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Passenger Data Solutions ProvidersIn a move to improve border security and enhance accountability, Mexico’s National Institute of Immigration has chosen ARINC’s e-Government solution. The solution will support Mexico’s immigration policies, enabling the government to improve the process of assessing individuals upon entry in addition to monitoring exit from the country.

The collection of Advanced Passenger Information (API) is a large part of the solution and complies with U.S. mandates in this area. Data gathered allows a detailed review of the passengers before they land in the destination country and can help to recognise high risk passengers, which in turn, allows greater efficiency when managing passenger processing, enhances border security and speeds up the entire process.

ARINC and the INM plan to have the system in place and operational by the end of this year and look forward to the vast improvements that it will allow. The e-Government program is a part of the ARINC electronic borders portfolio, specifically developed to meet modern security and government requirements.

The improvements will service more than 250 commercial airlines that currently operate in Mexico, delivering all the API messaging into the country once the implementations are completed.

“ARINC looks forward to a long and productive relationship with the government of Mexico and our close partners, INM,” said Vice President of ARINC Global Network and IT Solutions, Yun Chong, “Airports and other points of entry must meet border security requirements while still providing the highest levels of customer service. We are committed to helping INM meet its current and future border security and control objectives.”

SATCOM Data Link for Business AviationSatcom Direct, aviation providers of communications solutions has announced that its International office will now bring VHF coverage for aircraft satcom data link communications.

Using the new SITA VHF ground station, the company can offer enhanced flight deck communications with the joint effort from Satcom Direct and SITA.

“Installation of the VHF antenna and ground station is another way for us to continue to support our international customers, especially aircraft that are based at TAG Farnborough Airport,” said founder and owner of Satcom Direct, Jim Jensen. “Having both a VHF and a satellite component allows Satcom Direct to offer our customers a truly global network supporting all aircraft types equipped with a wide variety of avionics.”

Satcom data link allows pilots the flexibility and enhanced efficiency of sending and receiving data messages, allowing greater operational productivity whilst lightening the cockpit load for the flight crew. The improved reliability of satcom data link messaging is a big plus for aviation operators, with global connectivity becoming increasingly necessary in today’s skies.

Business aviation benefits reach into the cabin as the office in the sky is a prerequisite on most flights, either short or long-haul.

Providers of Satcom data link for business aviation, such as ARINC Direct, bring a seamless global connection with their unique partnership of Iridium and Inmarsat satellite networks and offer coverage in previously hard-to-reach areas, such as vast oceanic expanses and Polar Regions.

Voice and internet connections are crisp and reliable with satcom data link and over the VHF network have far-reaching capability, increased efficiency and ultimately help with cost effective operations, supporting a wide variety of avionics systems and web-based operational activity.

Beautiful New Facility for Google JetsGoogle are set to break more records as they launch their new $82 million business jet facility on a 29 acre site at San Jose airport. The airport will make approximately $3 million per year in lease income.

The facility will house the personal aircraft belonging to the Google executives and principal players, joining Hewlett Packard on the site, who have corporate hangers already in place. Google will move from a NASA-owned site, which have housed their aircraft since 2007.

The new facility will bring San Jose revenue, and will create 36 permanent jobs in addition to 370 generated direct and indirect positions.

Although this will effectively give Google its own, private airport, the facility will also grant private access to “other figures in the Silicon Valley business community as well.”

The new complex will be one of the largest corporate facilities in the world once completed and in operation, but it has not been without problems.

Earlier this year, Atlantic Aviation, who currently lease part of the development, filed legal challenges against San Jose, on the grounds that the airport did not meet Californian environmental issue requirements when granting the Google facility.  Blue City will run the facility, a partner described by San Jose as “a corporation representing the personal aircraft of the principals at Google.”

There has been ‘talk’ that Google and Blue City have received hefty discounts on fuel prices to the cool tune of more than $3 million less than the current market rate for jet fuel. The report says that another Google associate, H211 received the fuel at a considerable saving and may have ‘engendered a sense of unfairness’ amongst the business aviation community.

We know that Google executives fly ‘a lot’ and now can look forward to an exclusive facility, dedicated to their private aircraft.

Exciting Airport Applications Through TechnologyAn industry group has been founded to bring together resources and services for the planned Taoyuan aviation city project with an expected completion date of 2030.

The enormous project will be funded in a collaborative move by the government and the private sector, who expect to invest $16.7 million, making this the largest investment with the highest expectation in recent years, according to Premier Jiang Yi-huah.

The group, The Taiwan Intelligent Aerotropolis Association (TIAA) was founded last week at an official ceremony.  The President, Lee Yen-sung, who is also chairman of Chunghwa Telecom Co. said, “The association is aiming to build a national gateway with smart technologies.”

The TIAA has five groups who will focus upon technology applications, smart airport applications, regulations, information, communications technology infrastructure and promotion and must provide the government with a report next year, then a proposal within two years on the competition, cooperation and ultimately, the development of the aviation city.

Chunghwa Telecom plans build a cloud-computing centre with numerous 4G base stations.

The project is estimated to be capable of generating more than 300,000 jobs upon completion and economic benefits could top almost $67 billion for surrounding areas.

Interest is understandably high in the project, and the TIAA now has over 70 members from 21 members in October.

Logan Teleflex France has been awarded a contract for the deployment of a new baggage handling system in Warsaw Chopin International Airport.

