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Network Services & Critical Messaging Renewed by Gulf Air

November 27, 2014
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Solutions for Airport Operational messaging from Other Leading ProvidersGulf Air, Bahrain’s principal airline carrier has announced a renewal of network services, critical messaging and voice services in a comprehensive global infrastructure designed to streamline operational messaging and allow DCS access at airports around the world via its VPN.

SITA, air transport IT specialists, will provide the airline with continued service and are delighted to renew the partnership that has spanned more than four decades.

Hani El-Assaad, President of Middle East, India and Africa at SITA, said, “SITA is helping Gulf Air optimise its network, messaging and voice services. This will reduce operational costs and improve service quality and availability. It will also enable the airline to communicate with the entire air transport industry quickly and efficiently using the SITA messaging distribution network, the largest and most versatile network in the industry.”

Reliable, secure access to VPN via a complex network of integrated airport systems is essential for the smooth flow of passengers and air traffic. Airport hub systems can streamline the entire Type B messaging process and handle operations from the baggage handling department to the apron.

Methow Valley State Airport to Reactivate Weather Reporting System

November 19, 2014
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Weather Reporting as an Integral Part of Flight Support ServicesFollowing community feedback, the Washington State Department last year started the process of bringing back the deactivated, privately-owned weather reporting system for the Methow Valley State Airport facility in Winthrop.

Located near the airport, the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) will provide weather updates and flight planning access to local pilots via radio.

A small airport, operating mostly for private aircraft and national services, such as wildfire co-ordination, Methow Valley will benefit from the weather reporting system as the nearest current system is located around 30 miles away at Omak Municipal Airport, who experience different weather patterns.

Weather reporting systems are vital to flight operations, giving pilots access to up-to-date weather changes or adversities enhances safety.

Modern commercial aircraft cannot operate without reliable weather reporting and many modern systems provide radar overlays, graphical weather and wind speeds data information.

Aviation Consultancy Firm Uses OASES

November 17, 2014
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Other Aviation Consultancy Helps Manage Costs for Airlines and OperatorsVega Aviation, Turkey-based fleet management, aviation consultancy and representation services company will be using Commsoft’s Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System (OASES) to deliver CAMO services via Arpiem Aviation.

Flag carriers and charter airlines in Turkey, CIS countries, Europe, Africa and Asia use Vega Aviation and Commsoft’s OASES product will offer a ‘best-of-breed’ MRO IT system that has enhanced user-friendly applications.

Commsoft Managing Director, Mr Nick Godwin said, “We’re delighted that Arpiem Aviation, a Commsoft strategic partner since 2011, has won this contract to provide CAMO services for Vega Aviation. It’s further evidence that OASES really can help professional aircraft maintenance operations to attract new business.”

Vega Aviation will use EASA Part M-approved OASES for their two, Turkish-based Boeing 737-300’s.

Aviation consultancy companies across the world help aviation businesses with a wide and varied range of applications, from streamlining messaging systems in order to help manage costs to providing critical advice for aircraft avionics and maintenance scheduling.

Automated Border Control Solutions in Germany

November 17, 2014
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Other Automated Border Control Solutions ProvidersAccording to Georg Hasse, Senior Product Manager of the Portfolio of Electronic Identities at Secunet, leading German IT security company, this year has been an excellent year in terms of sales and industry technological advancements. Europe is expected to dominate the automated border control market over the next five years, so recent research from Acuity tells us, and Germany are embracing the latest technology for biometric border control.

What is being dubbed the ‘border control revolution’ in some corners of the industry, involves the use of biometric recognition in the form of electronic passports, VISAs and residence permits – a growing trend that is quickly spreading as the entire system offers enhanced border security, while keeping operational costs to a minimum.

Across the globe, border security is a hot topic as the threat of terrorism is tackled with a bid to track and monitor the movements of potential persons of interest.

Secunet has been working closely with the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) in the field of biometrics for many years, notes Mr Hasse. Secunet prefers to look at the subject of identity protection as a process, rather than a single solution. He said, “This is a decisive advantage for our customers: our biometrics specialists have a better understanding of the effects a new project will have on previous or subsequent process stages than anyone else. For our customers, this guarantees smooth integration of their solution into the overall process. Within the biometrics industry we are well known for our BioAPI 2.0 compliant biometric middleware Secunet biomiddle that is being used by various public authorities in Europe as a platform for their border control and visa applications. This middleware is also an integral part of our eGate solution Secunet easygate that is currently being rolled out at German airports within EasyPASS, the German ABC project. In addition we offer a modular Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution called Secunet eID PKI Suite that is being used in the border control context with modern eMRTDs.”

