Honeywell Sign Agreement with ARINC Direct to Provide Business Aviation with Inmarsat GX for Fast Aircraft Communications

October 21, 2013
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aircraft communicationsDesignated airtime resellers, Honeywell have signed an agreement with ARINC Direct to provide the new Inmarsat GX Aviation connectivity to the Business Aviation Industry.

The agreement will provide ARINC Direct with the ability to incorporate the new GX Aviation into their Business Aviation Services and sell subscriptions packages to business jet operators and private owners.

The new Inmarsat GX Aviation is a Ka-band solution that will be available at the beginning of 2015 and will bring faster-than-ever broadband speeds for inflight messaging and entertainment that will rival those of ground-based operations.

Aircraft internet services for passenger communications will be faster and more cost-effective than existing services and will enhance flight deck communications with web-based services that can be accessed and operated in real time.

Inmarsat, a British Satellite Network has commissioned Boeing to build four satellites for the provision of the service and the first of which is expected to be ready to launch as early as December 2013.

ARINC Direct is delighted to be at the forefront of the new connectivity, following in the pioneering footsteps of ‘big brother’ ARINC Inc.

Honeywell Brings Avionics Upgrade to SJ30 for SyberJet

October 20, 2013
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High Frequency Data Link (HFDL) for AviationSyberJet Aircraft acquired the rights to the SJ30 light twinjet aircraft in 2011 and moved production to Utah.  Honeywell agreed to provide the upgraded avionics and production is set to get moving again.

Honeywell’s new avionics system will include SmartView flight display and moving map plus dual FMS with many additional features including graphical flight planning, weather radar charts and maps and electronic checklists.

The system will support FANS/1A, controller pilot (CPDLC) and High Frequency Data Link (HFDL) operations as customer-specifications, in addition to SATCOM, flight data and cockpit voice recorder.

An SJ30 test aircraft will be outfitted with the new avionics and SyberJet expect it to make its first flight in early 2014 with a view to certification being attained by the end of next year.  The jet will feature a new interior, currently being worked upon, to include extra seating, while reducing weight even further.

The Jet, which may be marketed for $7.25 million, will be equipped with passenger cabin services for in-flight entertainment and an information system that will allow access from personal devices, such as Smartphones or iPads.

SyberJet General Manager Mark Fairchild said “Our new management is very conservative,” he said. “We want to under-promise and over-deliver,” when asked about delivery schedules.

The SJ30 was originally the GulfJet and was designed by Ed Swearingen in the late 1980’s.  Since its certification in 2005, the SJ30 has been owned by several companies before being acquired in 2011 by SyberJet.

Controller Pilot Data Link (CPDLC) Showcased at Open Day

October 20, 2013
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Controller Pilot Data Link (CPDLC) Airtraffic Controllers Association of Ghana (ACAG) held an open day in Accra last week to showcase Controller Pilot Data Link (CPDLC) capabilities amongst its other activities to the public.

The open day was held in the Control Tower Building at Kokota International Airport (KIA) which opened its doors to the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Journalists and St Thomas Aquinas Senior High School as well as members of the public.

It is hoped that the open day will generate interest in air traffic control as a specialist career and encourage students to follow a path in aviation.

Air traffic control is a varied and interesting career, requiring specialist knowledge and ability in order to apply separation rules to maintain safe flying distances between aircraft in their assigned airspace as well as on the ground.

Mr William Amoako, an Airtraffic controller with GCAA, conducted the tour of the facility and stressed the importance of the role that the sector plays in the safety and efficiency of flying time.

Controller Pilot Data Link (CPDLC) is gradually replacing radio communications and is the future of air traffic management.  CPDLC helps to reduce pilot workload in the cockpit by automating many routine tasks and reduces radio congestion.

$1.1 Billion Capital Improvement for Airport Operations Approved by Orlando Aviation Authority

October 18, 2013
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On Wednesday, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority unanimously approved a $1.1 billion scheme to improve airport operations, passenger processing and capacity for Orlando International Airport.

The expansion plans will hope to increase the capacity from the current 24 million to 45 million passengers per year.

