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Signature Flight Support Adds Scottsdale AirCenter to Its Global Portfolio

August 6, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Arizona Airport FBO, Scottsdale AirCenter’s aFlight Support & Business Aviation Services Providersssets have been acquired by Signature Flight Support, it was announced today. The 16th largest business aviation airport in the U.S. and a dedicated general aviation airport serving the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, Scottsdale AirCenter is one of only two FBOs on the field. Signature Flight Support is the world’s largest fixed-base operation and distribution network for business aviation services and is a division of BBA Aviation PLC.

Services include fuelling, hangar and office rentals, ground handling, maintenance and an extensive range of passenger and crew facilities.

Business aviation services and flight support services providers across the world ensure the smooth running of operations within airports. Many providers also offer flight planning and communications solutions for the flight deck and for airport operational productivity, largely running ‘behind the scenes’ of operators.

Scottsdale AirCenter is housed in a modern facility with 145,000 square feet of hangar space for large cabin business aircraft and 12,000 square feet of terminal space. Additionally, the centre has concierge services, passenger lounge, pilot and crew lounge and gift shop with an extra 32,000 square feet of shop and office space.

Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer for Signature Flight Support commented on the acquisition, “Scottsdale AirCenter represents an important addition to our world-class FBO locations in our global network. Their reputation for exceptional customer service was one of many attributes Signature considered in making this acquisition. Scottsdale AirCenter is a fantastic facility in a key market for Signature. We welcome the staff and customers of Scottsdale AirCenter to the Signature family.”

 

 

TSA Award Passenger Screening Contract for U.S. Airports

August 5, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Electronic Borders Technology for Effective Passenger Screening

A Credential Authentication system is to be installed at major U.S. airports for screening passenger information in place of visual inspection. The seven-year, $85 million contract has been awarded by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and will read multiple security features contained within passenger identification documents to ensure that it is genuine.

MorphoTrust is a provider of identity solutions and will undertake the contract for the TSA. “MorphoTrust E-CAT is the culmination of many years of work to address airport security requirements following the 9/11 tragedy, while simplifying travel for American citizens,” MorphoTrust CEO Bob Eckel said. “It is also just the beginning of our vision for what’s possible in air travel, creating a future in which passengers can move easily and securely from the curb to the gate without boarding passes or security lines.”

The electronic security industry is helping to secure borders across the world with the latest technology. EBorders solutions are helping to take security to another level with solutions for passenger processing and screening, the secure and reliable transfer of Advance Passenger Information, biometric security and bioterrorism detection systems.

Duncan Aviation Break Milestone 500 In-flight Broadband Systems

August 4, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Business Aircraft Broadband ProvidersEchoing an industry-wide sentiment, Mike Minchow, Completions and Modifications Manager for Duncan Aviation said, “There is strong market demand for products that increase the productivity of business aircraft. Wireless internet certainly filled a need for business aviation, and Aircell has been a leader in that market. On-board Wi-Fi has completely transformed the travel experience, allowing operators to be much more efficient in the air and allowing for a true office-in-the-sky experience. Combining the benefits of our Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) and multiple locations, we’re able to offer owners a great deal of flexibility as well as the confidence that their aircraft is in the care of the most experienced technicians in the industry and a company known for its service and support”.

He spoke after Duncan Aviation reached a milestone 500 installations of in-flight broadband solutions, such as SwiftBroadband and Aircell GoGo Biz.

Business aviation passengers rate amongst the highest in terms of demand for in-flight broadband solutions, requiring seamless connections over long-range flights. The office-in-the-sky advantages for travellers needs include email, video conferencing, phone calls and fax operation, to name but a few. Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Iridium solutions, such as those provided by ARINC Direct, can mean that there is no loss of signal, even when flying over vast oceanic expanses or Polar Regions.

Airport Operations Management Business Acquired by Exelis

August 4, 2014
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Airport Operations Integrated with Management SolutionsExelis, aerospace and defence information company headquartered outside Washington, VA, have announced their acquisition of Orthogon; German airport operations management business, providing applications for air traffic flow management and decision-making to airport operators and ANSPs across the world.

The Orthogon business designs and develops traffic optimisation applications and predict traffic demand on runways, giving airport operators flexibility to optimise their resources both on the ground and in the air.

“The acquisition of Orthogon expands our aviation solutions portfolio and international market position,” said Pam Drew, Exelis president of the Exelis Information Systems division. “With our global airport presence and Orthogon’s queue management applications we see opportunities to deliver solutions to our customers that will lower costs and increase capacity and efficiency of their operations.”

Airport management systems integration is a necessary part of the process of information management. Additional applications available from other providers of airport management systems can include ‘back-office’ applications that assist with the smooth and efficient operation of baggage handling systems and passenger processing. As airports grow busier, with estimated passenger flow on the increase to the tune of more than 5% each year, operational productivity can suffer without key integrated systems in place.

Electronic Surveillance Strengthened at Dominican Republic Borders

August 2, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Electronic Surveillance SolutionsThe 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

August 1, 2014
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Other Business Aviation iPad App ProvidersBusiness 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

August 1, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Physical Security & Access Solutions ProvidersThe 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.”

Pilatus Officially Unveil PC24 Jet on Swiss National Day

August 1, 2014
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Pilatus PC24 Official LaunchMore 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.

Airline Operational Messaging Solution Supports Flight Operations at Airports

July 14, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Airport Operations Solutions ProvidersThe 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
Business Aviation News
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Find out more about Passenger Name Record data transferLast 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.