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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.”

New Long-Range Business Jets Launched by Dassault & Gulfstream

May 17, 2014
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Business Jet Just before the opening of Geneva EBACE this year, two major aviation companies announced the launch of new, longer-range business jets, both set to be ready for the markets in early 2015.

The Gulfstream G650ER, an upgraded version of the popular G650, is undergoing FAA certification and will share the same cabin, systems and avionics, but will have a capacity of 7,500 nautical miles, the longest range of its class, according to Gulfstream.

“The G650ER provides our customers with greater mission flexibility and the longest range of any business jet,” Scott Neal, Gulfstream senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, said in a statement. “It’s the only aircraft in the world capable of travelling 7,500 n.m.”

Dassault have announced the development of the Falcon 8X, the sixth in the family, including the Falcon 5X that is still in development. The Falcon 8X will have a capacity to carry eight passengers and three crew, with the longest cabin of any other Falcon. With a range of 6,450 nautical miles, the aircraft will also have the longest range of the Falcon family.

Certification is expected at the beginning of 2016 for the Falcon 8X with deliveries to follow before the end of that year.

Polycom Messaging Systems Selected by Qatar CAA

May 13, 2014
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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.

Aircraft Internet Demand Drives up Revenues

May 13, 2014
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Other Aircraft Internet ProvidersAs the demands for aircraft internet rise amongst passengers, in-flight WiFi communications providers are beginning to see a rise in revenue with Gogo Inc reporting an increase of 35% for the first quarter of this year, amounting to $95.7 million.

“We have proven our leadership in bringing more bandwidth to any aircraft type no matter where it flies,” said Michael Small, Gogo CEO. “In addition Gogo has uniquely positioned itself as a full-service communications provider to the global aviation industry. There’s a sensational demand for connectivity on every face of the earth,” he said. “It’s not surprising that it’s the same demand in the air too.”

Business passengers have had high expectations of aircraft connectivity for some time, according to business aviation providers, ARINC Direct. Faster broadband speeds and global connections are essential for the ‘office-in-the-sky’ needs and competitiveness in the business sector is rising as more operators strive for better services for their passengers.

Aviation Consultants Inc Achieves Success

May 12, 2014
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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.

Philippines Implementation of APIS to Improve Passenger Travel

May 7, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Providers of secure, reliable APIS deliveryIn a bid to make the travel experience for passengers as smooth as possible, the Philippines will make the implementation of Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) next year. Carried out jointly with the Department of Justice, Department of Budget and Management Bureau of Immigration, the vital data concerning all passengers will be assessed between 120 hours to 15 minutes prior to departure.

Aside from the security aspects of reliable APIS, the Philippines have long been struggling with efficiencies on the ground, as flights tend to arrive quickly, in succession. The long ground delays have been a problem, causing chaos within terminals as passengers endure queues, hold-ups in baggage areas and a lack of trolleys.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. said, “The ideal travel experience is one without interruption. We want the entry of travellers into the Philippines to become as smooth and seamless as possible so we need an efficient tool such as an electronic API. This would avoid long queue in our airports, as we can already identify passengers who are ‘bad’ or ‘good.’ But, of course, we have to have a balance between border control/security with that of ease of entry into our airports.”

The benefits of APIS are clear to see and easy to implement. “All we have to do is to synchronize the system with that of the Philippines government. It will be up to the Philippines authorities to align their systems with the airline companies’ systems,” explained Roberto Lim, IATA Country Manager for the Philippines.

Streamlining passenger processes are just one of the advantages of APIS implementation. The ability to screen passengers in advance gives the authorities the opportunity to spot ‘at risk’ travellers and expedite ‘safe’ ones. Providers of APIS technology offer secure and reliable ways of APIS delivery across the world.

Dubai Airport Show – Baggage Handling System Demonstration by Beumer Group

May 6, 2014
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Baggage Handling Systems ProvidersDuring the Dubai Airport Show this year, Beumer Group Company, Crisplant, will demonstrate their latest in-tote automated baggage handling system. The system uses a ‘one-bag-one-tote’ idea to effectively allow the baggage to be checked-in, screened and sorted, then ‘tipped’ at the point of baggage discharge.

The new system, CrisBag, is easily integrated into new and legacy systems and is designed to give high levels of operational efficiency.

Other baggage handling systems providers, such as ARINC, believe that automated baggage handling systems should bring enhanced operational productivity to the airport terminal and allow effective screening to maintain optimal security, while streamlining the entire baggage handling process to offer comprehensive, end-to-end efficiency across the entire check in procedure.

Passengers have high expectations today of their travel arrangements. No longer are we prepared for long delays, queues and no longer is it necessary. With common use check in desks, self service kiosks and updated automated baggage handling, passenger check in queuing is becoming a thing of the past in airports, large and small, across the globe.

‘Got Weather?’ Safety Campaign Launched by FAA & GA Pilots

May 4, 2014
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aviation weatherAn eight-month weather safety campaign has been launched this week at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering in Anchorage, with an aim to help pilots prepare for weather issues that may arise over the coming year. The campaign, entitled ‘Got Weather?’ is to be managed by a partnership between the FAA and the GA community and will deal will a focus weather topic each month via an online portal, in addition to safety seminars and case studies.

Aviation accidents caused by adverse weather are amongst the most frequent across the world with almost 75% of these resulting in fatalities. The campaign will discuss turbulence issues, icing, high winds and thunderstorms as part of the initiative to bring enhanced awareness to GA pilots.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said, “General aviation is a vibrant part of our country’s culture and our economy, but too many lives are lost each year in general aviation crashes related to weather. This campaign will help ensure that our general aviation pilots are prepared in the face of bad weather and are as safe and well-trained as possible.”

“The link between aviation safety and weather is something that can never be overemphasized,” said vice president of safety and advocacy for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Sean Elliott. “Understanding weather and how it affects your planned flight is essential, and that’s why EAA supports this safety initiative for all aviators.”

The official launch date for ‘Got Weather?’ is 4th May and is expected to run until December.