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Tag Archives: aviation communications

Aircraft Tracking Issue Won’t Wait Say Airlines

June 2, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Aircraft Tracking ProvidersFurther discussion are encouraged once again by Tony Tyler, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to implement global flight tracking as three months pass since the disappearance of flight MH370. Many airlines simply do not want to wait for an industrywide solution to real-time tracking.

IATA plan to put aircraft tracking proposals to the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in September and believe standards could be in place within two to three years. Some airlines, however, do not want to wait and are looking into making arrangements much sooner than that. Qatar Airlines, for example, hosted a recent meeting of IATA in Doha last week and said that the ‘technology to track planes is available today’, and cited the possibility of adapting the ACARS system as an example.

The adaptation of ACARS, which delivers information in short bursts, is a real possibility for airlines to ensure tracking information is consistent without incurring extensive retrofit costs; using equipment that is already installed in the aircraft.

Qatar Airlines are amongst many that are expressing a serious interest in exploring the possibilities for the provision of real time flight tracking.

Bombardier CSeries Jet Grounded After Major Engine Failure

June 1, 2014
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Bombardier 01-06-14According to the Wall St Journal, an incident during ground maintenance testing of the Bombardier C Series jet resulted in an uncontained engine failure and has grounded the jet until an investigation is completed. Although the engine and body of the aircraft were damaged, no personnel suffered any injury.

The geared Turbofan engine (PW1500G) from Pratt & Whitney features a new fuel-saving concept that sees different parts of the engine running at different speeds. The incident is likely to cause further delays to the program that is already behind schedule.

Pratt & Whitney now face a major setback commercially, with the engine currently holding more than 5,500 orders from Bombardier, Embraer and for the Airbus A320neo series.

The company were not available for comment.

Honda Reveals New Business Jet Aircraft at EBACE

May 19, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Honda Business JetHondaJet, a production model designed to carry up to seven passengers and crew in style has been unveiled at EBACE in Geneva this week. This much-anticipated debut from Honda was well-received, with the company proudly announcing several milestone achievements.

Honda, who have nine aircraft on the final assembly lines, said that the jet is ready for ground testing, having recently taken delivery of the first GE Honda HF120 engines. The first flights are expected to take place this summer.

“Honda Aircraft Co.’s most important goals are achieving Federal Aviation Administration Type Certification and delivering the first customer aircraft,” said Michimasa Fujino, president and chief executive. The final certification stages began in December 2013.

“The HondaJet production line is maturing with efficient and robust processes in place to build high quality aircraft,” Fujino said. “From handheld tablets that deliver worker instructions to an automatic guided cart to pick up and deliver parts, we continue to integrate the latest technology into our production process to create an efficient workflow.”

Automated Passports System Launched in Atlanta

May 18, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Automated Border Control BenefitsAtlanta International Airport have unveiled the latest in automated passport control in conjunction with the US Customs and Border Protection authority. The kiosks will operate in concourses E & F and will be available to passengers with Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval.

The system allows such passengers to submit their Customs Declaration and other travel and personal information electronically, which will reduce the time they will be required to spend with a CBP officer. The average reduction will be 20-40% in waiting time and will greatly improve efficient expedition of these passengers.

As passenger numbers grow across the globe on a yearly basis, many airports are looking into electronic border control solutions to increase passenger processing, while maintaining security. Ground delays are kept to a minimum, as ‘safe’ passengers can be expedited, leaving more time for border agencies to screen other travellers.

“These new kiosks will go a long way to improve the overall experience for our international customers coming into Atlanta because they provide a more efficient process for exiting customs,” said John Laughter, senior vice president for Delta`s Corporate Safety, Security and Compliance. “We strive to provide our customers with an enjoyable travel experience through all aspects of our operation including Customs and Border Protection checkpoints.”

New Long-Range Business Jets Launched by Dassault & Gulfstream

May 17, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Business Jet Just before the opening of Geneva EBACE this year, two major aviation companies announced the launch of new, longer-range business jets, both set to be ready for the markets in early 2015.

The Gulfstream G650ER, an upgraded version of the popular G650, is undergoing FAA certification and will share the same cabin, systems and avionics, but will have a capacity of 7,500 nautical miles, the longest range of its class, according to Gulfstream.

“The G650ER provides our customers with greater mission flexibility and the longest range of any business jet,” Scott Neal, Gulfstream senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, said in a statement. “It’s the only aircraft in the world capable of travelling 7,500 n.m.”

Dassault have announced the development of the Falcon 8X, the sixth in the family, including the Falcon 5X that is still in development. The Falcon 8X will have a capacity to carry eight passengers and three crew, with the longest cabin of any other Falcon. With a range of 6,450 nautical miles, the aircraft will also have the longest range of the Falcon family.

