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Aircraft Tracking via Satellite with ESA Iris Program

December 12, 2014
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Providers of Aircraft Tracking Services for Business AviationThe European Space Agency (ESA) have outlined the Iris program this week in a collaboration with the Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) program, with a view to increasing the efficiency of global aircraft tracking through a satellite-based communications system.

Making improvements to future Air Traffic Management techniques is a key part of the initiative and Iris will potentially leverage a satellite-based system with current VHF ground-based communications systems that may bear the weight of overcrowded airwaves in the near future. It is planned that data link channels and ATM operations will become accessible and give new opportunities for aircraft tracking in a four-dimensional capacity – latitude, longitude, altitude and time. The system is known as 4-D trajectory management and it is hoped that it will be fully accessible by 2018.

In spite of various delays with upgrades to aircraft, the Iris program is designed to dramatically improve communications and bring the increased efficiency to operational productivity that has been sought by airlines, ATM and operators for more than 20 years.

Aircraft tracking via satellite communications will work in real time and use aircraft positioning reports, in addition to the complement of voice communications. Both continental and oceanic airspaces will be reliably covered to give truly global, uninterrupted coverage.

Business aviation enjoys the reliability of real-time aircraft tracking with providers delivering a satellite communications service over a robust system architecture, such as the Rockwell Collins’ ARINCDirect service, which provides seamless coverage via Inmarsat SwiftBroadband and Swift64 in conjunction with Iridium satellite communications. Real-time flight tracking is a sought-after service that is growing in demand, particularly since the disappearance of flight MH370 earlier this year.

As air traffic grows, demand upon the airways increases and the latest technological developments are needed to ensure utmost safety and reliability for all aircraft, both commercial and private.

Inmarsat and Alcatel Partner to Deliver European SATCOM Service

December 9, 2014
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Inmarsat Partner with Alcatel for SATCOM ServicesThe development of a high-speed ‘hybrid’ air-to-ground SATCOM service is being discussed in a new partnership agreement between Alcatel-Lucent and British satellite communications company, Inmarsat this week. The ATG SATCOM service will provide a new telecom network for commercial and business aviation operators throughout Europe and promises to deliver speeds of up to 75 Mbps.

Combining Alcatel’s 4G LTE S-band technology with Inmarsat’s Europasat will offer a new broadband service ‘Europe-wide’. The partnership are collaborating on the ground network and have submitted applications for licenses in all EU member states, 23 of which have already been authorised according to Inmarsat. As yet, no customers or hardware partners have been formally named, but the companies revealed that they are in ongoing discussions.

Leo Mondale, Inmarsat president, said, “These enhanced capabilities across Europe will be offered alongside Inmarsat’s GX aviation services, extending Inmarsat’s broadband service coverage for aviation passengers seamlessly.”

Commercial introduction is expected towards the end of 2016, although field trials have already been conducted of the Alcatel-Lucent system back in 2011.

JetWave SATCOM on Airbus and Boeing Jets to Get Retrofitted by GDC

December 7, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Providers of Passenger Communications for Business AircraftHoneywell’s JetWave SATCOM systems will be fitted by GDC Technics in an agreement signed in Dubai last weekend for in-service Boeing and Airbus business and commercial aircraft. The system, JetWave, will be available during 2015 and supports the Inmarsat JetConnex (JX) WiFi service, promising to deliver consistent, high-speed inflight connectivity for business aircraft all over the globe.

GDC, Texan-based provider, will develop the STCs for the aircraft, including the Boeing range of business jets and Airbus corporate jets, which will enable the retrofit process to commence. The STCs will also be marketed to other completion centres and will encompass the following aircraft:

  • Airbus A319
  • Airbus A330
  • Airbus A340
  • Boeing 737
  • Boeing 747
  • Boeing 777
  • Boeing 787

Mike Beazley, vice-president of Aftermarket Sales for Business & General Aviation at Honeywell said, “Through this agreement with GDC Technics, Boeing and Airbus operators will soon be able to easily upgrade their aircraft with one of the most advanced and capable in-flight connectivity systems on the market. JetConnex will bring high speed, consistent global in-flight internet connectivity via WiFi to the cockpit and cabin and we expect to see significant demand for the technology, particularly for long haul commercial and business planes flying out of the Middle East.”

