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Monthly Archives: December 2016

Munich Airport Unveils Plan to Become Germany’s First Carbon Neutral Airport

December 18, 2016
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Munich Airport Aims for Carbon Neutral Status by 2030 | Business Aviation BlogGermany’s Munich Airport has detailed a €150 million plan to reduce its carbon emissions directly by 60% over the next 17 years.

The Bavarian State Minister for Finance, Regional Development and Home Affairs, Dr Markus Soder said, ‘With this target we are underscoring the enormous importance attached to climate protection by the airport and the Bavarian state government.’

Dr Soder, who is also chairman of the supervisory board for Munich Airport, is keen for the airport to become a ‘trailblazer for all of Germany.’

The plan contains many fine details, including increased reliance of renewable energy sources, electromobility within the vehicle fleet, LED runway lighting and intelligent control technology.

Dr Michael Kerkloh, CEO of Munich Airport, spoke during the launch of the CO2 strategy of the continuation of the current efforts the airport already makes towards climate protection, ‘As Europe’s first five-star airport, we also set very high standards for climate protection. With our far-reaching climate targets, we want to help ensure that the airport’s operations and ongoing development are pursued in ways that preserve the opportunities and possibilities of future generations.’

The remaining 40% CO2 emissions will be offset at regional level against certified projects.

Alaska Air Acquires Virgin America for $4 Billion

December 16, 2016
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Alaska Air Group Acquires Virgin America | Aviation NewsIt has been announced, just one week after the deal was given approval by regulators, that Alaska Air Group has closed the acquisition of Virgin America for the sum of $4 billion.

It has not been decided whether Alaska Air will retain the Virgin America brand, but this is expected to be revealed within the first quarter of this year.

Alaska Air Group notes that the consolidation of one of its biggest competitors will enable them to compete more effectively with the other major carriers that between them handle 84% of air traffic in the U.S. – Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines.

According to a statement from Alaska Air Group a few days ago, ‘Alaska Airlines and Virgin America will spend the next year working to secure Federal Aviation Administration certification to allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier.’ The group hopes to achieve certification by 2018.

The merger will give Alaska Air and Virgin a fleet of 286 aircraft, operating almost 1200 daily flights to 118 destinations across the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba and Mexico.

Automated Check-in in Abu Dhabi with Rockwell Collins’ LocalCheck for Falcon Aviation

December 8, 2016
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Automated Check-in Agreement | Rockwell Collins and Falcon AviationFalcon Aviation, based in the UAE at Al Bateen Executive Airport, delivers a range of services to clients throughout the Middle East, including charter of helicopters and private jets, aircraft maintenance and management services and flight support. It also provides an authorised service centre for Embraer and Airbus Helicopters, a warranty service centre for Gulfstream and is a founding board member of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

The implementation of Rockwell Collins’ ARINC LocalCheckSM Local Departure Control System (L-DCS), improves the efficiency of check-in and boarding processes through automation of key processes, such as passenger processing, baggage tags and passenger reconciliation.

Captain Raman Oberoi, Falcon Aviation, said, ‘Over the years, Falcon Aviation has become synonymous with safety, quality and excellent customer service. We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality products and innovative services to our loyal customers, and Rockwell Collins’ airport solutions are helping us deliver on that promise.’

Paul Hickox, head of Airport Systems Sales at Rockwell Collins, said, ‘Rockwell Collins airport solutions are used throughout the world to help airports improve efficiency and enhance operations. This win is an excellent example of how we can tailor our solutions to meet the requirements of both large international airports as well as smaller regional airports and private business terminals.’

Automated Border Control Solutions Project Completed in Australia

December 1, 2016
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Australia Ramps Up Border Control | Automated Border ProtectionIt has been announced that a major project to install automated border control e-gates in 8 airports across Australia has been completed.

A total of 83 e-gates have been installed since the project began last year, and already more than 10 million travellers have successfully passed through.

The Australian government committed to the project to ensure border control processes were not only efficient, streamlining Advance Passenger Information processing and reducing the time taken to process passengers, but also enhanced border protection at the country’s international checkpoints.

Peter Dutton, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Border Protection said, ‘This milestone delivers on the Australian Government’s commitment towards streamlined border control processes and enhanced border protection capability at our international airports. [This technology is] critical to improving our ability to accurately confirm the identity of travellers.’