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In-flight Connectivity Reseller Deal for Inmarsat and Rockwell Collins

September 11, 2014
Business Aviation News
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The Face of In-Flight Connectivity to Change with Rockwell Collins & InmarsatIt has been announced that Inmarsat, British global satellite communications providers and aviation giant Rockwell Collins have signed a deal that could change the face of in-flight connectivity, as Rockwell Collins will be a value added reseller for the commercial air transport market sector.

GX Aviation is the latest generation of Inmarsat services and will provide connection speeds of up to 50Mbps on a global scale. Scheduled for release to the commercial air transport sector in the first half of 2015, GX Aviation will offer airlines the opportunity to deliver value added services to passengers that promises connectivity such as that found on the ground.

“By combining GX with our current L-Band services, we’ll also be able to provide our airline customers with a complete portfolio of connectivity options for a full range of applications from the cockpit to the cabin,” Jeff Standerski, Rockwell Collins’ senior vice president of information management services said, adding that new possibilities could be brought for their ARINC Cabin Connect suite.

GX Aviation will enable faster speeds and expandable bandwidth for in-flight entertainment, including real-time TV and video, web browsing and to accommodate future devices and applications.

The deal is a key building block for Inmarsat in their mission to deliver high-speed connectivity for passengers and for the flight deck.

Inmarsat president of aviation, Leo Mondale said, “Rockwell Collins is a key partner for the full portfolio of existing Inmarsat Aviation services, and will be one of the first to bring the new, exciting GX Aviation service to its large airline customer base. We have built the very best team of aviation companies to ensure airlines have excellent access to GX Aviation. Our Ka-band solution enables us to meet the rapidly growing demand for passenger connectivity”

Textron Aviation CEO ‘Upbeat’ About Business

September 10, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Scott Ernest, CEO of Textron Aviation, who acquired Beechcraft earlier this year, told the WIBA gathering in Wichita last week that he was upbeat about the current state of the business.

“This is by far the best it’s felt in three years,” said Ernest, “I feel pretty good about how we’re progressing.” Continuing, he spoke about the merger of Beechcraft into the company and its Cessna business, “We’re pretty much done,” he said. “It’s amazing how quickly it’s been able to come together.”

He described how the merger of the businesses has not been difficult, citing one of the possibilities that many of the employees had worked at one or other of the companies at some point in their careers.

Mr Ernest is clearly proud of the company achievements and said, “It’s really a great opportunity to lead a company like this.” In particular, he noted that the Beechcraft acquisition gave Textron the special mission aircraft – King Air turboprops that can be utilised as air ambulance and surveillance aircraft both in the US and overseas.

Also discussed was the launch of the Scorpion tactical jet, which made an appearance at the Farnborough Airshow after a transatlantic flight earlier this year. The Scorpion is expected to be ordered by foreign countries first, with lower operating costs than those of its counterparts.

Aircell Business Aviation Services Rebranding

September 2, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Leading Providers of Business Aviation ServicesIt has been announced that Aircell, Gogo Inc’s business aviation communications provider, has been rebranded to firmly define the company’s two divisions – commercial and business aviation – and will now be known as Gogo Business Aviation.

Business aviation service providers bring aircraft communications services to the business aviation sector exclusively. Many providers have two divisions, as the requirements differ hugely in each sector.

Aircell has been trading since 1991 and are well-known for in-flight connectivity and Wi-Fi solutions using satellite network availability.

“Gogo’s mission is to advance aviation by connecting every aircraft with the most trusted communications services on and above our planet. Having our commercial and business aviation divisions share a brand will make more people aware of the full breadth of our business,” said Gogo’s president and CEO, Michael Small. “The rebranding will also help travellers recognize their favourite Gogo services, whether they’re aboard an airline, corporate, fractional or charter aircraft – anywhere in the world”.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Gogo Business Aviation as the next evolution of our brand,” said Gogo Business Aviation’s executive vice president and general manager, John Wade. “The past five years has seen a remarkable menu of in-flight capabilities emerge for business aircraft operators, including Internet, e-mail, voice, texting, personal smartphone usage, movies, TV episodes, news, weather, cockpit data and more. And at the same time, the onboard equipment has become orders-of-magnitude smaller, lighter and more affordable. These truly are exciting times.”

The rebranded division will also be relocating its headquarters to larger premises a short distance away to fully appreciate the focus of its market, while continuing to share expertise and technology, in addition to the brand name.

