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New Technology Division for Aircraft Communications Launched by Rockwell Collins

January 7, 2014
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Inflight Aviation Communications Solutions for Business AviationRockwell Collins Inc. has opened a new technology division to further extend its reputation as a manufacturer of aircraft electronics after its $1.4 billion acquisition of ARINC Inc., its largest to date.

It is expected that ARINC’s long-standing, industry-leading aircraft communications experience will bring a strong foundation to the table.

Heading the division will be Jeff Standerski, bringing his 25-years of experience with Rockwell to bear on the development of an Information Management Services unit that, according to Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg, will offer “a network in the sky.”

The emergence of smart aircraft, such as Boeing Co. (BA)’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus SAS’s A380 and A350 jets, has led to an increasing reliance on powerful on-board computers. Ortberg anticipates that Arinc Inc., founded in 1929 and with a long history of providing air-to-ground communications is ripe for further development.

ARINC’s current subscription services, covering everything from in-flight e-mail services to the provision of real-time weather and flight data to pilots via its Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System are reported to assist in over 100,000 flights each day. In combination with Rockwell’s computer architecture Ortberg envisions the creation of new air-to-ground links and other applications that will, ultimately, transform the aviation industry.

Flying Times Could be Halved – The Future of Jet Travel?

January 2, 2014
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Spike Aerospace's Supersonic JetIt’s a fast moving world, and it’s set to get even faster with the planned introduction of Spike Aerospace’s S-512 supersonic jet aircraft. Two years in design, its Boston based engineers aim for it to halve international travel times, flying at up to 1,100mph with the ability to reach Mach 1.6.   In practical terms that means a trip from Los Angeles to Tokyo should take just five hours.

If that sounds hopeful, its worth remembering that the Spike Aerospace team already have an impressive track record, with experience gained from working with some of the most renowned aircraft companies. Even the occasional traveller cannot fail to recognise such names as Airbus, Bombardier and Gulfstream.

Supersonic travel certainly won’t come cheap, though. The luxury jet will cater for just 12-18 travellers, and with a price tag of between $60- $80million (£36.3-£48.4million), it is expected to appeal initially to multinational companies and busy executives; for whom time really is money.

For now, it’s not cash but patience that will have to be the watchword for the hopeful supersonic traveller. The dream of “crossing the pond” in little more time than it currently takes to ferry across the English Channel to France will have to remain so for just a little while longer. Spike Aerospace has announced that the inaugural flight is planned for December 2018 – with a headlining London to New York time of just three hours.

However, the Federal Aviation Authority’s current ban on supersonic flight over America means that onward travel may not be quite so fast, although NASA and Boeing are both aiming to develop supersonic craft that reduce sonic boom.

North Dakota Aviation Graduates to Come Under New Ruling

August 22, 2013
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undaviationIt has recently been announced that all new pilot graduates from University of North Dakota aviation school (UND) will be eligible, under new rules, to sit in the first officer seat of the cockpit after 1,000 hours of flying time, from 1,500 hours previously required.

The new ruling will emphasize ‘quality over quantity’ of flight training, according to the UND’s associate chair of aviation, Elizabeth Bjerke as she quoted, ‘A quality program is going to produce quality pilots and that’s who we want flying.’

UND is the first aviation school to receive the exemption from the FAA ruling which came after the fatal crash of a Colgan Airlines flight in 2009 that was deemed to be caused by pilot error.  It was then that Congress issued the ruling that all pilots attain an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which led to the FAA doubling the required flying time before graduates could be hired.

“Historically airlines would hire our graduates at about 700 or 800 hours,” Ms Bjerke said. “They would do very well in training because they had a good solid foundation and still they were trainable by the airlines.”

With researchers from four other colleges, Ms Bjerke looked at the training backgrounds of aviation pilots and forwarded the findings to the FAA when they discovered that pilots with a four-year accredited training program performed better than others from a flight academy, for example.

Worries concerning a potential shortage of pilots prompted the study and there is no doubt that the new ruling will help to boost the workforce, while maintaining critical safety measures in the industry.  It is thought that other aviation schools that run the four-year program will now also apply for the authorization for the restricted ATP license from the FAA.

