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Chicago O’Hare International Introduce Automated Passport Control System

August 19, 2013
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electronic border managementChicago O’Hare International Airport officials have announced that they will be launching an Automated Passport Control Programme to help passengers take more control of their journey by using self-service kiosks to speed up the US border clearance procedure and streamline operations with electronic border management.

“This technology reinforces Chicago’s leading position as a world-class destination for business and leisure travellers while spurring economic growth and smartly improving our nation’s security,” said Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel.

The new procedure for electronic border management became operational in Terminal 5 at the beginning of July and is open for free use to all US passengers arriving at Chicago’s O’Hare.  During the first month, the average waiting time over peak periods has been reduced by 16 minutes or an impressive 33%.

The introduction of the electronic border management system means that US passengers can proceed directly to the self-service kiosks to input their information, rather than filling in the paper Customs forms.  They can scan their passports and answer standard questions electronically using the user-friendly, touch-screen interface.

Self-service kiosks are also used for check-in operations around the world and are saving airlines, airports and passengers time and ultimately money with streamlined passenger processing and increased operational efficiency.  Companies such as ARINC Inc, provide cost-effective solutions for global travel improvements.

Rockwell Collins to Expand Data Link Communications with ARINC Deal

August 12, 2013
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data link communicationsThe much-talked-about and Rockwell Collins’ largest deal yet, the purchase of ARINC Inc for nearly $1.4 billion, will give them its fundamental data link communications connection to the FAA’s NextGen System.

ARINC is an industry-leading name in the field of aviation communications and this will increase Rockwell Collins’ immediate revenue potential by over 10%, with the commercial from 50% to 54% and next year’s military to 46%, which, it is said, is key for the company with declining military sales figures.

ARINC is most famously known as the pioneers of the ACARS messaging service and leads the way with their provision of air-ground digital VHF communications for airlines and business jets, flight support services, airport communications and the vMUSE platforms for passenger processing and the hugely successful self-check in operations.

Rockwell Collins hold more important ideas for the future with the increase in data link communications connectivity between cabins and flight decks with the ground, as the FAA’s NextGen plan will include the expansion of further data link communications; real-time weather information and re-routing plans and all-but replacing voice transmission.

“There is no doubt the digital information exchange will continue to expand at a rapid rate,” says Rockwell Collins CEO Kelly Ortberg, adding that the acquisition “substantially expands Rockwell Collins’ position in the growing aviation information-management space.”

The sale is expected to be finalized later this year, approximately 90 days after the acquisition announcement on August 11th.

Munich Airport Baggage Handling System Contract Awarded to Siemens

August 9, 2013
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Germany’s Munich Airport has awarded the contract for their new baggage handling system in terminal 2 to Siemens, it was recently announced.

baggage handling systemThe airport plans to increase the capacity of their baggage handling system as they expect passenger numbers to rise significantly by 2015.  Once the new building is completed, it will enable a passenger throughflow of up to 11 million additional yearly passengers.

“In this way, our customers can ensure the same reliability and speed as before, despite the growing volume of traffic and stricter security requirements,” said Siemens Business Unit Logistics and Airport Solutions CEO Jorg Ernst.

The project will be launched in three phases over the next two years and is expected to enhance operational productivity for the airport by a third upon completion of the entire new project, making Munich Airport one of the most efficient in Europe.

Other Automated Baggage Handling System providers such as ARINC Inc realise that the global self-service check-in revolution is definitely the way forward.  Passenger experience is greatly enhanced, giving the passenger more control over their journey and reducing waiting times, while airports feel the benefit of improved efficiency, cost effectivity and better use of terminal space.

Aviation Satellite Communications Amps Order for Comtech

August 8, 2013
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It was recently announced that Comtech PST Corp has received orders to the tune of $1.9 million for high-powered amplifiers.  The orders are reported to be from a leading satellite communications systems and electronics provider, although the source has not been named yet.

Passenger Communications - Satellite Communications

The amps form part of SATCOM systems for air-to-satellite-to-ground aviation satellite communications and allow access to Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband, Aero-H and Aero-I services.  Access to the satellite communications network gives multi-channel voice, data and fax capabilities for commercial and business aviation satellite communications in both flight deck and cabin areas of the aircraft.

Fred Kornberg, CEO and President of Comtech Telecommunications Corporation, said, “These orders are ongoing evidence of our capabilities in delivering innovative commercial aircraft amplifier products as well as the robust demand of commercial aerospace market. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with this premier supplier of aviation satellite communications systems.”