The project will incorporate major improvements to airport operations for passenger processing capabilities including a new terminal ticket lobby and baggage handling facility.

In addition to the passenger processing improvements will be airfield projects and ground transportation plus terminal and airside upgrades and new additions.

The South Terminal APM Complex will be connected to the North Terminal via a people mover, giving direct connection to the South Terminal parking garage.

“Once we hit the trigger of 40 million annual passengers and now 2 million annual arriving international passengers, we’ll start the final design and construction of phase one of the South Terminal project, which will be a new terminal,” said Phil Brown, GOAA Executive Director.

Eight airlines are in support of the project, expected to begin in 2014 and take three years.  Five airlines have lodged objections, however, to the people mover and car requisitions from North to South Terminals.

The board have made it quite clear that they will not move forward with the expenditure of the entire budget without just and clear reasoning for proven, worthy spending.

The funding has been sourced from both state and federal grants, passenger facility charges and general airport revenue.  The improvements will greatly enhance passenger processing and baggage handling for a direct impact upon the passenger experience.

Yonder Aircraft Internet – ViaSat Providers for Business Aviation

October 18, 2013
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Aircraft Internet with ARINC Cabin Connect

ViaSat, providers of Yonder Internet Service for business jets say their customers are feeling the benefit of their high speed aircraft internet after an increase of 60% in bandwidth, new systems and ground station upgrades.

Aircraft internet is rapidly becoming a necessity on the modern executive jet aircraft.  Passenger communications solutions are big news in the business aviation services sector.

With the demands on the increase, the pressure is upon aircraft internet and aircraft wifi providers to bring new, fast and reasonably priced solutions to the industry.

Aircraft satellite communications bring speed, efficiency and cost effectivity to a world that needs seamless global connections.  Business Jet passengers need to work at the same levels of productivity as they do in their ground-based offices and customer service is a firm ground in competitive conditions.

Aircraft internet providers for business aviation such as ARINC Direct, are constantly expanding their extensive suite of solutions.  Competitive packages are individually tailored to suit their customers whether they operate a single executive jet or an entire fleet.

End of Government Shutdown Welcomed by NBAA

October 17, 2013
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NBAA Welcome End of Government ShutdownEd Bolen, CEO and President of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has released a statement welcoming the end of the U.S. Government shutdown over the last few weeks, following President Obama’s signing of the agreement to address the debt ceiling.

Although it is acknowledged that it will take some time before the FAA services are fully ‘up and running’ again, the move heaves a collective sigh of relief throughout the industry. The affects of the shutdown have been far-reaching and devastating for business aviation and the NBAA has worked long and hard to find a way forward.

“For the past 17 days, the federal government has been shut down, and the consequences for business aviation have been devastating. Throughout this period, NBAA has tirelessly urged policymakers from every point on the political spectrum, both sides of Capitol Hill and both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to find some way forward. We welcome this agreement for ending the shutdown, because it brings a resolution to an untenable situation,” said Mr Bolen.

Mr Bolen also remarked that the NBAA need to monitor developments as there is a distinct possibility that the same circumstances could arise again, that led to the shutdown.  The industry will be kept informed, he promised.

“As always, we will need to remain vigilant, and our industry will need to be ready to mobilize, just as the business aviation community did when the devastating impacts of this shutdown became clear.”

Many crucial services were suspended during the shutdown, including the purchase and sale, import and exports and maintenance of aircraft as the FAA’s US Aircraft Registry was directly affected.

New Facility with Enhanced Passenger Processing Launched by Quintessentially Aviation

October 17, 2013
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Quintessentially Aviation FBO will launch its new FBO facility with efficient passenger processing at Shannon Airport at the NBAA Convention in Las Vegas.

The new FBO commenced operations at the beginning of this month and is part of a joint venture between QA and Sky Handling Partners.

Custom Clearance Shannon is the only place outside the Americas that can furnish business aviation with US pre-clearance and boasts turnaround times of approximately 45 minutes, which has made Shannon an attractive place for passengers of both departures and arrivals into the US with swift and smooth passenger processing.

