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In Focus: Aviation Type B Messaging Uses

August 21, 2012
Business Aviation News
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After the many technological advances we have seen over the last months and years we wanted to do a focus piece on one of the fundamentals in aviation communications for business aviation and commercial airlines, and how one company has lead the way in providing Type B communications.

AviNet Type B messaging provides reliable and economical messaging for mission-critical business-to-business communications for the aviation industry. Processing over 15 million messages daily to over 700 industry users worldwide, AviNet Type B is used for a variety of message types including GLOBALink ACARS®, passenger reservations, weather data, and flight planning.

ACARS

ACARS (or Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) is a type of aircraft communication system which was designed by ARINC to replace the VHF voice service (the voice service was used for all communications between aircraft and ground stations before the introduction of data link). The ACARS system was first introduced in 1978. ACARS is the only data link infrastructure with pole-to-pole global coverage, therefore used to deliver the critical reliability airlines depend on all their flights.

Passenger reservations

Passenger reservation is part of the process of an airline computer reservation system. The system contains airline schedules, fare tariffs, passenger reservations and ticket records. Passenger reservations are offered as part of ARINC’s AviNet Type B messaging.

Weather Data

Weather data or weather reporting is part of flight operations. ARINC offers the latest weather prediction and reporting services to the aviation industry and airports around the world. ARINC’s Graphic/Text Weather Service (or G/TWS) provides near-real-time graphic and text weather information to flight crew using GLOBALink data link services.

ARINC also provides terminal weather information to aircraft taking off or landing, including precipitation data, gust fronts and wind shear microbursts information within 15 nautical miles of the airport. The ARINC meteorological data collection and reporting system collects real-time weather reports such as wind and severe weather advisories.

Flight Planning

Flight planning is the process of describing a proposed aircraft flight and the flight plans produced typically involves two safety-critical components: fuel calculation and compliance with air traffic control requirements. These components ensure aircrafts can safely reach the proposed destination and to eradicate the mid-air collision risks. Appropriate flight planning also minimises the costs of flights by choosing the optimal route, height and speed; and also by minimum on board fuel load for the proposed journey. Flight planning requires accurate weather forecasts to calculate the impact on fuel consumption due to head or tail winds and air temperature.

For further information please visit: http://typebmessaging-avinet.com

NASA asks pilots to participate in flight deck communications study

July 31, 2012
Business Aviation News
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General aviation pilots have been invited to participate in a study with the FAA, from data collected through the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS).

The Aviation Weather in the Cockpit and Aeronautical Information Services via Data Link study hopes to gain information about incidents while pilots were using weather or AIS information in the cockpit.

“The information may be textual and/or graphical, obtained via data link or other sources to include ACARS [aircraft communications addressing and reporting system] and cell phones, on the ground or in the air,” said the NASA press release.

The study examines the type of weather data received, its accuracy, the cockpit display used, software or applications used to receive meteorological information, and end user graphical interface ratings.

Pilots who wish to participate in either study can do so by filing an ASRS report or, in some cases, by filing a report with the FAA’s Aviation Safety Action Program.

For airlines and operators who are concerned about either the accuracy or efficiency of the aircraft messaging ARINC also provide a service to analyse the cost effectiveness of current Type B communications and provide a consultancy on infrastructure and IT surrounding it. For more information please visit www.typebcheck.com

Dominican Republic Chooses ARINC for Border Security Solutions

July 14, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Director of Immigration for the Dominican Republic Jose Ricardo Taveras introduces ARINC representative Jorge Ramirez (far right).
(Government of the Dominican Republic)

The ARINC Electronic Borders solutions have been seen again in the news this week after ARINC announced that the government of the Dominican Republic had chosen them for all air and maritime border security solutions.

A press conference was held to introduce ARINC to the transport sector as the technology provider of choice for aviation and maritime advance passenger information (API) system solutions to help secure the nation’s borders.

