Archive

Tag Archives: flight deck communications

Mission Critical Messaging System Selected by JorAMCo

January 15, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Mission Critical Messaging System ProvidersJordan Aircraft Maintenance Ltd (JorAMCo) have selected AirVault to provide them with a web-based mission critical messaging service to assist with the management of aircraft maintenance records.

The Amman-based company have experienced steady growth and now need a more efficient messaging system to enhance their growth strategy.

Airline mission critical messaging requires not only efficiency, but reliability and security to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Aircraft maintenance requests and records must be delivered and received in a timely manner to reinforce the efficiency of the operator. Down-time spells financial losses and it is crucial that the entire process runs smoothly, quickly and reliably.

There are many providers of mission critical messaging solutions for aviation companies. Big organisations, such as ARINC, offer AviNet messaging solutions as a part of their integral and operational suite of products.

“We’re proud that JorAMCo chose AirVault as a mission-critical service to support the aircraft maintenance services it provides to its airline customers.  The adoption of AirVault technology by JorAMCo reinforces the value for the MROs of managing aircraft fleet maintenance records across their entire ecosystem of airline customers, business partners, and regulatory authorities,” said CEO of Critical Technologies, John Oldham, “The AirVault cloud-computing service provides the MRO a global conduit to better manage the bi-directional process of aircraft maintenance records files, in synchronization with their airline customers.”

New Technology Division for Aircraft Communications Launched by Rockwell Collins

January 7, 2014
Business Aviation News Introduction
Leave a comment

Inflight Aviation Communications Solutions for Business AviationRockwell Collins Inc. has opened a new technology division to further extend its reputation as a manufacturer of aircraft electronics after its $1.4 billion acquisition of ARINC Inc., its largest to date.

It is expected that ARINC’s long-standing, industry-leading aircraft communications experience will bring a strong foundation to the table.

Heading the division will be Jeff Standerski, bringing his 25-years of experience with Rockwell to bear on the development of an Information Management Services unit that, according to Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg, will offer “a network in the sky.”

The emergence of smart aircraft, such as Boeing Co. (BA)’s 787 Dreamliner and Airbus SAS’s A380 and A350 jets, has led to an increasing reliance on powerful on-board computers. Ortberg anticipates that Arinc Inc., founded in 1929 and with a long history of providing air-to-ground communications is ripe for further development.

ARINC’s current subscription services, covering everything from in-flight e-mail services to the provision of real-time weather and flight data to pilots via its Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System are reported to assist in over 100,000 flights each day. In combination with Rockwell’s computer architecture Ortberg envisions the creation of new air-to-ground links and other applications that will, ultimately, transform the aviation industry.

L2 Given Go-Ahead for CPDLC on 767

January 6, 2014
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Other Leading Datalink Communications ProvidersAvionics engineering company, L2 Consulting Services, Inc. (L2) recently announced it has received a Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of the International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) Iridium Communications System on 767 series aircraft.

A dedicated datalink channel will be able to support Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), Future Air Navigation System (FANs) messaging, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract (ADS-C) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC).

Having developed the integration engineering, produced the installation kits and project managed throughout, including the STC process, L2 will now be allowed to install comprehensive communications systems via ICG NxtLink Series ICS-120A and ICS-220A line replaceable units.

Michael Eiras, Senior Director of L2 Technical Services welcomed the Iridium Communications System STC on the 767 aircraft saying it would ‘complement the companies current portfolio of SATCOM installations on the 737, 747, 757 and 777 aircraft.’

Airfone Shutdown Planned for End of This Year will Affect Business Aviation Communications

December 5, 2013
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Business Aviation Communications Satellite ServicesThe scheduled shutdown of Aircell’s Airfone service will spell the end of business aviation’s use of Magnastar systems, but there are a number of roads that can be taken before deactivation takes place.

Although Airfone’s air-to-ground communications network will be over, Aircell is still offering discounts on many alternatives such as;

  • ATG2000
  • ATG4000
  • ATG5000 Gogo Biz

These systems will require upgrades to deliver Smartphone-based services to the tune of around $10,000.

If users have a satcom system, they will be able to continue using MagnaStar, with Teledyne Controls continuing to support MagnaStar as well.

Other business aviation communications companies, such as ExecJet Mobile and ARINC Direct can furnish aircraft with portable Iridium satellite communications equipment and software that can be used for essential flight deck comms, passenger communications and cabin services.

Costs for installations of these systems and software will be higher if the aircraft has no current Iridium transceiver in place.

The new ARINC Xplore device is due to be launched in spring 2014, but ExecJet BizJet mobile systems are available now. High numbers of aircraft operators are hurrying to replace equipment at hugely discounted prices as the shutdown becomes imminent.

New Air Reconnaissance Unit Deployed

November 30, 2013
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Solutions ProvidersThe P-8A Poseidon aircraft is being used for the first time this week for air reconnaissance as it takes off from Naval Air Station, Jacksonville.

Squadron members have been preparing for the past year for their maiden voyage with the P-8A into active duty.

Communications systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions need to provide seamless reliability for mission-critical transmissions.

Satellite network communications, such as Inmarsat SwiftBroadband provide the ideal platform for military and government users, able to deliver simultaneous voice and data communications with optional guaranteed bandwidth for important mission-critical high-traffic services.

The high speed wireless IP data and circuit-switched networks offer streaming data rates of 256kbps with shared capacity IP data rates of up to 432kbps.