SATCOM systems onboard aircraft can offer airlines great flexibility when it comes to satellite communications services.  On the flight deck and cabin alike, the growing demand for seamless, high quality communications drives a need for reliability.

Aviation satellite communications service providers, such as ARINC, strive to continually stay ahead, furnishing the industry with innovative solutions for flight operations and passenger communications.

The Launch of Emirates Private Jet Service Online

August 6, 2013
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emirates executive private jet charterFollowing the launch of Emirates Private Jet Service, customers can now book their luxury travel online in a tailored experience from Emirates Executive.  The Airbus 319, spacious and luxurious aircraft offers high standards and new technology to meet the needs of even the most discerning passengers.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president of planning, aeropolitical & industry affairs said, “Emirates Executive elevates the high standards and quality of Emirates that our customers have come to expect, with the flexibility and luxury that can only be offered by a private jet chartered flight.”

The Emirates Executive website gives visitors a chance to view a video showing the private jet aircraft that can seat up to 19 passengers and the premium features before allowing them to book the private charter travel experience that they require.

From private suites to a large lounge area, Emirates Executive offers versatility for corporations and private jet customers with two main on-board zones.

A dining and executive lounge is designed for 12 people, where passengers can enjoy a full menu of multi-course options with hot and cold beverages.  This zone also incorporates a work area, offering mobile phone connectivity, high-speed internet and video conferencing facilities.  The ‘rest zone’ with large sofas, four tables and two 42” LCD screens, has live TV and up to 1,500 on-demand channels.

There are ten private suites on-board, each equipped with a full lie-flat seat and 32” LCD TV screens.  As if that were not enough luxury, the suites are complemented by a shower spa with floor heating system.

Emirates know how to do sumptuous luxury and are aiming their new service at the growing demand for private jet travel in the sector.  Their high quality of service and attention to detail have long been associated with Emirates and Emirates Executive takes this one step further.

Denim Selects ARINC AviNet Mail for Critical Aviation Messaging

August 1, 2013
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aviation messaging solutionsARINC has announced that Denim, Dutch providers of aircraft and crew capacity solutions for worldwide airlines and organizations, have selected ARINC’s AviNet Mail for their critical Type B messaging requirements.

AviNet is an essential solution for secure, mission-critical communications for the aviation industry.  It is a part of ARINC’s eHub suite and provides seamless global solutions with their industry-leading reliability.

Denim will also use ARINC’s GLOBALink ACARS messaging, to provide instant air-ground and ground-air data communications for Denim’s Embraer 190 planes.  The move is aimed at improving efficiency and operational productivity.

“ARINC offered us a user friendly, flexible and more technically advanced solution,” said Maarten Temminck, Project Manager at Denim. “We provide a number of vital services to our customers worldwide, and we believe we can now do so better with ARINC.”

Alexis Hickox, Senior Director, Aviation Solutions, at ARINC EMEA explained there were several reasons for the change. “ARINC provided a superior solution for Denim. Specifically, they cited ARINC’s Type B messaging service, enabling ground-to air communications and lower costs as reasons for their decision.”

ARINC aviation solutions are renowned innovations in the industry.  They are world-leaders in aviation communications and have been for more than 80 years since the birth of commercial air travel.  ARINC continue to look ahead and tirelessly produce new and improved solutions to meet the growing demands of aviation travel.

Alexis Hickox, Senior Director, Aviation Solutions, at ARINC EMEA explained there were several reasons for the change. “ARINC provided a superior solution for Denim. Specifically, they cited ARINC’s Type B messaging service, enabling ground-to air communications and lower costs as reasons for their decision.”

Sleepy Year for Salina Regional Aviation Refuelling

July 20, 2013
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Doug Livergood, GM of Flower Aviation at Salina Regional Airport said today that although he believes that, due to its location in the virtual centre of the nation, Salina is a great location for landing and refuelling aircraft, but activity in general and business aviation is proving slow to recover from the recession.

Regrettably, Mr Livergood had to lay off a member of his team earlier this month, as business is so slow; he admits that he has ‘had guys falling asleep.’

Over the first six months of 2013, fuel sales are down by 30% for Flower Aviation, one of two fixed base operators at Salina Airport; the other, America Jet are down in the region of 37% for the same period.

The challenges facing the operators are put down to many factors, such as the loss of long-term clients who no longer own business jets, market competition from both national and international FBO’s, clients not ‘topping-up’ but only refuelling with essential fuel and, of course, the drop in the number of cross-country flights.

