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AVIATOR SwiftBroadband SATCOM for Hawaiian Airlines

October 13, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Global SwiftBroadband Providers for Flight Deck CommunicationsL2 Consulting Services, avionics engineering, integration and installation services providers, have announced a contract from Cobham SATCOM to develop the STC for AVIATOR SwiftBroadband installations for Hawaiian Airlines 767-300 series aircraft. The certification will apply for the use of ACARS Ground Gateways (AGGWs) for FANS and ACARS safety messages.

With the design phase already in action, prototype installations and certification is on track for the projected completion deadline during the first quarter of next year.

President of L2, Mark Lebovitz said, “This FANS 1 Controller Pilot Data Link Communication and Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract to implement over SwiftBroadband Safety Services certification project is intended to support the FAA’s initiative to evaluate communication technologies that are expected to be viable in meeting the needs of the aviation community. We are delighted that Cobham SATCOM has entrusted our company with such a significant program to support FANS Evaluation flight trials towards meeting ICAO GOLD RCP240 requirements for support of 30/30 NM operations.”

AVIATOR SwiftBroadband is capable of delivering voice and data communications in addition to the provision of other critical services, such as aircraft tracking data, support for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and Ethernet connectivity for devices such as the Aircraft Interface Devices (AIDs).

Ireland Calls for Advance Passenger Information in Joint EU Plan

October 12, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Advance Passenger Information ProvidersIreland has called for a co-ordinated push in the EU to crack down on terrorism and organised crime, following a decision with Britain to share intelligence on selected flights.

Advance Passenger Information (API) from all ports should be shared across Europe, which, according to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, ‘is a tool of proven potential’.

It has been indicated through military intelligence and information supplied to the British Government by the Garda Special Branch that Ireland has been used as a base for regular visits to Iraq and Syria by up to 30 jihadis, which has led to increased surveillance efforts in a bid to track their movements.

The minister said that the strengthening of security of national and international borders was a ‘key element in protecting our citizens from terrorist threats’ and that API exchange was a ‘major boost towards achieving that objective’.

API is transmitted electronically to the governments and border agencies of destination countries. It is usually collected at the time of booking. The U.S. operate mandatory API collection, but as yet, the system is not mandatory in other countries, although many agencies are calling for the collection of passenger data across the world to keep borders secure with the advance notification of potentially high-risk passengers.

4G Internet for Business Jets

October 11, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Providers of Business Aircraft Passenger ConnectivitySmartSky are ready to announce the launch of their new 4G Internet service for business jets, after developing in secret for three years.

Ryan Stone, president of SmartSky Networks is pleased to finally share the news with the aviation world and will conduct an official ‘airing’ of his new product at this month’s NBAA exhibition.

High-speed internet access on business jets is not a brand new concept, with many other communications solutions on the market, such as the end-to-end solutions delivered by industry-leader, ARINC Direct, but SmartSky 4G is being launched as ‘the nation’s first airborne 4G LTE-based technology’ and promises speeds up to 10 times faster than current systems.

Utilising air-to-ground datalink, the network will access 60MHz of spectrum, which compares with 4MHz in most in-flight internet provision.

“This is going to be really, really important,” said Stone. “We’ve been developing this in stealth mode for three years. It feels good to finally be able to share.”

SmartSky is currently selecting test clients to begin its beta testing program next year, with a view to general release to the business aviation sector in 2016 on a subscription basis. Ultimately, Mr Stone wants to see his system in commercial airliners in the future.

CISF Demand Improvements in Perimeter Security at Delhi Airport

October 10, 2014
Business Aviation News
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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 to Implement ARINC vMUSE at Scottish Airports

October 7, 2014
Business Aviation News
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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.

Enhanced Ground Communications Offered by Kontron

September 18, 2014
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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
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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.

FANS 1/A+ Upgrade for Challenger 604 Aircraft

September 12, 2014
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Other Providers of Flight Deck Communications Solutions for Business JetsBombardier and Marshall Aerospace Group have signed a conditional letter of agreement to develop a Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A+ avionics upgrade for the Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet. The upgrade will be aimed at the enhancement of pilot to air traffic communications to enable access to the North Atlantic Tracks, which offer shorter, faster routes.

The ICAO developed FANS 1/A+ as a part of the NextGen Air Traffic Management program, with a view to providing better management of high-volume airspace. FANS-equipped aircraft stand a greater chance of maximising operational productivity and profitability.

Vice-president of Bombardier Business Aircraft said. “We are pleased to be working with Marshall on this project.”

Opening of New Embraer Engineering and Tech Centre

September 11, 2014
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Embraer Open New Tech CentreThe opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art Engineering and Technology Centre has been celebrated by Brazilian jet manufacturer Embraer this week at the Melbourne International Airport, Florida. The 75,000 sq ft facility is the first located outside its home country and is a big step forward in their plan to expand their global footprint.

The celebrations included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by over 250 guests from the world of aviation, media and state officials.

“As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our North American presence this month, we are once again expanding our longstanding relationship with the State of Florida and the Brevard community with the opening of a cutting-edge Engineering & Technology Centre,” said Embraer president and CEO, Frederico Fleury Curado. “With the highly qualified team of engineers that will work in these offices and laboratories, we will bring the most advanced solutions to our customers.”

Plans for the new centre include engineering, product and technology development across Embraer’s business, with the first project outlined as executive jet interiors. The facility includes a laboratory for development and testing of materials and components and features a 3D CAD and virtual reality centre, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Modelling.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said, “Embraer’s commitment to Florida and their creation of 200 jobs will help more Florida families get back to work and live the American Dream. This project is great news for the Space Coast and I’m excited to see this company grow as they open today. Since December 2010, we have created more than 620,000 private-sector jobs and we will continue working hard to create an opportunity where every Floridian who wants a job can get one.”

Philippines Address Advance Passenger Information After 55 Arrests

September 4, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Advance Passenger Information System ProvidersAfter arresting 55 illegal foreign workers in three Metro Manila cities last month, the Philippines Bureau of Immigration is putting pressure on the Government to address Advance Passenger Information in a bid to quell illegal activities.

“We will also coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs to formulate measures in screening the subjects prior to issuance of entry visas to the Philippines,” said spokesperson Elaine Tan, likening the search for illegal foreigners, once within the metropolis to “finding a needle in a haystack.”

The provision of Advance Passenger Information would alert the border control agencies of such potential illegals before they arrive in the Philippines.

The arrests were made following an anonymous tip-off that workers were operating illegally on construction sites and in retail establishments. Elaine Tan confirmed that the workers would be deported if they fail to produce the relevant documents to support their employment status.