Archive

Tag Archives: airport operations

CISF Demand Improvements in Perimeter Security at Delhi Airport

October 10, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Perimeter Security Solutions ProvidersA recent inspection of Delhi Airport perimeter security by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has raised concerns to the point that they have refused to take over the system unless it becomes ‘totally flawless’. The system seems to be fraught with technical problems which have caused false alarms and intermittent CCTV capture.

This is not the first inspection that has failed at the airport, in spite of approximately Rs 5 crore being spent on ‘improvements’. The CISF have met with airport officials around 50 times and so far, there are no changes. This final meeting has resulted in the CISF to demand of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) that either the system be deactivated or a solution finally provided for the perimeter security.

G M Siddeswara, the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation had informed parliament that the system was flawless, but this is disputed by the CISF.

The CISF referred to a recent airport intrusion where perimeter security was compromised and said, “When that happened on Thursday the CISF personnel saw the intruder but the CCTV didn’t capture any image. And in case of every intrusion, CISF personnel could notice the intruder only after 15 minutes. Now we have asked BCAS to uninstall the system if DIAL cannot address the issues. The system has become a liability. The system is supposed to instantly raise alarm if someone tries to fiddle with the taut wire. Also, the camera should immediately focus on that spot without loss of time. DIAL should ensure that system doesn’t generate any false alarm.”

With current security measures tightening across airport environments all over the world, the matter must be settled with a viable solution for perimeter security implemented. The perimeter fencing is, in many cases, the first barrier to potential intrusion and critical to maintaining a secure facility.

Rockwell Collins Selected by Cardiff Airport for CUSS Kiosks

October 10, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Self-Service Check-In Brings Enhanced Passenger ExperienceRockwell Collins continue their successful promotion of their ARINC Common-Use, Self-Service platform this month with the announcement of a new agreement signed with Cardiff Airport (CIAL).

A fully managed solution will be provided, including hosted connectivity from the Slough-based data centre. CUSS kiosks can help to speed up and streamline the entire passenger processing system, delivering an enhanced passenger experience at the same time. The ability to provide cost-sharing applications for operating airlines, gives the airport greater flexibility and enables better use of expensive terminal space without the need for dedicated, airline-specific check-in desks.

CIAL worked with ARINC for many years, with the first installation of the iMUSE platform in 2003 and an upgrade to ARINC vMUSE Enterprise in 2011 and look forward to continuing the relationship with ARINC’s new owners, Rockwell Collins.

Rockwell Collins to Implement ARINC vMUSE at Scottish Airports

October 7, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Scottish Airports Select AviNet Airport SolutionRockwell Collins have announced new five-year agreements signed with Aberdeen International Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport for the installation of their ARINC vMUSE Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) with workstations throughout the airports.

The process was competitive, but Rockwell Collins was delighted to announce the news this week and is the third contract to be won in recent times. Earlier this year, they were awarded a contract in Scotland for their ARINC AviNet Airport service, with installation of common-use self-service kiosks at Aberdeen International. Glasgow Airport also signed up for the AviNet Airport service.

“This new system means that different airlines can use the same desks,” explained Andrew Mutch, Airport Head of IT. “It increases our flexibility and means that in a growing airport we can be much more reactive to demand than the previous system allowed for. As a result this will provide real benefits for our customer service provision, it will help to manage queues and deliver a more integrated product.”

“We’ve been providing airport solutions in Scotland for almost ten years,” said Michael DiGeorge, vice president of international and global airports for Rockwell Collins. “This win is another example of our commitment to invest and grow our business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.” ”Rockwell Collins’ ARINC solutions are now being used at three of Scotland’s major airports. This contract marks yet another key milestone in our commitment to invest and grow our business in Scotland, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with Glasgow and other airports throughout the country.”

“The Rockwell Collins solution provides Glasgow Airport with a customized and cost-effective program that meets our current requirements while being flexible enough to easily adapt to our projected growth in passenger traffic,” said Graeme Frater, CUTE Club Chairman at Glasgow Airport.

Cloud-Computing Service for Aircraft Records Management Selected by Endeavor

October 7, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Advanced Information Management for Critical FacilitiesIt has been announced this week that Endeavor Air, subsidiary of Delta Airlines, has selected AirVault’s Mx Records Management solution for a new, cloud-based system to manage maintenance records.

Information Management systems can help to streamline all types of fleet and airport records, facilitating greater efficiency, compliance and enhancing safety aspects associated with regular aircraft maintenance.

“We are thrilled that Endeavor Air has chosen AirVault for the mission-critical IT service for aircraft maintenance records,” added John Oldham, AirVault CEO. “AirVault shares Endeavor’s commitment to using advanced technology to ‘raise the bar’ in regards to improving aircraft maintenance operations.”

Business Jet Fuel Tankering Calculator

October 6, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Other Contract Fuel Services ProvidersBusiness jet fuel prices can fluctuate significantly from region to region and this gives many longer-range aircraft the opportunity to take advantage of lower prices, refuelling or ‘topping up’ their tanks. There are big savings to be made when we consider that up to 70% of the average business aircraft operational costs consist of the fuel budget.

The term given to this practise is tankering.

FuelerLinx, a California-based fuel pricing software provider, have released an update to their subscription fuel-pricing service. The enhancements have been produced in conjunction with Danish-based Company, Aviation Cloud, who provide flight planning services. The improved calculator now delivers, via the addition of flight planning, real-time weather data, vertical profiles and regularly updated fuel prices.

“The concept of tankering has long been in the aviation handbook,” said Kevin Moller, CEO of California-based fuel pricing software provider FuelerLinx. “But the ability to achieve the greatest cost savings by tankering each time you plan a trip has never existed until now.”

