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Monthly Archives: March 2018

Dublin Airport Team with ESB in Solar Farm Project

March 28, 2018
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Solar Farm at Dublin Airport | Airports NewsAn energy agreement between DAA, the Irish airports operator, and ESB energy provider has resulted in the opening of a 268-panel-strong solar farm at Dublin Airport.

The solar farm has been installed on top of a reservoir system, which provides 500 million litres of water to the passenger terminals, offices and businesses located on the airport grounds. The new solar farm is expected to deliver over half the airport’s energy requirements of the water system.

The agreement was put in place to attempt to achieve energy targets of a 33% reduction in consumption for the airport by 2020, and the partners have been working closely together to determine the opportunities to implement low carbon technologies.

This achievement will also build on Dublin Airport’s current reputation in a European carbon management certification program, under which it is already Airport Carbon Accredited.

Dalton Phillips, DAA’s Chief Executive, said, ‘Over the past three years Dublin Airport succeeded in reducing its carbon footprint by 5,000 tonnes, which is equivalent to a 10% reduction in carbon emissions under its control.’

‘We are looking forward to building on this performance and making even more energy savings that will also benefit the travelling public through sustainable environmental performance and annual cost savings.’

Arthur Collins to Feature on Norwegian Air’s Tailfin Hero

March 20, 2018
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Arthur Collins | Aviation NewsThe aviation pioneer and founder of Rockwell Collins, Arthur Collins, is to join more than 80 other aviation heroes to feature on Norwegian Air’s Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft this year as a part of the airline’s Tailfin Hero program.

Norwegian Air’s Tailfin Hero program has been part of its identity since 2002, when it began.

‘Our tailfin hero program was created to honour individuals who have pushed boundaries, made a difference and inspired others,’ said Thomas Ramdahl, chief commercial officer at Norwegian Air. ‘Through our partnership with Rockwell Collins, we learned of Arthur Collins’ story, whose innovative spirit reflects those characteristics, making him a perfect tailfin hero and part of the Norwegian family.’

Arthur Collins founded today’s aviation giant, Rockwell Collins, at the age of 15 in his basement with his ham radio, following the achievement of his radio license in 1923. The original company was called Collins Radio Company, was formally incorporated in 1933 and designed and produced shortwave radio equipment.

He gained fame in 1925 by reaching John Reinartz using his radio system, who was in Greenland on a scientific expedition and had lost contact with the US Navy. The young Arthur Collins would famously ride his bicycle down to the Cedar Rapids telegraph office to relay the messages he received about daily scientific findings to Washington. This won him deserved acclaim and kick-started his career in earnest.

Norwegian Air Tailfin Hero | Arthur CollinsArthur Collins will feature in the aircraft Tailfin Hero program throughout 2018.

Las Vegas McCarran Airport Focus on Passenger Technologies with Rockwell Collins

March 12, 2018
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LAS Passenger Technologies | Airports BlogLas Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) has recently renewed a 20-year long-standing contract with Rockwell Collins to further focus on improving passenger technologies.

As a part of its Terminal 1 upgrade, LAS will replace 176 common-use self service kiosks with new units and hope to maintain its position as one of North America’s leading international airport hubs.

‘Our team is constantly evaluating the airport’s infrastructure and operations seeking ways to enhance customer service, maximize efficiencies and increase flexibility,’ said Samuel Ingalls, assistant director of Aviation over Information Systems for LAS. ‘Over the past two decades we have had great success in managing our soaring passenger volume through the implementation of common use processes and other cutting-edge technologies such as those provided by Rockwell Collins.’

LAS will adopt and implement a range of Rockwell Collins solutions to strengthen its position and improve passenger experience:

  • ARINC cMUSE – the cloud-native passenger processing system offers increased flexibility and reduced support and implementation requirements.
  • ARINC SelfDrop – Rockwell Collins’ automated self-service baggage system is undergoing trials at LAS which will continue under the renewed contract.

Additional airport systems from Rockwell Collins will continue to be supported:

  • ARINC MUSE – the reliable CUPPS system to enhance airport operational cost-effectivity.
  • RFID bag tags – providing advanced baggage tracking features.
  • ARINC BagLinkTM – improving accuracy and efficiency for baggage loading.
  • Self-Boarding Gates – automated gate technology.
  • Local DCS – delivering a stand-alone check-in and boarding system.

Tony Chapman, senior director, Airport Systems Marketing and Strategy for Rockwell Collins said, ‘Rockwell Collins and LAS work together on a continual basis to ensure our solutions are meeting and exceeding the demands that passenger influx has on its airport operations. As we look further into the future, the integrated working team will look even closer at how biometrics and other disruptive technologies will enhance the curb-to-curb airport experience.’

OMA Select Rockwell Collins’ ARINC vMUSE for Eight Mexico Airports

March 5, 2018
Business Aviation News
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vMUSE_MexicoThe industry-leading Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) from Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports, ARINC vMUSE, has been selected by Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) for implementation in eight Mexico airports in a bid to streamline check-in processes, gate services and resource management.

Using vMUSE, the airports can make the most of existing infrastructure, and enable sharing capabilities for multiple airlines. This gives another layer of flexibility for airport operations and enhances passenger experience simultaneously, due to reduced queueing instances and greater management of peak flow passenger traffic.

The benefits of vMUSE for operators

The implementation of vMUSE can help to reduce the challenges posed by operational inefficiencies, and helps to redirect capital investment in other areas, due to the use of existing terminal equipment and infrastructure. The reduction in valuable terminal space is an added bonus, with fewer dedicated check-in counters needed, which also helps airport operators to better manage airport resources and personnel to further streamline and enhance operations, thus boosting productivity while simultaneously improving passenger experience and ultimately, satisfaction.

Mazatlan and Zihuatanejo airports currently do use vMUSE, but by 2019, passengers and airport operators should be able to enjoy the benefits at the following locations:

  • Acapulco
  • Culiacan
  • Chihuahua
  • Monterrey
  • Reynosa
  • San Luis Potosi

The teams at Rockwell Collins work closely with clients to determine the right fit of solution to meet the unique challenges in operations. Without a structured, tailored approach to the individual needs of the airport, regardless of size, flexibility and scalability become challenging in any airport.

“Our Latin American team worked closely with the OMA Group to accommodate its need to leverage existing virtual infrastructure at each airport,” said Yun Chong, global head of sales, Airport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “Our customized solution will offer OMA’s airports increased operational efficiency as travel demands increase in the region.”