Archive

Monthly Archives: September 2017

Airport Systems Integration in the Back Office | Airports Systems NewsAirports have complex systems and products working simultaneously behind the scenes to deliver efficient flight operations regardless of airport size or capacity.

The key to improving efficiency across the board is airport systems integration.

When key systems and products are integrated, efficiency and productivity can be enhanced through visibility, and enables analytics data to be reviewed constantly to make further improvements.

Today’s modern airport environment at a much faster pace, and the number of flight passengers is increasing every year. To make sure airport operators can face the challenges that this creates, systems and services must remain seamlessly reliable.

Flexibility can be achieved by integration of systems, such as:

  • Passenger check-in
  • Baggage handling
  • Self-service kiosks
  • Security

When information, data and systems speak to one another, a holistic view can be achieved by the operational teams, and issues can be detected and addressed before they become problems that can lead to expensive ground delays.

Master systems integrators, Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports, offer a range of specialist services that can help airport operators of all sizes to gain an advanced opportunity to create a seamless airport environment that serves both passengers and personnel to the maximum capability.

Passengers of today have high expectations for their travel experience, and airport systems integration can help achieve those goals for airport operators. With options for fully managed services, round-the-clock support and cloud solutions, Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports are certainly ahead of their game.

Auckland Airport Fuel Shortages | Airports NewsFollowing an incident earlier this month, when a fuel supply pipeline was severed accidentally by the oil refinery after a digger crashed into the pipe, Auckland Airport has restricted the sales of airline tickets.

Many flights were cancelled after the incident, and fuel uplifts were down to just 30% of their regular fill capacity. It has been reported that 3,000 passengers were affected, after other flights were redirected to other airports for refuelling.

The Marsden Point oil refinery is taking steps to repair the pipeline, but Auckland Airport is taking no chances, and has restricted ticket sales for all but essential flights. The damaged section of pipe connects the Marsden Point refinery to Wiri Oil Services, the Auckland-based company that supplies the airport’s operating airlines with aviation fuel.

The disruption is hoped to be a temporary measure, and additional staff have been employed to address passenger concerns and to assist with rescheduling.

The airport has issued a warning to passengers to check scheduling before arriving at the airport.

amsterdAAmsterdam Schiphol Airport New Terminal Design Selected | Airports NewsAmsterdam Schiphol Airport has announced the selection of the design for its new terminal, expected to be ready to open in 2023. The CEO of the airport, Jos Nijhuis said, ‘This design suits the Schiphol DNA. That was the main reason why the jury decided to choose this design.  The design solution contributes to excellent processing, it provides optimal support to passengers, contributes to our sustainability ambitions and is future-proof. We are looking forward to welcoming airlines and passengers in the new terminal and adjacent new pier.’

The Dutch airport aims to continue to keep its operations under one roof, and the new design will incorporate an expansion of the current airport layout and retain its ‘one terminal’ design.

Schiphol insist that it will be ‘business as usual’ during the expansion project work, being overseen by the Royal Schiphol Group and known as the Capital Programme, which handles large projects optimally as its main aim.

The last time the airport carried out major works was in the early 1990s, when departure and arrival halls 3 and 4 were constructed. The new project promises to deliver greater capacity for the airport, which expects to be able to handle 14 million additional passengers every year.

The project invited designers to submit their plans, and the Dutch company KAAN Architecten has been successful.

Rockwell Collins to be Acquired by UTC | Aviation Industry NewsIt has been announced that United Technologies Corporation (UTC) are to purchase Rockwell Collins in a $30 billion deal including cash and UTC stocks.

UTC Chairman and CEO, Greg Hayes said, ‘This acquisition adds tremendous capabilities to our aerospace businesses and strengthens our complementary offerings of technologically advanced aerospace systems. Together, Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems will enhance customer value in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry by making aircraft more intelligent and more connected.

The deal, which has been agreed, but not yet finalised and approved, will deliver greater strategic options for UTC, and will result in the creation of a new business – Collins Aerospace Systems – with Kelly Ortberg in the role of CEO and Dave Gitlin as President and COO.

Mr Hayes continued, ‘We have demonstrated we can successfully integrate large acquisitions into our business and I have full confidence that the team has the capability to do it again.’

The agreed terms will give each Rockwell Collins shareholder a cash sum of $93.33 per share, and $46.67 shares of UTC stock. The final purchase price will take debt issuances into account, and delivers a total equity value of $23 billion. The deal is subject to shareholder and government regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Rockwell Collins’ current CEO, President and Chairman, Kelly Ortberg said, ‘We are extremely pleased to announce this compelling transaction with UTC which is a testament to the value we have created for Rockwell Collins’ employees, customers and shareowners. The combination will enable us to compete more effectively for future business through continued investments in innovation, world-class integrated product offerings and the ability to retain the top talent in the industry. We look forward to the next chapter in Rockwell Collins’ long and proud history, as part of UTC.’