Dean of the UND’s aviation school, Bruce Smith, said, “To be the first designated is a reflection on the long-term reputation of our graduates in the airline industry.”  He said that the FAA decision clearly demonstrates the quality of the school’s commercial aviation program.

The Launch of Emirates Private Jet Service Online

August 6, 2013
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emirates executive private jet charterFollowing the launch of Emirates Private Jet Service, customers can now book their luxury travel online in a tailored experience from Emirates Executive.  The Airbus 319, spacious and luxurious aircraft offers high standards and new technology to meet the needs of even the most discerning passengers.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president of planning, aeropolitical & industry affairs said, “Emirates Executive elevates the high standards and quality of Emirates that our customers have come to expect, with the flexibility and luxury that can only be offered by a private jet chartered flight.”

The Emirates Executive website gives visitors a chance to view a video showing the private jet aircraft that can seat up to 19 passengers and the premium features before allowing them to book the private charter travel experience that they require.

From private suites to a large lounge area, Emirates Executive offers versatility for corporations and private jet customers with two main on-board zones.

A dining and executive lounge is designed for 12 people, where passengers can enjoy a full menu of multi-course options with hot and cold beverages.  This zone also incorporates a work area, offering mobile phone connectivity, high-speed internet and video conferencing facilities.  The ‘rest zone’ with large sofas, four tables and two 42” LCD screens, has live TV and up to 1,500 on-demand channels.

There are ten private suites on-board, each equipped with a full lie-flat seat and 32” LCD TV screens.  As if that were not enough luxury, the suites are complemented by a shower spa with floor heating system.

Emirates know how to do sumptuous luxury and are aiming their new service at the growing demand for private jet travel in the sector.  Their high quality of service and attention to detail have long been associated with Emirates and Emirates Executive takes this one step further.

Charlotte Airport New Director Wants ‘No Disruption’

July 19, 2013
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Following the recent dramas at North Carolina’s Charlotte Airport, the new interim director, Brent Cagle want the focus of operations to be ‘no disruption.’

While legal issues are resolved, City Leader, Ron Carlee has said that they would never consider any other person to run the airport after the removal of the previous director, Jerry Orr.

Mr Cagle has told airport employees to focus upon their individual jobs to ensure business as usual at the busy airport and not to become embroiled in the public battle over control between city and state leaders.

Cagle said, “Our priority during this time of transition is to focus on no disruption and maintaining business as usual at CLT.”

Since the start of the wrangle, the North Carolina General Assembly issued a law to create a new Airport Authority that would, in effect, take over the airport from Charlotte City.  Within minutes, the City’s attorneys were asking a judge to stop the law in its tracks.

This has resulted in the City, State and the new Airport Authority having to prepare to ‘do battle’ in the courts to decide who will take control of the airport operations.

In the meantime, Mr Cagle is determined to ensure that airport operations run as smoothly as possible, with a focus upon the stability of the airport during the legal and political turmoil.

ARINC AviNet Selected by EgyptAir for Fourteen Global Airports

July 3, 2013
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EgyptAir Select ARINC AviNetIt has been announced today that EgyptAir has elected to use ARINC’s AviNet Airport services solution for five Egyptian airports and nine others across the world, including Heathrow, Manchester and Dubai.

The decision to implement AviNet follows the recent contract award in March for the installation of vMUSE passenger processing solution at the Egyptian airports of Luxor, Aswan El Arab, Borg, Abu Simbel and Sharm El Sheikh.

ARINC will also provide turnkey project management services, in addition to AviNet, for the connection of the airports to the Amadeus ALTEA host, enabling ARINC to significantly reduce costs for the airline and providing a single-point contact to assist with major upgrades to its critical airport operations worldwide.

“ARINC’s ability to provide a fully managed service eliminates administrative burdens from our team, saving time and money,” said Mr. Hassan Nour, Vice President of IT Services at EgyptAir. “AviNet Airport’s reliable connectivity enables us to improve our airport operations globally, which ultimately benefits all of our passengers.”

