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The Dominican Republic is steadfast in its determination to strengthen border control and has just increased electronic surveillance to help the fight against smuggling and illegal entry across the borders.

An additional 150 security cameras have been installed, making a total of 220 now operational over the past three years. They provide 24-hour surveillance at 42 border crossing points and will provide additional assistance to the military presence.

Electronic surveillance equipment is increasing in popularity as the world looks to enhance border control. Solutions from large companies, such as ARINC, can reinforce situational awareness and provide additional assistance to sometimes overstretched personnel and maintain a constant vigil at border checkpoints on the ground and in airport environments.

Physical security solutions can include access management, biometric detection and bioterrorism detection systems in addition to security surveillance cameras and recording equipment.

iPad App for Paperless Cockpit Improved for iOS 7

Business aviation is taking even bigger steps towards a paperless cockpit environment with the introduction of iPad technology, with applications such as flight planning and information sharing capabilities. The weight reduction helps with fuel consumption and the streamlined operational benefits are almost limitless.

Jeppesen have recently upgraded their Mobile FliteDeck application in a bit to increase situational awareness and further simplify procedures for pilots with enhancements optimised for iOS 7, giving pilots and flight crew greater sharing options.

“The user-focused design of Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck allows us to integrate key features and functions to improve workflow capabilities and access to critical information, based on individual pilot preferences,” said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management. “Shared data between devices and improved enroute and weather data interaction increases situational awareness to improve the overall flying experience.”

Giving pilots the ability to access, file and make amendments to flight plans is also a big plus, particularly as part of the CDM initiative. Automation of routine tasks on the flight deck gives pilots greater situational awareness and enhances flight safety aspects.

Identity Management Solution Streamlines Security at Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport

The busiest airport in Latin America is positively humming at the moment with the elevated traffic levels for the World Cup. Expected traffic increases ahead of the Olympics has encouraged a push for modernisation in the airport and security systems.

GRU has implemented an Identity Management System, including both physical and access solutions, which is intended to streamline airport operations. GRU engaged Quantum Secure for the implementation of their ‘SAFE for Aviation’ software.

Identity Management Software can help to streamline operations with the ability to define credentials with necessary privileges and security checks requirements, lifecycle management, and the management of watch lists and TSA ‘No-Fly’ lists during the enrolment process.

Using the software, operatives will be able to use Smartphones and Tablets with the Aviation Mobile Infraction module.

The software is also able to create an audit trail for all employees and visitors, with the option of using fingerprint technology. The sophisticated software will revolutionise the way that GRU employs personnel (temporary and permanent) and moves them, visitors and contractors around the airport.

“SAFE is designed to the TSA paradigm, so we have brought those concepts to GRU, which are meeting and exceeding ANAC’s current capabilities, making airport security more traveler-friendly, secure and streamlined,” said Ajay Jain, President and CEO of Quantum Secure. “With SAFE, GRU is able to streamline its security and credentialing operations, ensure compliance with TSA-level policies and future-proof its physical security infrastructure while also benefiting from significant cost reductions.”

Canadian Pilots and Ground Controllers Using Text

Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers in Canada are embracing aviation technology’s finest innovations and are using text messaging rather than radio to relay mission-critical transmissions and instructional data.

Pilots are able to text changes to flight requests and can receive altitude information, headings, speed and routings via text messages. With the use of the new, text-based messaging service in Canadian skies, particularly for routine communications, the cockpit is becoming more and more automated. The benefits do not stop there – using datalink technology can help to overcome the issues created with international flight. Standard text can eliminate language barriers and potential issues with misunderstanding an accented voice.

With an estimated 2,500 messages per day, the new service is set to streamline Canadian cockpits, saving time and increasing operational productivity.

Pilatus Officially Unveil PC24 Jet on Swiss National Day

More than 25,000 people watched the Swiss aircraft manufacturer, Pilatus unveil their latest and some would say greatest business jet yet, the PC24 last week. At a spectacular launch, kicked off with a fly-by of all the aircraft that have ever made production during the company’s 75-year history, the new PC24 was pulled out by a team of 24 horses.

More than 120 performers and the children of company staff were involved in the launch and the event was enjoyed by all – children, high-ranking guests, fans and customers of Pilatus.

“Today’s celebration is a clear sign of our commitment to Switzerland as a centre of vision and action. Our company was established here in Stans exactly 75 years ago. We have seen our activities grow and expand here in Stans, and this is where we want to be in the future: in Stans, producing our aircraft for sale to customers around the world,” said Oscar Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Pilatus. “It’s wonderful that so many thousands of guests from Switzerland, and also from countries nearby and further afield, have made the effort to be with us here today, to celebrate this event together. The PC-24 marks a really important milestone in our 75-year history“.

The ceremony marked the official launch of the first prototype of the beautiful business jet, which was showcased at the recent EBACE exhibition, where 84 models were sold.

Upgrades to Mandalay Airport Approved

July 29, 2014

Plans and proposals to upgrade Mandalay Airport have now been submitted to the Myanmar Investment Commission after receiving government approval last week.

Formal talks have been concluded and the agreement is to upgrade the airport to a logistics hub, requiring improvements to airport infrastructure, physical development and promotion of local airlines. Mitsubishi-Jalux and SPA Project Management won the project tender last year and will upgrade and manage the country’s second-largest airport once completed.

Infrastructure upgrades to airport operations involve a full-scale overhaul of messaging environments to allow maximum operational productivity both in the air and on the ground. Today, web-based messaging platforms give airports greater flexibility and can assist with streamlining both operations and costs.

To operate on a truly global scale, Mandalay Airport will benefit from the liberalisation of economic regulations and strengthening of air linkages between the country and other parts of Asia, Europe and the USA.

Airline Operational Messaging Solution Supports Flight Operations at Airports

July 14, 2014

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has awarded a contract for Geospatial Terminal Operations (GTO) to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd to provide automation for aeronautical charting products associated with airline operational messaging and to support flight operations at airports and airspace.

Aeronautical charting is essential for safe airport operations around the world; providing navigational and geospatial information for pilots and ground crews. Automating the production of such charts will streamline the labour-intensive process and allow for planned integration of systems that will occur over the next three years.

Airline operational messaging must be fast and reliable to ensure smooth, delay-free airport operations. Mission-critical transmissions can incorporate messaging on all levels from air traffic management to ground handling personnel and back office applications.

Type B messages are the typical form of operational messaging for business-to-business communications. Encompassing flight planning capabilities, ACARS messaging and aviation weather data delivery, type B should be seamlessly accurate and reliable.

Passenger Name Record Transfer Agreement with EU & Canada

July 14, 2014

Last month saw a new agreement signed on the process, collection and transfer of Passenger Name Record details by air carriers to the authorities in Canada. The new terms supersede the current agreement made in 2006.

A legal framework will be established for the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data by carriers operating flights between the EU and Canada. Transmission of the passenger data must remain secure and transfer to the correct authority must be ensured. Subsequent use of the data by the authorities must remain secure.

PNR data is used for the prevention of and the detection of terrorist activity or serious crime and the subsequent investigation and prosecution of the said activity if necessary.

Before the agreement is put into place, consent must be obtained from the European Parliament, and then the EU Council of Ministers can adopt its decision on the conclusion of the agreement. Similar agreements for the transfer of Passenger name Record information are in place with the USA and Australia.

New Pilatus PC-24 with Avionics to Support Graphical Flight Planning

July 13, 2014