The Top Three Most Popular Business Jets

August 18, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Bombardier Business JetBusiness jets contribute $150 billion to the U.S. economy and are much less of a ‘frippery’ than once thought. More than 1.2 million people are employed within the sector and although there has been an overall decrease in the industry over the past year, there are many that speculate that the business aviation sector is on the increase across the globe. Many countries outside the U.S. are experiencing high economic growth and the number of wealthy individuals are on the up – let’s take a look at the top three business jets in the sector to see what they will be buying…

Top of the pile is Bombardier, who delivered 180 business jets in 2013. Not the best year, but with 62 of those deliveries being Global 5000 and 600, large business jets with 5,200 nm and 6,000 mn range respectively, these are big players at a cool approximate price of $48 – $60 million.

In second place comes Gulfstream, subsidiary of General Dynamics Group. It was a great financial year for them with 144 business jet deliveries in 2013, making it their best year on record. The Gulfstream 450 jet has a capacity for 16 passengers and has a range of 4,350 nm. The 550 can carry up to 18 passengers and has a range of 6,750 nm and the Gulfstream 650 jets also carry up to 18 people, but have a range of 7,000 nm. The popularity of longer-range jets has been noticeable in recent times. Prices range from $38.9 to $65 million.

Coming in a close third is the famous Cessna manufacturer with 139 deliveries last year. Not a bumper year for them, but not a bad score for the shorter-range family of Citation business jets.

Business Aviation Growth in Latin America and Caribbean

August 13, 2014
Business Aviation News
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business aviation growth 13-08According to recent data, the region encompassing Latin America and the Caribbean is home to 2457 jet aircraft and 2588 turboprops, which represents almost 15% of the world’s fixed wing business turbine fleet. Mexico, with 851 and Brazil, with 824 business jets have the second and third-largest business jet fleets after the U.S. who carry a fleet of almost 12,000 altogether.

“The LAC business jet fleet growth and LAC GDP growth have been essentially expanding in tandem over the last 10 years, averaging about a 3.9-percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR)–faster than North America,” said Rolland Vincent Associates president Rolland Vincent. “The 50/50 balance between business jets and turboprops in the LAC fleet is in contrast to the worldwide jet/turboprop mix outside the region, which favors business jets by 1.5:1.”

According to Vincent, the LAC region has the highest concentration of business jets – 4.52 per 1000 High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), amounting to more than three times the world average of 1.44 and ahead of the U.S. at 2.87, making the LAC region ripe for business growth and an ‘attractive’ step-up market for the larger corporate jet manufacturer.

This is because, he said, that the average business jet fleet age is approximately 19 years old and 54% of the fleet is in the light jet aircraft segment. The growing number of HNWI’s in the region shows positivity in terms of the potential sales over the next 5 years as the world average age of corporate aircraft is around 16 years old.

Brazil’s business aircraft fleet expansion has been helped by the rising prominence of ‘homegrown’ Embraer, Vincent said. “The fastest-growing OEM, Embraer has established a particularly strong base and loyal following amongst LAC aircraft owners and operators, growing its fleet by 16.5-percent CAGR worldwide since 2008, and capturing more than 7-percent share of the LAC business jet fleet as of mid‐2014.”

Despite Difficult Times, Business Aviation in Brazil Remains Optimistic

August 12, 2014
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Brazil Business Aviation ConferenceThe LABACE show opened today in Brazil with a feeling of optimism despite signs of a difficult year. However cautious, Eduardo Marson, president of industry group ABAG announced that ‘the market grew by 5-6%, as it has for the last decade’.

Operators were placed under pressure during the World Cup earlier this year and restrictions were tight, particularly regarding parking throughout the tournament.

Many issues facing the industry will be topics of discussion at the LABACE show, held at Sao Paulo’s Congonhas Airport. It appears that a continued lack of airports investments will be a key issue, according to a statement given to press by director general of ABAG, Ricardo Nogueira. Manufacturers, operators, customers and support providers will come together at the show to air recent difficulties and discuss possible improvements in addition to the state of the industry.

“We’ve seen little effort to handle more aircraft, only to handle more passengers,” Mr Nogueira said. “There’s been a focus on terminals, and not on airports. There has been nothing relevant to improve capacity for air traffic, only localized, uncoordinated and temporary actions.”

The show exhibitor numbers are up 2% and as a result, the exhibition area has been increased by 10%, with a greater number of larger aircraft on show. Visitor numbers are estimated to contain 32% upper management attendance and at least to match last years’ figures.