Calgary Airport Authority Agree 10 Year Extension to ARINC Contract for vMUSE platform at YYC.

May 1, 2013
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Canada’s fourth largest airport, Calgary International (YYC) has announced it will extend its current contract with ARINC, providing via the successful vMUSE platform, Common-Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) for a further 10 years.  The Calgary Airport Authority agreed the extension of the system with the addition of BagLink, the passenger-friendly, Common Use Self Service system and Local Departure Control on the vMUSE platform.

ARINC has been working with the YYC and CAA for 10 years and are looking forward to providing their existing and future passengers with an enhanced travelling experience for the next decade, especially with the addition of the new terminal, currently under construction and expected to be in use by 2015.  The new terminal will incorporate ARINC’s pioneering common-use technology, seamlessly integrating into the existing operations of the airport.

ARINC’s industry-leading, innovative communications, passenger and baggage processing solutions herald the past, present and future of aviation travel, benefiting airlines, airports, passengers and crew in Calgary and across the globe.

ARINC Direct Exhibit at MEBA 2012

December 6, 2012
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The Al Maktoum International Airport is hosting the much acclaimed MEBA event, where ARINC Direct will be exhibiting this month.

ARINC Direct will be showcasing its ConnectOnboard Communications System at MEBA. This latest product in a host of flight support services for business aviation delivers complete ACARS messaging, utilizing an iPad application as the user interface, high quality voice using an iPhone or Android device, and managed email.

“This is fertile ground for ARINC and we are delighted to be expanding our portfolio of services and resources in readiness for the growth,” said James Hardie. ”Our ability to support the widest cross-section of customers with continually evolving products and innovations is an advantage that is the envy of our competitors.”

For more details on the passenger communications, flight support or flight deck communications services offered by ARINC Direct please visit the ARINC Direct Business Flight Planning site.

Leading Greek Handling Provider Switches to ARINC’s Type B Messaging Service

February 5, 2012
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Type B Messaging Services
Type B Messaging Services

Last week we heard that Goldair Handling has contracted ARINC to handle its Type B messaging. Goldair has migrated 28 addresses to ARINC’s user-friendly messaging solution AviNet® Mail. ARINC completed the installations in less than a month.

The AviNet Mail service offers low-cost Type B, e-mail and SMS messaging over a secure network. With its single interface from any internet connection, and a simple message-formatting template, AviNet Mail is ideal for airlines, cargo operations, flight dispatch operators and caterers, as well as ground handlers.

AviNet Mail sales manager, Carlos Fernandes, was stated The decision was based on ARINC’s superior technical support and straightforward billing system.”

ARINC’s AviNet Type B Messaging service is used for GLOBALink ACARS®, passenger reservations, aviation weather data, flight planning and more.

Developed for reliability, security and consideration of the economic considerations of business aviation, AviNet Type B Messaging Service handles over 20 million messages every day.

For more information please visit: www.typebmessaging-avinet.com.

 

Electronic Borders in the News with UK-Ireland Border Deal

January 10, 2012
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Border Management Under The Spotlight

Border Management Under The Spotlight

Border security & Border management systems have been in the news again this month with the new deal between the UK & Ireland to crack down on illegal immigration.

The two countries will share information on visa applications, including fingerprint biometrics. The UK Borders Agency says the deal could create “considerable savings” on removing foreign nationals with no right to stay.

Ultimately there could be joint entry standards and “enhanced electronic border systems”.

The new system will help identify those with no right to enter the so-called common travel area – comprising the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man – before they arrive at the border.

Electronic Border Systems, such as those offered by ARINC are essential for all countries. The ARINC Border Management System (ABMS) offers real time threat protection and is designed to adapt to the changes in operational process and support new technology, enabling Border Control agencies to flex with changing demands and capabilities.

Today it is not enough to simply secure borders from unauthorised entry by known undesirables. Now it is necessary to manage the stay of travellers, from entry through to exit, to know who has been in the country and when they left.

The ARINC Border Management System delivers a full stay management capability, screening all travellers before they travel, and managing visitors throughout their stay.

For more information visit http://www.electronicborders.com/.