The partnership agreement the system will be focussed upon the Ka- and Ku-band, bringing greater bandwidth with Inmarsat SwiftBroadband for flight deck communications requirements.

Mohammed Alzeer, general partner of GDC Technics said, “High speed, consistent in-flight WiFi over land and sea is a technology game-changer for the industry. Through this agreement with Honeywell, bizliners and commercial air transport aircraft around the world will soon be able to access Inmarsat’s JX service.” Continuing, he echoed a sentiment that is widespread in the aviation industry, particularly in the business jet sector, “In today’s always-on society the ability to stay connected while in the air is fast becoming an expectation rather than a nice-to-have, making the JetWave hardware from Honeywell and JX service from Inmarsat an important differentiator for operators.”

Expectation is increasing noticeably in the business jet industry, as more and more executive travellers need the benefits of an ‘office-in-the-sky’ environment.

Emteq and Haeco Partnership for Cabin Services

December 7, 2014
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Worldwide Cabin Services ProvidersIt was announced at MEBA this month that Emteq, U.S. aviation products providers and China-based Haeco Private Jet Solutions have partnered to allow Haeco to deliver Emteq’s eConnect portfolio of IFE, Cabin Services and connectivity package, who will integrate the systems for cabin completion and refurbishment clients.

Haeco claim that the first Boeing business jet based in Asia has contracted them to engineer and integrate an eConnect Router and wireless IFE system. The install project will integrate with the existing cabin services package as an add-on, effectively upgrading the system and providing a cost-effective solution.

As passenger demands grow for greater bandwidth and seamless on-board connectivity, more and more providers of Cabin Services find themselves continually pushing the envelope with the latest technology at the most competitive prices.

Personal devices play an important role within the Cabin Services industry today as satellite communications technology delivers the reliability that is required on board the modern business jet.

AVIATOR SwiftBroadband SATCOM for Hawaiian Airlines

October 13, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Global SwiftBroadband Providers for Flight Deck CommunicationsL2 Consulting Services, avionics engineering, integration and installation services providers, have announced a contract from Cobham SATCOM to develop the STC for AVIATOR SwiftBroadband installations for Hawaiian Airlines 767-300 series aircraft. The certification will apply for the use of ACARS Ground Gateways (AGGWs) for FANS and ACARS safety messages.

With the design phase already in action, prototype installations and certification is on track for the projected completion deadline during the first quarter of next year.

President of L2, Mark Lebovitz said, “This FANS 1 Controller Pilot Data Link Communication and Automatic Dependent Surveillance Contract to implement over SwiftBroadband Safety Services certification project is intended to support the FAA’s initiative to evaluate communication technologies that are expected to be viable in meeting the needs of the aviation community. We are delighted that Cobham SATCOM has entrusted our company with such a significant program to support FANS Evaluation flight trials towards meeting ICAO GOLD RCP240 requirements for support of 30/30 NM operations.”

AVIATOR SwiftBroadband is capable of delivering voice and data communications in addition to the provision of other critical services, such as aircraft tracking data, support for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and Ethernet connectivity for devices such as the Aircraft Interface Devices (AIDs).

Inmarsat Respond to SATCOM Security Concerns

October 3, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Aircraft SATCOM Security ConcernsBritish satellite company, Inmarsat, have responded to SATCOM security concerns raised by cyber security expert, Ruben Santamara, principal security consultant from IOActive Security Services at the Black Hat conference last month, following the publication of a security vulnerabilities white paper.

Santamara explained that some SATCOM systems have vulnerabilities that could allow hackers access to aircraft systems and backed up his claims with proof of how he was able to gain access to Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband SATCOMS through ‘backdoors’. “If we can compromise the SDU,” he said, “we can access the MCDU through the Arinc 429 bus. We can finally reach a critical device in the cockpit.”

Ken Bantoft, vice-president of SATCOM technology and development at SATCOM Direct, argued that the 429 bus has read-only access to the bus, delivering position reporting data and said “You cannot inject data. Transmit and receive are on independent buses. At worst you know where you are.”