Earlier this month, the UK government raised issues about the provision of Advance Passenger Information to further strengthen directives to protect European borders. Currently the E.U. carry strict policy restrictions for the handling of passenger data. It will be interesting to watch the debate continue in light of the growth of biometric border security solutions industry.

Radio Support Agreement Renewed by Air Canada

November 17, 2014
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Find out more about Rockwell Collins' ARINC Airport CommunicationsAir Canada, the country’s largest domestic and international airline, has renewed a three-year agreement with Rockwell Collins for the provision of its ARINC Managed Services (AMS) radio support services for ground handling operations.

Through the agreement, 24×7 on-site technical support will be provided for the UHF ground-based communications and radio equipment for the management of the airline’s ground handling operations. Also, repair and response time is expected to be improved for the airline’s depot maintenance facility that provides centralised inventory, parts and spares management.

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC Managed Services Managing Director, Mr Kenneth Schreder said, “We’ve been providing Air Canada with fully managed radio services since 2005. The extension of the agreement is a key milestone with our relationship with them and demonstrates our ability to provide comprehensive, cost-effective radio support service for airlines throughout the region.”

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC physical airport security services continue to deliver consistent enhanced security and communications solutions to facilities with seamlessly reliable technology.

“As Canada’s largest domestic and international airline, our ground-to-ground communications are a critical part of ensuring our flights depart on time and safely,” said Derwin Cady, manager of Airport Technology and Product Development for Air Canada. “Air Canada has consolidated our radio support with Rockwell Collins’ ARINC Managed Services, which saves us time and money by having a single, knowledgeable point of contact for all of our maintenance needs.”

CPDLC Management Contract Signed by PCAA

November 16, 2014
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Other CPDLC and HFDL Communications ProvidersThe Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has signed a contract with M/s Wateen Telecom for the lease of managed services of Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) via SITA’s network of voice and data solutions.

In a statement issued by the PCAA this week, the move is to ‘help radar controllers to establish a data and voice communication link from Karachi and Lahore on a 24/7 through 365 days basis.’

Using CPDLC and HF datalink communications, aircraft flying from any part of the world can communicate with the PCAA radar controller with an enhanced link that will improve the conventional VHF and HF wireless communications connectivity, particularly on long-haul flights.

The move comes as the PCAA strive to strengthen the Pakistan Airspace with CPDLC integration into the air traffic management system.

The use of CPDLC is gaining momentum as providers aim for the enhanced capabilities, reducing pilot and flight crew workload in commercial and business aircraft across the world. CPDLC can give flights access to faster routes, which can also help to manage costs in terms of fuel and airspeed, maximising operational productivity.

Free Ground Handling Training for FBOs Offered by Gulfstream

November 13, 2014
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Gulfstream FBO Training CourseWith aviation training issues as the hot topic this month, it is interesting to note that Gulfstream are leading the way with their offer of free ramp handling training for FBOs, many of whom are deciding to become International Standard of Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) registered as a global commitment to quality and safety of service provision.

The subject of formal training has been increasingly discussed with so many different types of business aircraft now available. Issues have been raised concerning a wide range of maintenance sectors, from safety for ground handlers to training for IT data systems.

Gulfstream has launched an online training course for G450/G550/650 ground-handling modules. The course is free for all FBOs handling Gulfstream aircraft and all staff are being encouraged to take part. The course is cited as an excellent initial training and recurrent training for those who already handle the aircraft. All aspects of ground servicing are covered within the modules.

Once completed, Gulfstream can issue recognition to FBOs taking part in the form of a display plaque for the facility in addition to a mention in the Gulfstream Journal Broadcast, mygulfstream.com.

All FBOs interested in taking part in the course should contact Gulfstream at the following address ~ kimberley.scott@gulfstream.com.

ExecuJet Add Ten New Aircraft to Fleet

November 13, 2014
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ExecuJet Adds New Aircraft to FleetGlobal business aviation organisation, ExecuJet Aviation Group has announced that it has added ten new aircraft to their extensive fleet of 160 jets.