“The tankering calculations have proved invaluable to our cost-saving efforts,” said Karen Brunsman, flight coordinator for FuelerLinx subscriber NextEra Energy, which operates a pair of Citations and Falcons. “It allows us to take the optimal amount of fuel at each stop for the least amount of money overall.”

In a time when operators must look to manage costs efficiently, the benefits of fast and reliable access to fuel pricing across the flight plan is certainly an advantage in the marketplace. Other providers of flight planning solutions offer integration with flight support services and provide fuel purchasing as a part of this service.

It is worth exploring the possibilities for the business aviation market.

Enhanced Ground Communications Offered by Kontron

September 18, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Find out more about ground communications providersMany types of mission-critical communications are sent during flights, both from the ground and the air. Reliable and timely access to flight information is essential for modern operators to ensure both maximised operational productivity and minimal ground delays. Type B communications transmission solutions providers handle millions of communications every day and costs vary for providers, some offering fixed-rate and others charge per message.

European embedded computer technologies firm, Kontron has launched the ACE Flight 600 airborne server which boasts three times more wireless content capacity that the earlier version.

The statement released today states that the 4G LTE integrated modem helps the server target advanced communication application requirements for the Ethernet-based network installations for both retrofit and linefit aircraft.

“To support the faster connectivity requirements of next-generation avionics flight information systems, the Kontron ACE Flight 600 provides the necessary gateway through which flight crews and ground personnel can access essential onboard information,” said Alan Manns, commercial avionics business line manager at Kontron.

Airport Information Systems Market Examined by Markets & Markets

September 18, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Global Airport Information Management Solutions ProvidersMarkets and Markets, market researching company has published a report this week that estimates the global Airport Information Systems market worth at $2,640.61million in 2014, with a projected CAGR figure of 4.76%, to reach $3,490.69million by 2020.

The competitiveness of the Airport Information Systems market, according to the report, with a limited number of market participants shows that many are collaborating to ensure success. Growth strategies have been studied and market leaders are making strategic decisions in order to expand their global presence with mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.

There is an increasing demand for Airport Information Systems as passenger flow increases and costs are micro-managed to ensure maximum operational efficiencies for both airports and airline operators.

Most recently, we see Rockwell Collins, aviation communications giant, with their acquisition of ARINC Inc last year and their agreement signed with Inmarsat earlier this month, making every effort to corner the aviation sector with technological solutions that effectively fit the bill in terms of Airport Information Management and communications.

Saudi Jet Aviation Approved by FAA for Gulfstream Repair Station

September 17, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

FAA Approve Saudi Repair Station for Gulfstream Jets

It has been announced that the FAA has granted approval for Jet Aviation Saudi Arabia to operate as an official Repair Station for Gulfstream aircraft.

This is good news for the company, who can now support its customers in Riyadh and Jeddah, improving their ability to meet the maintenance requirements of Gulfstream GII, GIII, GIV and GV aircraft. They will perform light scheduled maintenance (A Checks).

Alain Champonnois, vice president and general manager of Jet Aviation Saudi Arabia said, “Large aircraft are preferred by many of our clients flying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This service expansion directly improves our ability to meet the maintenance requirements, while providing assurance of the highest business aviation standards.”

Bombardier Deliver High-Speed Connectivity Hardware

September 17, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Providers of In-Flight Connectivity & Business Aviation ServicesBombardier’s business jet aircraft will be the first to deliver Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-Band satellite connectivity system, exclusively supporting Inmarsat’s JetConneX service which is set to go live in 2015. The system will bring business passengers global in-flight connectivity at high speeds and will allow for video-conferencing, large file exchange and content streaming capabilities.

Inmarsat and Honeywell signed an agreement two years ago which gave Honeywell the exclusive provision of hardware for the Ka-band GX Aviation service, branded as JetConneX for business aviation customers. The service promises connectivity in the air as seamlessly reliable and fast as that of ground-based offices and thus appealing to the business aviation market for executive aircraft.

“With JetWave securing the backing of a leading business jet manufacturer in Bombardier, we celebrate a major milestone in the evolution of business aircraft connectivity,” said Brian Sill, president, Business and General Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace. “The industry is showing a clear desire for high speed, global, consistent in-flight connectivity and is turning to Honeywell and Inmarsat to deliver it.”

“Our customers want to be online everywhere they go. They will now experience the same level of connectivity in the air that they have come to expect on the ground without a drop in connectivity performance once they leave their homes or offices,” said Eric Martel, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The introduction of this technology allows us to further strengthen the industry-leading cabin experience that we are offering to our customers.”

Honeywell is also the prime distributor of airtime for the business aviation sector, working with ARINC Direct, Satcom Direct, Satcom1, Aircell and OnAir.

Australian Government Demand Review of Airport Security

September 16, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Enhanced Physical Security for AirportsAustralia’s government has ordered a review of airport security following heightened terror alerts across the country to include an ‘active shooter’ response plan.

Physical airport security procedures will be reviewed and tightened, with measures in place to raise awareness amongst passengers. It was made clear by the Department of Transport that they were not requesting heightened implementation of additional security measures, but “review their current security measures to ensure they remain relevant for both generic and specific threat and alert level”.

Amongst the requests made of industry participants are that they ‘take steps to reinvigorate security awareness’; ‘increase vigilance around unattended or abandoned items’; increase security signage and increase face-to-face identification checks of personnel.

There has been an increase in Federal Police patrols as a reaction to the increased terror alert level – the first in Australian history – as they believe the threats to be real and an attack ‘imminent’.

Sydney airport is one of the first to review its physical security procedures and has launched a passenger campaign that is centred around the term ‘if you see something, say something’. Increased security is present in the airport and additional signage has been placed.