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Monthly Archives: February 2016

Alaska Airlines Fined for Baggage Handling Inadequacies

February 29, 2016
Business Aviation News
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baggage-handliing-systemsAlaska Airlines, and its baggage handling contractor, Menzies Aviation, has been fined what could amount to $62,000 for breaches of industry regulations for the handling of passenger baggage.

Inspectors have reported 16 violations, 12 of which they deem as serious, including failure to provide adequate safeguards for baggage handling personnel at Sea-Tac International Airport.

Other violations include failure to inspect baggage trailers and trucks, which often report issues such as failed brake lights and inadequately service steering systems.

As airports move into automation for baggage handling, many of the issues and violations could be avoided, particularly as Menzies Aviation have attempted to let employees take the blame with allegations of misconduct.

An appeal is expected to be raised against the fines. The ongoing proceedings, and the outcome will not affect passengers, the company insists.

Bombardier Cut 10% of Its Workforce

February 28, 2016
Business Aviation News
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It is a sorry start to the year for Bombardier, who has announced that 10% of its workforce will lose their jobs in a bid to save the ailing manufacturer.

It is thought that 7,000 jobs will go as Bombardier continue to try to turn itself around. Last year the launch of the Learjet 85 was suspended indefinitely, as orders tailed off across the industry. Approximately 500 jobs will be cut in the company’s business aviation sector, with almost half of those from the Learjet facility in Wichita.

Bombardier is a company that holds sustainability close to the heart of its business ideal, and continues to be dedicated to carrying that model throughout its operations.

EASA Approval for Cessna Latitude

February 26, 2016
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Cessna’s Citation Latitude business jet has received EASA certification, eight months after FAA approval was granted.

Another accolade was the receipt of approval for operation in the notoriously challenging La Mole Airport in St Tropez in the South of France. The twinjet aircraft met the performance parameters required and was given approval.

Now, Cessna look forward to making deliveries of the beautiful, midsize jet in European countries this year.

cessna-latit-5

ARINC GLOBALink Contract Renewed by Air China

February 23, 2016
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world-map-1112001-mRockwell Collins has announced that Air China has renewed its contract for ARINC GLOBALink, the leading air-ground data communications package, providing a secure messaging platform for critical inflight messaging.

Air China also has Rockwell Collins’ comprehensive communications suites, including VHF, SATCOM and HFDL to ensure coverage over a diverse range of aircraft communications.

The contract renewal comes in line with the plans that Air China has for expansion of its international routes and fleet.

Israel Company Showcase Cyber Security Solution in Singapore

February 20, 2016
Business Aviation News
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cabin-services-worldwideThe Singapore Airshow saw a new cyber security solution launched by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd this year, designed to tighten security around air traffic, aircraft systems and avionics, in addition to IT infrastructure.

The company, who have experience in civil aviation and in cyber security, have launched the new solution at the right time, with today’s growing threat of cyberspace terrorism sweeping the globe.

Cyber security providers are recognising a critical need for the creation of a holistic approach to strengthening infrastructure security across the entire aviation environment, including airports, IT systems, airlines, manufacturers and aircraft.

Swiss FIS Report Increase in API Data

February 18, 2016
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advance-passenger-informationSwitzerland’s Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) has said that there has been a significant increase in Advance Passenger Information (API) during the last four years.

Their report, published earlier this month, notes an increase from 9,000 to approximately 1.5 million passenger data transfers of information for the advance screening of travellers using the country’s airlines.

The FIS handles the data for the use of the prevention of terrorism, both physical and cyber, and now screens all passengers arriving in Switzerland from designated countries using both commercial and charter flights.

The handling of personal passenger data should be carried out according to international standards, often via APIS, a world-recognised and accepted form of transmission. Providers of the Advance Passenger Information System are closely regulated and monitored to ensure regulatory procedures are maintained.

ICAO Reach Decision in Historic CO2 Standards Agreement

February 16, 2016
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Environmental news surrounding the CO2 emissions debate | Business Aviation NewsThe International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has announced a decision in the debate surrounding the CO2 emissions limits for business aircraft. The decision has been made following six years of meetings and testing to arrive at the recommended standard, which will now go for approval later this year.

The agreement has been supported by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and a consortium of business jet owners and manufacturers represented by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

There will be conditional recommendations, such as the application of the standard to small aircraft (below 5.7 metric tons), and propeller aircraft (below 8.7 metric tons).

Airport Security – Are We Safer?

February 13, 2016
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airport-securityPublic opinion varies wildly about the effectivity of airport screening, with many passengers simply feeling violated after security screening, rather than safer.

The TSA has been around for 15 years, and recent reports suggest that screening personnel are under-performing. Some think that there is too much focus on the process of screening, and not enough on performance, which could lead to another terrorist attack.

Perhaps the answer lies in automated airport security, and with the introduction of sophisticated biometric security systems, why not? If human error is to be blamed for under-performance, then airports around the world are bound to become reliant on technology to keep borders secure.

Flight Support Services Expansion in India

February 9, 2016
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business aviation servicesAviation Services Management (ASM) has expanded its flight support services operation in India with the introduction of a new subsidiary company called Aviation Travel and Tourism Services (ATTS).

The company, who has also opened a new office in Dubai International Airport, is hoping to continue to expand and take on more employees this year.

Flight support services for business aircraft is a niche marketplace, but offers a critical service in a sector that generally does not have the backing of a flight operations department in the same way that the commercial sector does.

Flight support services provider, Rockwell Collins’ ARINCDirect also offers a comprehensive suite of solutions for business jets, including a multi-source flight tracking service, in addition to a wide range of aircraft communications options. ARINCDirect, launched in 2003, was the pioneer of exclusive business aircraft support.