Speaking from the company headquarters in Zurich, Gerrit Basson, president of Aviation Services said, “Long-range aircraft such as the Bombardier Global 6000 and Dassault Falcon 7X are proving very popular and we are emerging as one of the world’s largest operators of both aircraft types. As the business aviation market recovers, we expect aircraft of this size to remain popular. Nonetheless, we are also seeing the global market recovery reflected across the breadth of our fleet, from turboprops to rotor aircraft, with a range of additions including a Beechcraft King Air 350 and Airbus AS350 B3e helicopter in Africa. Our managed fleet in Asia is also seeing fast growth, with high interest in ExecuJet’s aircraft management offering in Asia.”

The new additions to the European fleet include two Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft and a Dassault Falcon 7X, which now brings a total number in the global fleet to seven of each model.

Mr Basson continued, “Our charter fleet continues to grow too, with the addition of two managed aircraft available for charter – a Dassault Falcon 2000S in Billund, Denmark and a Bombardier Challenger 604 based in Sydney, Australia. As we continue to receive positive feedback and referrals from our clients, we anticipate our managed and charter fleets expanding further in the coming months.”

ExecuJet has operations in Africa, Australasia, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East with a strong and growing workforce of more than 950 people.

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC Passenger Processing Systems Contracts Renewed for Another Six Years by Indira Ghandi Airport

November 12, 2014
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Rockwell Collins' ARINC Check-In-Counter & Baggage SystemsThis week it has been announced that Indira Ghandi Airport (IGI), India’s busiest hub, has renewed its contracts and signed for another six years with Rockwell Collins’ ARINC passenger processing systems and technology, following ICI’s recent award to the company as “Best IT Service Provider” for the second consecutive year.

IGI has used the ARINC vMUSE common-use passenger processing system for more than five years, in addition to ARINC SelfServ kiosks and ARINC VeriPax Passenger Reconciliation system, ARINC BagLink for baggage messaging and Rockwell Collins’ integration of a Local Departure Control System in Terminals 1D and 3.

“IGI has prided itself on being a purveyor of new technology, recognizing it as key to becoming a world-class airport,” said Chief Information Officer and Vice President Davesh Shukla, Delhi International Airport Ltd., on why it has worked closely with Rockwell Collins on implementing the newest and latest technology to aid in ‘Fast Travel.’

“We created a customized solution for IGI that accommodates its rapid growth, while continuing to improve the passenger experience, enhance their competitive advantage and maximize return on investment,” explained Heament John Kurian, managing director, Information Management Services division, Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins.

As a part of the new contract, the airport will work with Rockwell Collins integrators to deploy mobile and portable check-in devices throughout in a bit to further streamline and enhance the passenger processing experience for both the passenger and the airport.

The space-saving attributes of the modern passenger check-in systems, which now incorporate greater flexibility with multiple airline check in facilities and bag drop points, give airports the opportunity to create enhanced retail spaces and better utilisation of airport personnel within the terminals. This allows increased operational productivity and a better experience for the passenger with the reduced likelihood of queueing and ground delays.

Data Sharing Requirements Up in the Air Between UK & Germany

November 10, 2014
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Reliable Data Sharing from Leading APIS ProvidersSome German carriers could find themselves out in the cold with suspended UK flights if UK Government directives concerning the provision of Advance Passenger Information are passed, but not complied with.

Issues could arise as the UK border control system mirrors a similar system in the U.S. and asks for mandatory delivery of Advance Passenger Information in order for security services to monitor the movements of potential persons of interest as they travel to or pass through the UK. However, other countries in the E.U. would need to amend areas of their privacy laws in order for the system to be effective.

UK Home Office secretary, Mr Mark Sedwill issued a statement according to the Guardian newspaper, “We are looking in future legislation at taking mandatory powers. We are working with all the airlines. We have 90% of Advance Passenger Information.”

Advance Passenger Information (API) includes the personal details of passengers and flight crew and in some instances also contains methods of payment and itinerary details. In the U.S. API is a mandatory requirement and assists security agencies with monitoring and tracking of ‘at risk’ passengers.

Continuing, Mr Sedwill said, “We are in discussions, which for obvious reasons I have to keep somewhat private, with other EU countries to change their data protection legislation in order to require this data of the carrier.”

Other German airlines include Lufthansa and Germania. The debate will continue and was due to be discussed during the recent G6 summit in Paris last week.