cabin.

Streamlining Passegner Processing with Technology & SolutionsNorth Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has selected a new platform to help streamline passenger processing, operational messaging and business systems as a part of their 2015 upgrade program, which will also include improvements to car parking and to the airport entrance and terminal expansion of more than 30,000 square feet.

Award-winning CLT aim to be the preferred airport and hub for airlines in the region and pride themselves on enhanced passenger experience. The new system will allow them to implement common-use technological solutions in a way that will increase operational flexibility throughout the airport environment, improving passenger experience and reducing costs.

CLT have selected AirIT’s Extended Airline System Environment (EASE) as their preferred platform, which is designed to be scalable to their requirements as they continue with their expansion program and increase passenger flow.

As worldwide airline traffic continues to increase, international airports need to create a virtualisation of operations in order to maintain efficiency throughout the entire passenger processing and ticketing environment. Ground delays result in higher expenditure and as queues increase and waiting times lengthen, passenger satisfaction is reduced.

The implementation of high-performance networks for airlines and airport operators is a growing necessity for international airports to ensure seamless access to airline Departure Control Systems. Using a common-use solution, such as Rockwell Collins’ ARINC AviNet Airport, allows for cost-sharing and terminal space-saving benefits.

Germanwings Airlines Aviation expert, Norman Shanks, has voiced his concerns about airline testing and psychological evaluations of pilots following the tragic events of the Germanwings crash, as details emerge about the state of mind of the co-pilot.

Mr Shanks says that it is difficult for airlines to determine the psychological state of an individual pilot. A psychological profile of a person can change and can be influenced by events in one’s life. As pilots are placed to work with different colleagues on a regular basis, it is difficult to create a team-building aspect, where a colleague might be able to point out differences in a demeanour or attitude.

Germanwings’ parent company, Lufthansa, are discussing the possibility of changing their flying rules and ensuring that two members of flight crew are on the flight deck at all times.

Providers of Aviation Data Link Communications SolutionsAn Oceanic Data Link (ODL) service will be provided by Rockwell Collins to enable real-time data communications between ATC and pilots in a seven-year contract awarded by the FAA this week.

The ARINC data link service will be established in the FAA control centres in New York, Oakland and Anchorage under the contract, which will enable the air traffic control centres to conduct standard procedures on Future Air Navigation System (FANS) equipped aircraft. FAA aircraft tracking will be made possible while out of radar range.

Rockwell Collins currently works in conjunction with the FAA for the Next Generation Air Transport System (NextGen) initiative, providing voice and domestic data link.