ARINC’s ability to meet the government’s border security requirements with expertise, technology competence, and cost-efficiency defined them as the clear choice for Dominican Republic officials. Other providers did not have the qualifications to meet the necessary air and maritime technology requirements. The country has plans to work with ARINC to implement an advance passenger information system for ground transportation.

ARINC’s API and PNR solutions form part of the ARINC Electronic Borders portfolio, developed to meet today’s challenges in border security. For more detailed information on how ARINC can help airlines, agencies and operators manage the complete stay of passengers in a cost efficient way please visit electronicborders.com

Evolving Self-Service Kiosks

July 4, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Evolving Self-Service Kiosks

Evolving Self-Service Kiosks

In June Airport Business Magazine featured the evolution of the kiosk. As passengers come to expect technologies to make their check in process simpler companies such as ARINC have reacted to the demand to offer ever increasingly advanced solutions.Common-use self-service (CUSS) kiosks are now extensively used across Europe, but now we are seeing the next generation – kiosks that allow passengers to check-in, select their seat, print boarding passes, and print out their own baggage tags.

ARINC provides cost effective solutions for private and commercial airlines to improve efficiency and security.

In recent years common-use technology that enables multiple airlines to share computer systems at airport check-in desks and boarding gates has become well established. The next decade will see many airports and airlines moving away from PC-based applications to those hosted in cloud computing environments. The advantages of hosted services include not only lower capital outlay and greater efficiency, but also a reduction in power consumption, space requirements and IT airport costs.

ARINC will continue to exploit the benefits of common-use technology by designing new systems to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. At the same time, the company provides a comprehensive service to enhance customers’ legacy solutions, ensuring they are CUPPS (Common-use Passenger Processing System) compliant and certified.

It is all part of the service at ARINC, which has significant experience in delivering reliable, versatile and innovative solutions to improve all airport operations, from baggage management and passenger reconciliation to terminal optimisation and automated turnaround activity.

Why is efficient ACARS is so important?

June 3, 2012
Business Aviation News
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This week I wanted to focus on how some technologies can make or break an airline. An article that appeared on thehindu.com demonstrated how ACARS has been so important for one airline.

IndiGo has been showing a resounding success, with high seat take up rates and good profit margins whilst its competitors are grounding planes.

Now handling over 1 million passengers each month IndiGo was set up in early 2006 by Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia of InterGlobe Enterprises. The success has been attricuted to many actors but Kapil Kaul, regional head, Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation (CAPA), states that one of the chief reasons for IndiGo’s success is its focus — “on-time performance, clean, neat aircraft, and good service”.

In India air travel is relatively expensive and therefore the key has been to appeal to a customer base on time saving benefits – for this reason a significant delay on a 55 minute flight would be a disaster. IndiGo has carved out a reputation for flawless “On Time Performance”, and an average on-time record of an amazing 90 per cent.

By using ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing And Reporting System), a constant radio and satellite communication between aircraft and ground stations, the airline has maximised it efficiency. Before every departure, an automatic message is triggered from aircraft to control centre and the departure time recorded immediately. Similarly, the moment the flight lands an automatic message is triggered from aircraft to control centre. These timings are recorded “real time” and without human intervention.

There is no doubt that the efficiency of IndiGo set it apart from its competitors in India, and demonstrated the importance of reliable aircraft messaging.

ARINC offer aircraft messaging solutions, including AviNet for Type B Messaging, to business aviation users, make such reliability affordable with fixed pricing plans. ARINC also include a consultancy service for those who want re-examine their Type B Messaging costs and make infrastructure more efficient.

For more information please visit typebcheck.com

IndiGo Success Due to ACARS

IndiGo Success Due to ACARS

EU/US Passenger Name Records Debate

May 24, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Yet again this month we heard about the on-going debate between the EU and US on passenger name records.

The agreement allows US authorities access to data collected by airlines including passenger names, addresses, credit card details and seat numbers. There are provisions in the agreement limiting the use of PNR, and individuals will have the right to access their data, to have incorrect data corrected and the right to redress under the agreement.

