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As Market for In-flight Wifi Grows, the Debate Continues

April 10, 2013
Business Aviation News
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The in-flight wifi debate continued last week as service providers all have a different approach to bandwidth.

Bill Sullivan, Director for Strategy and Business Development at ViaSat, commented, “People value speed, whether at home or in mobile environment. We have built a system around a very high speed experience. So we are taking that and bringing it into the airline sector.”

However, not everyone agrees that speed is the answer, especially when in-flight wifi provision is so expensive.  Row 44’s John Guidon argues,

“Just talking about speed is not satisfactory. It doesn’t explain the totality of the experience,” adding, “Really people are most interested in, in my opinion, page load time.”

There is no doubt that connectivity for in-flight wifi is in demand.  It is not a question of whether aircraft need it; it is now an account of which service to choose.  Ka-band wifi will provide speeds of at least 12Mbps per passenger, with even faster speeds being achieved with Ku-band or satellite in-flight wifi operations.

Most airlines recognise passengers’ growing demands for in-flight wifi and with the buzz created by the different broadband connectivity providers, the market is exploding.

WSI Follow ARINC with the Development of New iPad App

April 8, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Following the success of ARINC’s development and introduction of their ground-breaking flight planning app for the iPad, yet another contender enter into the marketplace.  WSI are the latest company to launch a weather and flight planning app.

Named WSI Pilotbrief, the General Aviation and Flight Planning app is iPad specific and is set for launch at the Sun N Fun annual event in Florida this year.

ARINC developed their industry-leading iPad application for ARINC Direct after figures showed that more than half of their business jet aviators were accessing their accounts using the tablet device.

A valuable tool, the app integrates into the flight planning process, assisting pilots and increasing efficiency for effective, real-time operations.  Using the flight planning app, pilots are able to access up-to-the-minute weather data and geographical information, in addition to fuel burn data, ETA and flight tracking with sharing capabilities via iCloud networks and Bluetooth connections.

Pilots Asleep in the Cockpit Over London

April 7, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Pilots Asleep in the Cockpit Over LondonShould the public be concerned about the occurrence of Pilots falling asleep ‘at the wheel’?

Not according the the CAA, who say, “The evidence the CAA has is that the fatigue of crew is not a significant safety concern.”

This follows the release of data after a request to the CAA for ‘Freedom of Information’ revealed that pilots had dozed off during flights over London in June 2010 and June 2011, one having to be shaken awake after a colleague was locked out of the cockpit.

Pilots blame long hours and fatigue caused by unrealistic rostering, which is set to grow worse if the proposed change in European law is passed, expecting them to work extra hours and extend overnight flying.

Dr Hunter, head of flight safety at Balpa said, “A pilot falls asleep on the flight deck on a UK-registered airplane at least once in every 24 hours – and probably a lot more than that.”

This alarming statement is not backed up by figures, but with a two year prison sentence attached to falling asleep in the cockpit, Dr Hunter estimated that pilots would rarely report themselves, as they would be “writing the evidence for their own prosecution”.

WINGX Reports Fall in Business Aviation Figures

April 4, 2013
Business Aviation News
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It was recently reported in the latest release of the Wingx Business Aviation Monitor that business aircraft flight departures fell by 10% in Europe over the past year.  The figures reflect a major decrease over the year, mostly due to March 2012’s strong figures, as March 2013 showed 20% more activity than February 2013.

The Euro Zone financial crisis has been blamed for the major decrease, as there were increases in flights from the Middle East, BRIC countries and East and West Africa.

Christoph Kohler, Managing Director of WINGX Advance, said, “March analysis indicates a slump which was certainly precipitated by further Euro Zone tensions, especially affecting demand in Germany. The overall picture is gloomy, but there is growth, in selective aircraft types and on specific routes.”

Growth was recorded, however, in the Russian Federation, Norway, Turkey and the Ukraine with a couple of activity spikes in Malta and Cyprus.  The relatively small business aviation market associated with Ireland also saw an increase.

Piston activity was badly hit, being 27% down over the year, business aviation charter activity coming down by 6% compared to March 2012.

This comes as business aviation services become more affordable to the sector and surprisingly the largest drops were felt by smaller aircraft, such as Cessna, Beechcraft and Piper aircraft, while the industry experienced a rise in usage of Ultra-long range, Bizliner and Heavy Jets.

Korean Air to Boost Business Aviation

March 7, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Korean Air set up a dedicated charter team in 2007, now, having 3 VIP aircraft in its fleet, it is planning to boost demand for its business jet service by focusing on the Hong Kong and Chinese markets.

The VIP aircraft consists of a Boeing Business Jet, a Bombardier Global Express XRS that it flies internationally, and a Sikorsky S-76C+ helicopter that it operates within South Korea. It is planned that passengers on Korean Air‘s private jet charter service will earn First Class mileage points and will have access to the airline’s VIP lounges.

The airline also has a Flexjet Connect Service, which allows passengers to connect from a regular Korean Air flight to a private jet service for non-stop travel throughout the USA. A spokeswoman from the airline said “With many opportunities from Hong Kong and China, Korean Air is keen to capture a share of the business jet market with a focus in Hong Kong,” “We look forward to flying people to different cities from Hong Kong to China as well as various destinations around the world. With state-of-the-art aircraft, unparalleled services and competitive offerings, Korean Air is confident of capturing a share of the market in Hong Kong and in other countries in the region.”

Please see this link for a full range of business jet support and communications services.

In Flight Broadband – Good or Bad?

