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Next MEBAC Venue Confirmed as Tunisia

June 3, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Ali_Al_Naqbi-MEBAA_03-06The Middle East and North Africa Business Association (MEBAA) has announced that the location of the next MEBAA Conference will be Tunisia, aimed at uniting the region’s business aviation industry around its common trends and challenges, including regulatory framework and FBO issues.

The two-day event, scheduled for 10th and 11th September 2014, will focus upon the North African market, following the recent success of MEBAC in Saudi Arabia last month and Morocco last year, where MEBAA partnered with WINGX and published an infographic based upon a study of the business aviation industry in North Africa and its findings that the industry is playing a positive role in the development of the region.

Mr Ali Al Naqbi (pictured), MEBAA’s Founding Chairman, is delighted with the announcement, “It is an exciting time for MEBAA as we continue to grow in membership numbers, products for our members, the launch of our fly and feed initiative, the Middle East Business Aviation show is set to take place at the end of the year at its new home – DWC. And finally, MEBAC, which has gained incredible traction now, spreading from the far west of the region to the east of the region and everything in between, in order to work together on issues critical to aviation’s ability to serve as a catalyst for economic growth. Our association will continue to meet and bring inspired and motivated people together through conferences in different cities around the Middle East and North Africa every year, to ensure the business aviation community remains at the forefront of this ever-changing industry.”

India’s DCGA Requests Financial Statements from Carriers

June 2, 2014
Business Aviation News
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spicejet 02-06India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) has demanded all carriers to submit their financial statements by the deadline next week or face the cancellation of their aviation licences. The request is part of a program to ensure that loss-making carriers maintain standards in relation to safety and is not intended to be a financial audit.

The DGCA has raised concerns that airlines that have reported financial losses will compromise on safety due to a lack of funding, particularly following the recent escalation of competitive pricing within a so-called ‘airfare war’.

Notices have been issued to major Indian carriers, such as Air India (AI) and Jet Airways in addition to the low-cost carriers GoAir, SpiceJet and the only profit-making carrier, IndiGo.

An official representative from the DGCA said, “Many Indian carriers have ordered new planes, which we believe does not match with their financial performance. We also need to see how much is spent against different heads, on safety, engineering, infrastructure, salaries and other mandatory requirements. We just cannot take any chance now. We will be presenting our case to USFAA. We have to prove that we have put in some best practices.”

Civil Aviation Secretary, Ashok Lavasa said, “We keep giving directions to the DGCA. They have to ensure they do it in compliance with the law.”

Aircraft Tracking Issue Won’t Wait Say Airlines

June 2, 2014
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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.

Automated Passports System Launched in Atlanta

May 18, 2014
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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.”

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.

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.

Cabin Communications Training for Flight Crews

May 8, 2014
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Leading Cabin Services ProvidersFlight crews and maintenance personnel will now be able to receive cabin communications training from Satcom Direct in a partnership with FlightSafety at the Teterboro Learning Centre in an expansion of their current training program in Georgia.

The aim is to provide cabin communications equipment training in a demonstration of how the satellite and equipment functions and operates in order for cabin crews to better assist passengers with the operation of the IFE systems and for maintenance crews to learn to troubleshoot.

“Students will have a hands-on experience just like they would in the aircraft,” said Scott Hamilton, Satcom Direct chief strategy officer. “They’ll learn how to optimize computers and mobile devices for satellite internet and voice communications.”

Using the very latest equipment from Inmarsat and Iridium, in addition to the Satcom Direct systems, students will learn how to deal with inoperative equipment whilst in-flight, enabling minor issues to be ironed out with minimal disruption to the service.

Cabin communications providers offer seamless connectivity for passengers and crew with Internet access for in-flight entertainment.

$6.4 Million Contract for Nairobi International Airport to Include Information Management System

May 7, 2014
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Physical Security Solutions Providers for AviationIt has been announced that multinational security company, Magal Security Systems Ltd, have been awarded a $6.4 million contract to provide physical security measures and an information management system in Nairobi International Airport by 2015.

In addition to security fencing upgrades and multiple surveillance technology, Magal will install an advanced PSIM information management system to integrate and manage the security improvements.

President and CEO of Magal S3, said, “Over the past two years, we have successfully delivered a number of security projects for critical national assets in Kenya, demonstrating how excellence in performance and successful deliveries lead to significant further business. We are proud to be employed by this prestigious national customer and remain committed to supplying the latest technology with the highest standards of execution.”

The announcement follows recent speculation of the release of funds from the Kenyan government to invest in the much-needed improvements to airport security across the country.