Certification is expected at the beginning of 2016 for the Falcon 8X with deliveries to follow before the end of that year.

EASA Certification Validated for Iridium Communications on Next-Gen Aircraft by L2

May 15, 2014
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Airline Operational Messaging with CPDLCL2 Consulting Services Inc have announced the grant of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) validation from EASA to install Iridium Satellite Communications System of NextGen Aircraft 737-700/800/900/900ER.

L2 will now be able to offer European customers a fully certified NxtLink ICS-220A and IRT-2120 communications system that will give the flight crew a dedicated datalink channel, supporting Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC), FANS messaging, ACARS messaging and global voice channel.

Vice President of Operations for L2, Dean Rudolph said, “An EASA STC validation is required for European operators integrating FAA certified systems. We are delighted to now offer our European customers a fully certified Iridium Communications solution on the B737NG series aircraft.”

Polycom Messaging Systems Selected by Qatar CAA

May 13, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Aviation Information Sharing ProvidersAviation information needs to be shared across a growing number of partners to ensure efficient day-to-day operational productivity.

The meteorology department of Qatar’s CAA has selected Polycom to build a communications infrastructure to allow the sharing of information across IP/ISDN networks with external government and private agencies, in addition to ports, shipping offices and fuel providers across the country.

Signed by the CAA, the deal will provide two complete Polycom RPX systems with four screens at two locations and conferencing systems that will encourage inter-departmental collaboration.

A web-based messaging environment, such as ARINC’s AviNet, allows cost-effective information sharing across all partners, including the delivery of ACARS messages, aviation weather data and updates to flight plans.

Aircraft Internet Demand Drives up Revenues

May 13, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Aircraft Internet ProvidersAs the demands for aircraft internet rise amongst passengers, in-flight WiFi communications providers are beginning to see a rise in revenue with Gogo Inc reporting an increase of 35% for the first quarter of this year, amounting to $95.7 million.

“We have proven our leadership in bringing more bandwidth to any aircraft type no matter where it flies,” said Michael Small, Gogo CEO. “In addition Gogo has uniquely positioned itself as a full-service communications provider to the global aviation industry. There’s a sensational demand for connectivity on every face of the earth,” he said. “It’s not surprising that it’s the same demand in the air too.”

Business passengers have had high expectations of aircraft connectivity for some time, according to business aviation providers, ARINC Direct. Faster broadband speeds and global connections are essential for the ‘office-in-the-sky’ needs and competitiveness in the business sector is rising as more operators strive for better services for their passengers.

Aviation Consultants Inc Achieves Success

May 12, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Types of Aviation ConsultancyAviation Consultants Inc began with nothing but an idea to build a corporate aviation business at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport after realising that there was a gap in the market. Bill Borgsmiller lived out of his office and began building his dream in the hope of achieving success that had nagged at him since he was a small boy.

After some years of hard work and an eye for detail, the company reputation is soaring with his 85-strong staff and a growth of 50% since 2009.

“It has been little steps at a time,” said Borgsmiller, recalling that those early years living on the west side of the airport made him “appreciate what I have.”

Growth in the business aviation industry is tough, with competition at a premium. Mr Borgsmiller believes that his success is largely down to his determination to provide quality service with attention to the small details. Maintenance, fuel and flight support services providers must ensure reliability to enable operational productivity.

Aviation messaging is critical to keep down time to a minimum and to maintain a constant flow of critical data amongst all partners. Type B messaging can be confusing and costly if it is not handled correctly. Aviation consultants can help operators to understand these messaging networks and allow information sharing that can streamline the entire process.

ARINC Airport Solutions Showcased at Dubai Airport Show

May 11, 2014
Business Aviation News
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AviNet Airport Solutions

Rockwell Collins will be demonstrating the best features of their ARINC airport solutions at this year’s Dubai Airport Show on stand 8310.

“The Dubai Airport Show is an important platform for us to engage with new and potential customers – especially as we continue to invest and grow in the region,” said Tony Lynch, Middle East Director, Information Management Services for Rockwell Collins. “We’re looking forward to many productive meetings at the show, and demonstrating how our innovative airport technologies can help manage airport costs and improve processes.”

Rockwell Collins will be exhibiting highlights of the Airport Solutions package, with cost-effective shared check-in features, such as:

• Multiple airline support
• Cloud-based common check-in
• Touchscreen Wayfinding
• Airport Operational Suite – as part of the CDM initiative
• Security & surveillance solutions
• Legacy & CUPPS application support
• Common-use biometric passenger processing

All these features and more will provide advanced solutions for the airport of tomorrow, offering flexibility and enhanced operational activity with cost-sharing initiatives for all sized operations.