Inmarsat emailed their response in terms of SATCOM systems connections and said, “This is really a question that should be directed to the airframe manufacturers. Cyber security on the internal aircraft and network buses is something that airframe manufacturers take very seriously. They have their own stringent cyber-security requirements so that the bus design and avionics connected are implemented in such a way that makes the breaches like the one outlined by IOActive an impossibility.”

Rockwell Collins, who recently signed an agreement with Inmarsat as a value-added reseller of systems said, “Today’s certified avionics systems are designed and built with very high levels of redundancy and security. Simulating these conditions in a lab or virtual environment is not analogous to certified aircraft and systems operating in regulated airspace. The security of these systems is a top priority that we are addressing through collaboration with industry regulators, customers and suppliers. In addition to meeting today’s security needs, we have ongoing research in enhanced security features to respond to evolving security threats.”

In-flight Connectivity Reseller Deal for Inmarsat and Rockwell Collins

September 11, 2014
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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”

ACARS-Capable SwiftBroadband Safety Equipment Tested by Inmarsat

August 18, 2014
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Inmarsat SwiiftBroadband Connectivity Providers It has been announced that Inmarsat, the British satellite company, is testing its ACARS-capable SwiftBroadband safety equipment on an Airbus A319. SwiftBroadband Safety is for the fast, reliable and efficient delivery of ACARS messaging over the SwiftBroadband link and also supports flight deck voice services and IP connectivity to the flight deck for mission-critical transmissions.

“This is the start of a revolution in communications for the flight deck. It shows the way forward for Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) for the nearly 10,000 aircraft currently relying on our Inmarsat Classic Aero services, which were launched over 20 years ago,” said Leo Mondale, Inmarsat’s President of Aviation. “SB Safety provides prioritised voice and ACARS/FANS data transmission when an aircraft is out of reach of land-based communications, which is indispensable for aircraft flying over oceans.”

Updates and other flight operations messaging can be enabled, such as inflight updates to the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and Flight Data Recorder equipment.

SwiftBroadband (SB) Safety can be operated on all types of aircraft, from large passenger aircraft to business jets and is expected to achieve certification during early 2016.

“A key point is that SB Safety provides a prioritised IP data pipe for the cockpit, for both security and continuity of service” Mondale added. “This is particularly important for airlines that use SwiftBroadband for both safety services and cabin connectivity.”

Cabin Services to be Outsourced by Finnair

July 8, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Cabin Services ProvidersTo help reduce operational costs, Finland airline, Finnair has announced its decision to outsource cabin services for 20 long and short-haul flights over the next two years. It is not yet clear about the related impact this will have upon current personnel.

This is not breaking news, as Finnair have been finalising cost-saving measures since March, particularly in the area of cabin services. Finnair has had a cost reduction program in place since 2011, aiming to reduce operational expenses by 18 million EUR. The options include personnel reductions including redundancy, temporary lay-off, hours reductions or a combination of all these options. The cabin services outsourcing plan will go ahead and will be trialled in order to determine the best course of action moving forward for the airline. Finnair will also examine the cost implications of setting up a subsidiary to take over the cabin services functions.

Ville Iho, Chief Operating Officer for Finnair made the following statement, “Finnair has once more met with representatives of the Finnish Cabin Crew Union (SLSY) in an effort to find a common cost reduction solution that would make it possible to avoid outsourcing. SLSY offered 2.9 million EUR in permanent, instant savings, as well as 4.8 million EUR savings that would be achieved within a 20-year time period. This is mainly the same as SLSY’s previous offer. In addition, as a new element, SLSY proposed approximately 4 million EUR temporary savings for a period of one year. In exchange, SLSY required two year protection against lay-offs. Unfortunately, this is too far from the savings that Finnair requires. We cannot continue with our current cost structure, which is why we need to make instant, permanent changes to it. We proposed a solution that would see 12 million EUR of the cost reductions implemented immediately and the remaining 6 million EUR over a longer period of time. Even this compromise did not lead to an agreement.

He added that partnership negotiations for outsourcing are proceeding well, with potential partners in Finland, Europe and Asia. No rushed decisions will be made and careful negotiation and planning will be ensured.

Cabin Communications Training for Flight Crews

May 8, 2014
Business Aviation News
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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.