Superior Baggage Handling System ProvidersIncluding the next generation M700RF Tilt Tray Sorter, the 7.5 million Euro baggage handling system is a part of a development programme for the airport that it expected to be operational by 2015. The baggage handling system will work in conjunction with an adjacent sorter in the Terminal A complex at the airport and should be up and running by summer 2014.

Warsaw Chopin International will benefit from streamlined operations within the baggage handling system in addition to SCADA/PLC controls and the use of a Logan Sort Allocation Computer System.

The fully automated system includes an electric tip action, controlled by a radio signalling system, and will feature handling equipment with conveyors, pushers and ploughs using Logan and Daifuku technology.

An additional 29 destinations can be handled from the 48 check-in desks using the new system.

Jersey Plans for Aviation RegistryAfter negotiations broke down over the effort to create a joint aircraft registry between Jersey and Guernsey, Senator Alan Maclean approved plans for a dedicated Jersey registry this week.  Both states decided that one registry for both would fail to meet their separate commercial and operational interests and objectives.

It is hoped that the planned launch of a Jersey aircraft registry next summer will open up new opportunities for business on the island.  Guernsey will launch theirs on Monday.

With a formal aircraft registry in place, the Senator hopes that business jet owners will find the island attractive and in turn, figures that this will bring greater opportunities for business, particularly in the legal and financial services sector.

Senator Maclean said, “This is an exciting opportunity for Jersey which will form an incredibly strong additional element to our inward investment strategy.”

Former Director of Civil Aviation for the Isle of Man, Brian Johnson, who is also Director of Operations for Appleby Aviation Ltd, will act in an advisory capacity for the set up and establishment of the registry, which is hoped will be formally launched in August 2014.

There has been a call to action from the Middle East Business Aviation Association chairman, Mr Ali Al Naqbi for business aviation operators to move their business operations to Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) from Dubai International (DXB). The move will help to ease slot shortages and timing restrictions at the busy DXB. The situation is likely to worsen in May 2014, when a runway improvement is planned and is expected to take three months.

According to Mr Al Naqbi, “When the runways close in May, they will not allow any business aviation flights at DXB.”

He commented that there are four FBO’s running from DWC and claims that the facilities for business aviators are better in terms of being able to ‘fly on demand’.

Business Aviation Communications Satellite ServicesThe scheduled shutdown of Aircell’s Airfone service will spell the end of business aviation’s use of Magnastar systems, but there are a number of roads that can be taken before deactivation takes place.

Although Airfone’s air-to-ground communications network will be over, Aircell is still offering discounts on many alternatives such as;

  • ATG2000
  • ATG4000
  • ATG5000 Gogo Biz

These systems will require upgrades to deliver Smartphone-based services to the tune of around $10,000.

If users have a satcom system, they will be able to continue using MagnaStar, with Teledyne Controls continuing to support MagnaStar as well.

Other business aviation communications companies, such as ExecJet Mobile and ARINC Direct can furnish aircraft with portable Iridium satellite communications equipment and software that can be used for essential flight deck comms, passenger communications and cabin services.

Costs for installations of these systems and software will be higher if the aircraft has no current Iridium transceiver in place.

The new ARINC Xplore device is due to be launched in spring 2014, but ExecJet BizJet mobile systems are available now. High numbers of aircraft operators are hurrying to replace equipment at hugely discounted prices as the shutdown becomes imminent.

SriLankan Airlines Upgrade Passenger Processing Systems as Tourism GrowsSriLankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka have announced an upgrade to the AMADEUS Altea Suite for enhanced mission critical messaging capability as a part of the bid to become more ‘customer centric.’

The messaging system will allow the airline to manage more effectively passenger reservations, departure control and inventory processes.

Although the changeover, scheduled for 7th and 8th December will cause slight disruption, it is hoped that this will be minor and should not affect online check-in, other than the duration reduced to 24 hours.

SriLankan Airlines offices will be available by telephone throughout the changeover to deal with the redemption of air miles for FlySmiLes members between 6th and 13th December.

Once completed, the changeover will make a significant difference to passenger processing, streamlining operations and procedures, bringing passengers an enhanced travel experience.

The new system plays a major role in the expansion of SriLankan Airlines and also with the planned induction into the OneWorld Alliance in the first part of 2014.

Leading TypeB Messaging Consultancy ServicesUK-based aviation consultants, DW International have announced a new partnership with Navtech, leading in-flight operations software and services providers. The partnership agreement will provide GPS coverage information for airports and routes for the Navtech Flight Plan (NFP) customers to meet PBN guidelines and mandatory State requirements.

Bill Macey, Product Director of Flight Planning at Navtech said, “The relationship with DWI will strengthen the Navtech Flight Plan product. We are continuously motivated to provide our customers with superior quality offerings, especially when they are supported by a partnership with a reputable aviation firm like DWI. Their reliable 24/7 service, along with their initial help desk support will afford our users peace of mind.”

DW International brings technical support as an independent consultancy for aviation communications, navigations and air traffic management.

Many companies enlist the services of consultancy firms for product planning and advice in many areas of aviation.

Leading industry companies, such as ARINC, operate independent consultancy agencies calling upon combined years of experience and technical knowledge to assist the industry with messaging solutions, communications appraisals and operational activities to streamline facilities, maximising cost effective practices across the board.