Signature Flight Support Adds Scottsdale AirCenter to Its Global Portfolio

August 6, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Arizona Airport FBO, Scottsdale AirCenter’s aFlight Support & Business Aviation Services Providersssets have been acquired by Signature Flight Support, it was announced today. The 16th largest business aviation airport in the U.S. and a dedicated general aviation airport serving the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, Scottsdale AirCenter is one of only two FBOs on the field. Signature Flight Support is the world’s largest fixed-base operation and distribution network for business aviation services and is a division of BBA Aviation PLC.

Services include fuelling, hangar and office rentals, ground handling, maintenance and an extensive range of passenger and crew facilities.

Business aviation services and flight support services providers across the world ensure the smooth running of operations within airports. Many providers also offer flight planning and communications solutions for the flight deck and for airport operational productivity, largely running ‘behind the scenes’ of operators.

Scottsdale AirCenter is housed in a modern facility with 145,000 square feet of hangar space for large cabin business aircraft and 12,000 square feet of terminal space. Additionally, the centre has concierge services, passenger lounge, pilot and crew lounge and gift shop with an extra 32,000 square feet of shop and office space.

Maria Sastre, President and Chief Operating Officer for Signature Flight Support commented on the acquisition, “Scottsdale AirCenter represents an important addition to our world-class FBO locations in our global network. Their reputation for exceptional customer service was one of many attributes Signature considered in making this acquisition. Scottsdale AirCenter is a fantastic facility in a key market for Signature. We welcome the staff and customers of Scottsdale AirCenter to the Signature family.”

 

 

TSA Award Passenger Screening Contract for U.S. Airports

August 5, 2014
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Electronic Borders Technology for Effective Passenger Screening

A Credential Authentication system is to be installed at major U.S. airports for screening passenger information in place of visual inspection. The seven-year, $85 million contract has been awarded by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and will read multiple security features contained within passenger identification documents to ensure that it is genuine.

MorphoTrust is a provider of identity solutions and will undertake the contract for the TSA. “MorphoTrust E-CAT is the culmination of many years of work to address airport security requirements following the 9/11 tragedy, while simplifying travel for American citizens,” MorphoTrust CEO Bob Eckel said. “It is also just the beginning of our vision for what’s possible in air travel, creating a future in which passengers can move easily and securely from the curb to the gate without boarding passes or security lines.”

The electronic security industry is helping to secure borders across the world with the latest technology. EBorders solutions are helping to take security to another level with solutions for passenger processing and screening, the secure and reliable transfer of Advance Passenger Information, biometric security and bioterrorism detection systems.

Duncan Aviation Break Milestone 500 In-flight Broadband Systems

August 4, 2014
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Business Aircraft Broadband ProvidersEchoing an industry-wide sentiment, Mike Minchow, Completions and Modifications Manager for Duncan Aviation said, “There is strong market demand for products that increase the productivity of business aircraft. Wireless internet certainly filled a need for business aviation, and Aircell has been a leader in that market. On-board Wi-Fi has completely transformed the travel experience, allowing operators to be much more efficient in the air and allowing for a true office-in-the-sky experience. Combining the benefits of our Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) and multiple locations, we’re able to offer owners a great deal of flexibility as well as the confidence that their aircraft is in the care of the most experienced technicians in the industry and a company known for its service and support”.

He spoke after Duncan Aviation reached a milestone 500 installations of in-flight broadband solutions, such as SwiftBroadband and Aircell GoGo Biz.

Business aviation passengers rate amongst the highest in terms of demand for in-flight broadband solutions, requiring seamless connections over long-range flights. The office-in-the-sky advantages for travellers needs include email, video conferencing, phone calls and fax operation, to name but a few. Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Iridium solutions, such as those provided by ARINC Direct, can mean that there is no loss of signal, even when flying over vast oceanic expanses or Polar Regions.

iPad App for Paperless Cockpit Improved for iOS 7

August 1, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Business Aviation iPad App ProvidersBusiness aviation is taking even bigger steps towards a paperless cockpit environment with the introduction of iPad technology, with applications such as flight planning and information sharing capabilities. The weight reduction helps with fuel consumption and the streamlined operational benefits are almost limitless.

Jeppesen have recently upgraded their Mobile FliteDeck application in a bit to increase situational awareness and further simplify procedures for pilots with enhancements optimised for iOS 7, giving pilots and flight crew greater sharing options.

“The user-focused design of Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck allows us to integrate key features and functions to improve workflow capabilities and access to critical information, based on individual pilot preferences,” said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management. “Shared data between devices and improved enroute and weather data interaction increases situational awareness to improve the overall flying experience.”

Giving pilots the ability to access, file and make amendments to flight plans is also a big plus, particularly as part of the CDM initiative. Automation of routine tasks on the flight deck gives pilots greater situational awareness and enhances flight safety aspects.