 

New Electronic Flight Bag Service Contract Agreed with Jeppesen and MNG Airlines

November 22, 2013
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Electronic Flight Bag to Reduce Weight & Improve OperationsTurkish MNG Airlines have signed a 5-year contract with Jeppesen, part of Boeing Digital Aviation, for an electronic flight bag service with iPad integration as a part of an initiative to the paper-free cockpit.

Electronic flight bag solutions enhance operational productivity with the reduction of pilot workload and paperwork and the efficiency of having essential in-flight information at the touch of a button, or at the touch of a finger with the iPad applications.

The fuel consumption aspects of flight operations can also be improved through weight reduction.

Jeppesen will deliver the flight data to airline iPads via their web-based distribution manager (JDMPro), which will ensure fast and reliable delivery of navigational and operational data, while maintaining a secure network.

Other electronic flight bag services providers, such as ARINC, bring additional services to the table with in-flight solutions for cabin services, flight planning and flight support services for an end-to-end experience.

Blogging from Space in-Flight Internet – Testing of Earth-to-Space Communications

November 12, 2013
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Blogging from Space with in-flight internetWe have all heard of in-flight internet and many of us may have used it during long-haul flights.  In-flight internet providers are constantly striving for faster, cheaper and more accessible features for passengers.  But what about in-flight internet from space?

In-Flight Internet from Space may be here sooner than you think, as SatWest Communications prepare to test a temporary wi-fi hotspot in space on board a rocket.

“It’s our first test of the technology in space,” said Brian Barnett owner of SatWest, “We use the technology on the ground, and in airplanes already, and this will be the first test in space.”

Internet in Space will require an infrastructure to send messages and Mr Barnett is aware of the private sector demand for such technology, as well as Universities across the world.

The rocket will have aboard a satellite phone and an email device.  After launch in New Mexico, there will be a series of messages sent from high school students in Albuquerque – famous lines and quotes from space movies, to be exact.

Once receive by a Phoenix ground station, the messages will be relayed to the closest Iridium satellite to the rocket, which will be travelling at a maximum altitude of 112 kilometers, just past the edge of space.

Currently the International Space Station does have the facility to transmit messages to the ground via NASA systems and although in the experimental stages, the SatWest technology aims for a cheaper and simpler option with the permanent installation of wi-fi.

 

ARINC AviNet Mail and ACARS Solution Chosen by Bingo Airways

November 8, 2013
Business Aviation News
1 Comment

Bingo Airways Select ARINC Data Communications SolutionsBingo Airways, Polish charter airline has announced that it has selected ARINC’s AviNet Mail solution for mission-critical transmissions and GLOBALink ACARS solution for instant air-to-ground and ground-to-air data communications.

Bingo will use these industry-leading products for reliability, cost-effective messaging solutions and increased operational efficiency.

“Bingo chose ARINC because of our high quality European VHF and Global HF datalink services,” said Alexis Hickox, Senior Director, Aviation Solutions. “Our customers are telling us that the combination of superior products, low cost and outstanding service makes ARINC’s solution for airlines the best in the industry. We are excited to be working with Bingo Airways.”

The ARINC AviNet Mail brings operators efficient Type B, SMS and email messaging opportunities for business-to-business operations, such as maintenance, parts orders and ground-based supply staff.

ARINC’s combined solutions will give increased and enhanced flight safety insights to Bingo, which was their top priority.

Best Practices in Russian Aviation Fuel at IATA Forum

November 1, 2013
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

Russian Aviation EmergenceGazpromneft-Aero, leading provider of Russian aviation fuel solutions will showcase their best practices with regard to international aviation fuel supply standards at the Aviation Fuel Forum of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in the US.

The company, who has worked with IATA for the past five years, will also receive an IATA award in light of the cooperative relationship they share.

Gazpromneft-Aero have revolutionised the russian aviation fuel infrastructure with significant investment in that area and the construction of new refuelling complexes, seven of which have earned IATA’s highest quality fuel-supply status and safety standards.

The company, in partnership with IATA runs International training programs held in Novosibirsk, the only programs of its kind in Eastern Europe for airline, aviation fuel suppliers, oil companies and refuelling complexes.

There are many International companies showing support for the emerging Russian aviation market, ARINC Direct, industry-leading business aviation specialists have a Russian language site for the provision of business aviation services including passenger communications, flight support services and essential flight deck communications solutions.

NextGen FANS Component Updates in EBook

November 1, 2013
Business Aviation News
Leave a comment

FANS Component UpdatesThe Future Air Navigation System or FANS component updates for the FAA’s NextGen air traffic control modernisation plans have been released in an instructional eBook by Duncan Aviation.

The company released the updates at the NBAA Convention and compiled the information to include an explanation of the FANS Component 1/A, what equipment will be needed to upgrade, how it works, all the regulatory information and what the benefits will be of the enhanced communications systems for CPDLC and ATS services.

Justin Vena, a Duncan Aviation avionics installations sales representative said, “Although there are no easy answers in the retrofit market, our ‘Straight Talk About FANS’ is meant to clarify the FANS protocol and how the mandates affect communications systems in various aircraft.”

An instructional information ‘class’ was held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, to explain CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications) and ADS-C (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract), including component bases, set-up and ATC hand-off.  In addition, the session also addressed the NextGen FANS component updates for the mandatory introduction in Europe and the North Atlantic tracks.