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Tag Archives: aviation operational messaging

CISF Demand Improvements in Perimeter Security at Delhi Airport

October 10, 2014
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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
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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.

Cloud-Computing Service for Aircraft Records Management Selected by Endeavor

October 7, 2014
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Advanced Information Management for Critical FacilitiesIt has been announced this week that Endeavor Air, subsidiary of Delta Airlines, has selected AirVault’s Mx Records Management solution for a new, cloud-based system to manage maintenance records.

Information Management systems can help to streamline all types of fleet and airport records, facilitating greater efficiency, compliance and enhancing safety aspects associated with regular aircraft maintenance.

“We are thrilled that Endeavor Air has chosen AirVault for the mission-critical IT service for aircraft maintenance records,” added John Oldham, AirVault CEO. “AirVault shares Endeavor’s commitment to using advanced technology to ‘raise the bar’ in regards to improving aircraft maintenance operations.”

Concerns Still High as European Mandates Approach

September 30, 2014
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Datalink Solutions Providers for Mandatory CommunicationsThis week, at the European Regions Airline Association assembly, speakers echoed the concern that is spread across the aviation industry about the upcoming mandatory regulations in Europe for CPDLC cockpit upgrades that are averaging $500,000 per aircraft in retrofit costs. Sectors are hoping for a delay to the mandate, which is intended to be in place by February 2015.

Also at the assembly, Steven Tyler, IATA director general says he has grown tired of trying to fight for reform in other areas.

Echoing the thoughts of many members, he said, “Everybody agrees with [changing the rules], but nothing ever happens. So the only conclusion you can reach is the reason they’re there is somebody likes it the way it is, and ‘the somebody’ is the governments. We can all agree it would be a good thing, but it’s just not happening, and the reason it’s not happening is because people like it the way it is. It may be illogical, it may be hypocritical, but I’m afraid that’s life. And that’s why I haven’t put all my own energy and all the energy of the organization, of IATA, into campaigning on this particular issue, because it would be wasted effort.”

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.

Saudi Jet Aviation Approved by FAA for Gulfstream Repair Station

September 17, 2014
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FAA Approve Saudi Repair Station for Gulfstream Jets

It has been announced that the FAA has granted approval for Jet Aviation Saudi Arabia to operate as an official Repair Station for Gulfstream aircraft.

This is good news for the company, who can now support its customers in Riyadh and Jeddah, improving their ability to meet the maintenance requirements of Gulfstream GII, GIII, GIV and GV aircraft. They will perform light scheduled maintenance (A Checks).

Alain Champonnois, vice president and general manager of Jet Aviation Saudi Arabia said, “Large aircraft are preferred by many of our clients flying in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This service expansion directly improves our ability to meet the maintenance requirements, while providing assurance of the highest business aviation standards.”

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.”

Rockwell Collins’ Aircraft Information Manager Certified on 22 Models by EASA

September 4, 2014
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Aircraft Information Manager Certified by EASAEASA has certified the Rockwell Collins Aircraft Information Manager, the secure data transfer system for their avionics Pro Line Fusion, Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 4, for 22 models of business aircraft.

Aircraft Information Manager (AIM) can assist airlines and operators with the secure upload of critical flight updates and downloads of maintenance information using WiFi and cellular data connections across the globe. With automatic transfer, including Flight Management System (FMS), electronic charts, navigation and more, depending upon the avionics generation, the AIM system is set to take the business aviation industry by storm.

EASA certified the system for the following models of aircraft:

  • Falcon 50/50EX/2000 and 2000EX
  • Citation XLS+
  • Challenger 300/601/604 and 605
  • Gulfstream G150
  • Hawker 750/800XP/850XP and 900XP
  • King Air 200GT and 350
  • Piaggio P-180 Avanti II
  • Beechjet 400A Pro Line 21 Upgrade

Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager of flight controls, information systems and commercial systems for Rockwell Collins said, “This is the first round of AIM certification in Europe. In addition to Europe, we are planning certifications in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.”

 

Border Control Agreement Signed by Denmark

September 3, 2014
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Border Control Solutions ProvidersIt has been announced that a four-year agreement has been signed by the Danish Government for the implementation of biometric-based border control solutions, encompassing enrolment and automated border control.

The contract has been awarded to the consortium of Biometric Solutions and Vision-Box, who will deliver the equipment and related services to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an aim to improve processes related to the electronic identity of citizens.

Using biographic and biometric enrolment, via advanced Identity Management solutions, the information collected will consist of facial recognition and fingerprint biometric data in addition to digital signatures. This will provide enhanced security checks for citizens and foreign visitors and can be used for visa applications, resident permits and passport applications.

“We look forward to working with the Danish Government, and our partner Biometric Solutions, to provide the best citizen experience ever. For that, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art technology, designed to offer more efficient and convenient services related to electronic Identity,” says Jean-François Lennon, director of Global Business Development, Sales & Marketing at Vision-Box.

Alex Ramskov Johannsen, CEO of Biometric Solutions says: “We are very happy that our collaboration with Vision-Box will help government institutions raise their service level for citizens around the world, while at the same time strengthening the security measures protecting citizens’ personal data.”

Across the globe, border control solutions are being utilised with advanced technology that ensures enhanced security in a bid to reduce immigration problems and monitor high risk individuals.