“We anticipate that 90% of our clientele will be transatlantic clients wishing to maximise the ease of clearance opportunities at the airport. They are also likely to be high net worth individuals originating in Russia or the Middle East, so Shannon’s strict security monitoring, is also an attraction” said Brendan McQuaid, Managing Director, confirming why Shannon Airport was selected for the inaugural QA FBO.

Expected to be completed at the end of this year, the large crew facilities will include a rest area, showers, WiFi, flight planning capabilities and satellite television with a new passenger lounge with contemporary style and service.

The company are hoping to attract new clientele with the new facility in addition to the competitive fuel pricing structure developed in partnership with World Fuel.

Quintessential Aviation FBO hope that this new facility will be the first of many and look forward to its success.

Improved Security Surveillance System for MacArthur Airport

October 17, 2013
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security surveillance systemLong Island MacArthur Airport (LIMA) have upgraded their security surveillance system to an advanced digital system as part of a plan to enhance the airport ready for potential passenger growth and expanded air service.  LIMA have leveraged previous investments by choosing a security surveillance system to integrate with their existing technology.

LIMA have selected IPVideo Corporation to provide the upgrades to the public airport that is owned by the town of Islip.  LIMA serves almost two million passengers per year, averaging 500 flights every day, both commercial and private charter aircraft, of which it houses 250.

The new system will operate high resolution cameras with facial recognition capability to aid border control to identify persons of interest.  The cameras have a timeline feature which will enable higher levels of customer service and allow operators to locate lost items or even cars in the parking facility.

Physical security surveillance system operation is critical across the globe to guarantee secure and safe passage for passengers and staff at border control facilities.  The reassurance of today’s technological advances can be felt industry-wide.

A solution that is scalable and flexible is often required and is offered by companies such as ARINC, who have an eighty-year record of excellence in the aviation industry.  Their physical security surveillance systems are used throughout the industry and also in nuclear facilities.

ARINC Direct and Polaris Partner to Bring Vector SMS Safety Management System to their Flight Support Services Packages

October 16, 2013
Business Aviation News
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ARINC Direct Flight Support Services

Leading provider of flight support services solutions for business aviation, ARINC Direct, has announced the launch of Vector SMS, a quality and Safety Management System (SMS) that will improve operational efficiency and enhance flight safety.

The solution, brought via third party ARINC partner, Polaris, will be demonstrated at the NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention in Las Vegas later this year.

Vector SMS will be a critical addition to ARINC Direct’s flight support services, enabling flight departments compliance with SMS standards, such as IS-BAO and ICAO, with swift efficiency.  With a service designed for the needs of flight departments of any size on a subscription basis, it is a cost-effective solution for the implementation of a safety management system.

“SMS is becoming a standard throughout the aviation industry worldwide,” said Bob Richard, Vice President of ARINC Direct. “ARINC, along with our partner Polaris, is leading the industry in providing organizations with a comprehensive safety management program that truly represents the next step in the evolution of safety in aviation.”

“Polaris Aero’s continued partnership with ARINC Direct will greatly increase the awareness and acceptance of SMS among flight departments,” said Christopher Connor at Polaris Aero. “We are excited to provide a rich set of SMS functionality to ARINC Direct, a company that continues to drive innovative flight planning solutions in our industry.”

New Version of Flight Planning iPad App Released by ARINC Direct

October 14, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Flight Planning iPad App

Leading flight support and communications provider for business aviation, ARINC Direct have announced the release of their latest flight planning iPad app, version 3.0.

The new version includes all the benefits of the older version plus a range of document management functions to simplify flight planning and an ARINC Direct website component that gives pilots and crew access to their files on iPad and on the web.  This will allow them to assign documents to a specific flight leg, aircraft or user, streamlining the filing and management process with simple drag and drop utility.

“ARINC is working to minimize paper and improve access to information on the flight deck for pilots,” said Bob Richard, ARINC Direct Vice President, “and version 3.0 is a major step forward in getting our customers there.”

Available in the Apple app store now, the ARINC Direct Flight Planning iPad App is, according to Mr Richard, “Another example of how we respond to our customer requirements for a cost-effective, simple and seamless user experience.”