February 26, 2013
Business Aviation News
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ARINC Cabin ConnectIn the news again and again are the developments for inflight broadband. Some passenger groups hail it as an essential, other just see it as a rip off. One news report this week suggested that supply outweighed demand – but no commercial airline or private jet wants to be left behind the times.

This week we heard that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order implementing Ku-band rules for the operation of satellite earth stations on aircraft enhancing competition and promote the widespread availability of Internet access to aircraft passengers – potentially starting the rise of low cost wifi on airplanes.

Providers to the aviation industry often differentiate their products by aircraft wifi for business aviation, and in flight wifi for commercial airlines.

Up until now, L-band licenses (1-2GHz) could be obtained from the FCC to offer connectivity to airborne aircraft over Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). The new rules will allow the FCC to process ESAA applications up to 50% faster and will speed the deployment of ubiquitous airborne broadband services, including Internet access.

Airlines Around the World Feeling The Squeeze

February 23, 2013
Business Aviation News
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This month we have heard another story of airline struggling to deal with costs. Chanchangi airline has said that high cost of aviation fuel in Nigeria is a huge setback for domestic airline operations.

Airlines now have to look at every aspect of their business in order to balance the books. There are lots of areas that you can make cut backs but using route optimisation as a part of flight planning is one, and getting a good deal on aviation messaging is another.

But even with these basics in place fuel remains crippling. Using a contract fuel supplier will help – but this year at the Avalon air show Australia showcased aviation biofuels as the roadmap for the future. More on that story later…

Australian aviation biofuels showcased at Avalon

Australian aviation biofuels showcased at Avalon – picture courtesy of ABC

Gulfstream G280 given Green Light from Europe

February 22, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Gulfstream

Gulfstream

European validation for the Gulfstream G280 business jet after Israel and the USA certificated the super-midsize aircraft. The G280 was introduced in 2008 as a replacement for the G200 is a 10-seat aircraft manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries in Tel Aviv and completed at Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah, USA. Gulfstream delivered 17 midsize-category jets – including the G280’s smaller stablemate the G150 – during 2012. This tally is expected to climb to 26 in 2013.

Mark Burns, Gulfstream president for product support said “The 250h internal testing programme – among the most extensive voluntary reliability programmes ever implemented by Gulfstream – incorporates pilot check rides, maintenance on auxiliary power units, engine run qualifications, technical operations, publications validations and basic servicing and handling at typical fixed-base operators.”

Gulfstream’s G280 business jet has recently set 15 new city-pair speed records as part of a company-driven programme to demonstrate the reliability of the super-midsize aircraft, the most significant from Aspen, Colorado, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and another from Honolulu to Savannah.

The G280 flew the 3,034km (1,640nm) from Aspen-Pitkin County airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport in 3h 21min, at an average speed of Mach 0.84. The G280 also achieved a flight of 7,630km from Honolulu to Savannah in 8h 19 min, at an average speed of Mach 0.80. Certificated by the US National Aeronautic Association and forwarded to the Switzerland-based Fédération Aéronautique Internationale for ratification as world records.

Operators required to retrofit aircraft with VDLM2/ATN capable avionics

February 18, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Critical Aviation Communications (CPDLC)

Critical Aviation Communications (CPDLC)

The European Commission (EC) has published a framework for the adoption of VDLM2 for CPDLC communications in the form of a Data Link Services Implementing Rule (DLS IR). By this time next year airline operators will be required to retrofit their aircraft with VDLM2/ATN capable avionics, in order to comply with the DLS IR.

The DLS IR legislature is already coming into play – as of 1 January 2011, all new aircraft operating above Flight Level (FL) 285 to be delivered with a compliant system and as of 7 February 2013 the ten core European Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) will need to have implemented a compliant CPDLC ground infrastructure.

Assistance with compliance is essential and ARINC is ne of the suppliers that have publicised details of how they can help your airline become compliant with the new legislation.

ARINC has taken an active role in supporting industry bodies, airframe and avionics manufacturers, ANSPs, and operators, in ensuring that the benefits of the new technology are maximised for the Air Transport Industry. In this context the role of ARINC will evolve from a traditional DataLink Service Provider to an industry partner with years of experience and a history of quality customer support. To see dedicated information regarding this service please see the ARINC CPDLC site.

AirClub the World’s first charter alliance

February 15, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Thought to be the first cooperation between business operators, 8 Europe major business air charter companies have joined together to form a strategic alliance under the name of AirClub.

Christian Hatje, svp business aviation of PrivatAir and chairman of AirClub, says: “History has been made. AirClub is the first ever alliance of business jet operators and will operate more than 100 business jets. We will combine the strength, purchasing power and expertise of some of Europe’s leading players within the industry to provide clients with premium service, top aircraft availability and flexibility as well as the highest possible standard of safety and comfort.

Founding members ACM Air Charter, Air Alsie, Air Hamburg, Corporatejets, FlyingGroup, GlobeAir, Masterjet and PrivatAir aim to offer their customers flexibility and increase customer service. Based in seven different countries, AirClub will gather resources and knowledge, providing a wider range of solutions and tailored approaches to customers’ needs.

“We will strive to launch our own AirClub online booking system, allowing customers to choose from a vast, diversified fleet located all over Europe, as well as a special member’s programme to complement the latter early next year. Booking a private jet through our online system will be as easy as renting a car.” Continued Hatie.

“GlobeAir is very proud to be a part of the first, and so far only, corporate jet alliance. We are always looking for ways to upgrade our customer service and partnering with other operators offers our customers the benefit of an extended fleet. Said Mauro de Rosa, chief marketing officer Europe at GlobeAir AG and deputy chairman of AirClub, “AirClub is an absolute milestone in today’s business aviation and we are convinced it will further enhance our standing as an industry.”