Tim Rogers, Airport Authority Executive Director commented, “The physical impact is significant for the airport authority and the FBOs, and merits attention that the airport authority board staff are giving it.”

In a bid to attract more visitors to the Airport, events are being scheduled, such as ‘Wings of Freedom’ which brought World War II aircraft, and Jaded Thunder; a military event that saw more than 500 visitors.  Later this year, America Jet has arranged a fly-in of T33 American trainer jets – America Jet currently hold the contract for military fuelling.

“We want to maintain the effort to attract and schedule military aviation unit training, civilian aircraft associations, and atmospheric and climate research missions, which all provide fuel sales opportunities for the FBO’s,” said Mr Rogers.

Charlotte Airport New Director Wants ‘No Disruption’

July 19, 2013
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Following the recent dramas at North Carolina’s Charlotte Airport, the new interim director, Brent Cagle want the focus of operations to be ‘no disruption.’

While legal issues are resolved, City Leader, Ron Carlee has said that they would never consider any other person to run the airport after the removal of the previous director, Jerry Orr.

Mr Cagle has told airport employees to focus upon their individual jobs to ensure business as usual at the busy airport and not to become embroiled in the public battle over control between city and state leaders.

Cagle said, “Our priority during this time of transition is to focus on no disruption and maintaining business as usual at CLT.”

Since the start of the wrangle, the North Carolina General Assembly issued a law to create a new Airport Authority that would, in effect, take over the airport from Charlotte City.  Within minutes, the City’s attorneys were asking a judge to stop the law in its tracks.

This has resulted in the City, State and the new Airport Authority having to prepare to ‘do battle’ in the courts to decide who will take control of the airport operations.

In the meantime, Mr Cagle is determined to ensure that airport operations run as smoothly as possible, with a focus upon the stability of the airport during the legal and political turmoil.

Head of ARINC Pledges Largest Ever Donation to Annapolis Medical Centre

July 19, 2013
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John Belcher, Head of Aerospace Technology Company, ARINC, and his wife Cathy, have pledged the largest bequest ever to the Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis.

The couple will give the first $1 million to the hospital, where Mr Belcher is a member of the board of trustees, over the next few years.  The hospital plans to rename the Health Science Pavillion after the couple in honor of their generous gift.  The remainder of the bequest has been written into the couple’s estate and will be donated upon liquidation after their deaths.  It is believed that the donation could be in excess of $10 million, depending upon the value of the estate at that time.

The hospital will also found ‘The John & Cathy Belcher Society’, which will recognise people who bequeath gifts of $100,000 or more in the future.

Mr Belcher chaired the hospitals Care Like No other campaign, which funded the Health Sciences Pavillion.  He joined ARINC in 1997, was appointed CEO in 2002 and also named Chairman in 2004.  With over 30 years of aviation, IT and the defense industries experience, Mr Belcher was more than qualified to head the industry-leading aviation communication company.

ARINC Inc were the founders of ACARS messaging and provide innovative solutions to the needs of commercial and business aircraft.  They furnish the industry with messaging solutions for aircraft and airport operations, continuing with the respected reputation they have gained over the past eight decades.

Bookajet Signals Business Aviation Growth

July 16, 2013
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business aviation Bookajet

Bookajet, leading supplier of executive jets to celebrities has announced the first signs of growth in business aviation since the beginning of the recession.  This growth is a welcome move for the business aviation industry and is likened to the property sector by the MD of Bookajet, Mr Jonathan Clements, who adds, “We are pleased to say we are starting to come out of what has been a very flat and challenging time in Europe.”

It appears that charter demand in business aviation is on the increase and the arrival of new additional aircraft to the fleet has meant the creation of new jobs in the UK.

Bookajet was established in business aviation in 2003 and has bases throughout Europe, in Italy, France, the Netherlands and in Russia that deal with the charter of private jets; overseeing more than 40 aircraft, management and sales.

The newest addition to the fleet is the Gulfstream 4, a luxury executive private jet capable of long-range flight.

Private and business aviation is a steadily growing sector and is competitive, with more and more emphasis placed upon comfort and connectivity.  It is critical that business aviation stays ahead of the game in terms of affordability, maintaining high standards and allowing passengers the same levels of business availability in the air that they have on the ground.

Communications providers must remain cost-effective while offering a range of services that are combined to keep the cabin as efficiently connected as the flight deck to maintain serviceability in this competitive sector of business aviation.