Passenger name records and Advance Passenger Information (API) is obligatory in the USA and all EU member states. The information must be sent to the destination country’s border security department for effective border management. Failure to supply API can land airlines with fines of up to $5,000.

For the business aviation market cost effective solutions that fully comply are a must. ARINC offers a cost effective and reliable solution, called AviSec Messaging.

AviSec offers airlines Advanced Passenger Information & Passenger Name Records (PNR) systems to allow them to comply with current regulation and implement air transport security measures.

ARINC processes 25 million messages each day – over 50% of the world’s operational Type B traffic. For more information please visit: avisec-messaging.com

AviSec Messaging - Passenger Name Records

AviSec Messaging – Passenger Name Records

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Focus on Type B Messaging

May 23, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Focus on Type B Messaging

Focus on Type B Messaging

This week I wanted to look at aviation Type B Messaging. Type B messages are kept short using a series of codes depicting the message type and contain certain application data in specific places within the message. The IATA specified standards are so efficient that the 20 million daily messages would fit on a home use memory stick.

Whilst the standard has not changed for some time, the technology we use to send Type B Messages constantly evolves. We heard this week that the latest Esterline PilotView EFB has launched a new processor and is approved for real-time ACARS messaging over VHF-based and satellite services.

For business aviation users, Type B Messaging can be a complex and expensive area of mission critical messaging. ARINC offer a unique service to calculate your Type B Messaging costs using a simple online calculator.

ARINC says: “Use our message calculator tool to gain an immediate idea of the size of your potential saving and then contact us to confirm the numbers.”

For more information please visit: www.typebcheck.com

Revolutionary US Airspace Messages?

May 22, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Aviation Messaging

Aviation messaging will undoubtedly change in the future – but how can we keep current costs low whilst retaining reliable performance?

The DCIS (Data Communications Integrated Services) programme will next month reveal who will play a part in changing aviation messaging. Identified as one of the ‘foundational’ NextGen programmes, it not only improves controller productivity by automating the delivery of routine clearances but also moves the FAA towards its ultimate vision of trajectory-based operation.

The construction of NextGen will enable real-time communication between controllers and flight crews through the use of modern digital data transmissions instead of analogue voice technology, allowing aircraft to fly safer, more efficient routes and ease congestion in major metropolitan areas nationwide.

The DCIS contract will provide ground-to-ground and air-to-ground segments of the data communications system, with special attention paid to the interoperability of the data communications services and avionics.

In the meantime aviation messaging continues to be an area of substantial cost and responsibility for all aviation users, especially within business aviation where costs can be significant. Business aviation users are recommended to seek to use providers who cater especially for this market. ARINC offers business aviation one such service.

The ARINC AviNet Type B Messaging services are built on a technologically advanced platform that provides high availability and throughput; but can help business aviation users you to understand existing the Type B profile and work towards decreasing costs and simplifying infrastructure. For more information please visit: typebmessaging-avinet.com

 

In Focus – Aviation Type B Messaging Costs

April 23, 2012
Business Aviation News
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Cost-saving strategies are the current hot topic for all business aviation users. As airline operational costs continue to rise with airport taxes, fuel prices, maintenance, staffing and the multitude of ‘back end’ costs we look at one of the ways that business jets can improve their bottom line.

Type B messaging services are one of the airlines essentials. Operational messaging can be expensive – but is not something that can be compromised on. There are of course many providers of these services but I want to focus on a supplier that actually offers a calculator tool to find out if you could make savings before you need to get in touch,.

Not all Type B business messaging services are the same. There are major differences between network providers in pricing, support, and efficiency of their applications.

ARINC Direct’s ‘Type B Check’ allows you to calculate your potential savings in this area. As a leading network provider, ARINC has pioneered many advanced features and widely publicise that their Type B messaging applications the most user-friendly available today.

Because ARINC offers several flexible pricing plans, including a flat rate option, new customers could benefit from savings as much as 60% of their messaging costs.

ARINC’s Type B access products are built on ARINC’s technologically advanced AviNet platform and deliver unsurpassed reliability and user-friendly operation.

For more information please visit typebcheck.com