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Business Aviation Services Growth Takes Gogo to Larger Premises

February 3, 2014
Business Aviation News
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Other Providers of Business Aviation ServicesConsiderable growth in the business aviation services sector has been highlighted by the announcement that Gogo plans to relocate its business aviation division, Aircell, to a larger facility in Broomfield, CO, later this year.

Aircell provides business aviation services, including in-flight entertainment and connectivity to private jet aircraft. With almost 200 employees, and plans to create more jobs, the company expect further growth over the next few years and hope that the new facility, housing more than double the space that they currently occupy, will suit their future expansion needs.

The business aviation services sector has experienced a surge in recent times, largely due to the competitive demands of the modern executive traveller. It is expected to offer seamless connectivity during the entire flight and with aircraft covering greater distances, it has been necessary for business operators to step up to the challenges of continuous connectivity.

Business aviation services providers, such as ARINC Direct, bring seamless connectivity to their customers with a unique partnership of Inmarsat and Iridium satellite communications networks. This partnership offers truly global coverage, even when traversing oceanic expanses and Polar Regions.

As demands continue to grow, the business aviation services sector is expected to become more and more competitive and will give rise to further expansion as the year passes. There are no visible signs of business slowing, and as regulatory conditions continue to add to the pressure, it is set to be an interesting year for business aviation services.

In-flight Connectivity Takes to the Skies

January 11, 2014
Business Aviation News
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In-Flight Connectivity Solutions ProvidersOnly weeks after the U.S. lifted the ban on in-flight connectivity, Global Eagle Entertainment showcased their new satellite Internet system at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The company claims that their satellite connection provides a more reliable system than air-to-ground providers.

“The satellite is already there and it’s possible to have more bandwidth when needed,” said Simon McLellan, chief engineer for Row44, the technology division of California-based Global Eagle, continuing his explanation that a satellite connection, “allows you to expand the capacity when the demand grows.”

With the demand for passenger in-flight connectivity with mobiles and tablets, and with the limitations lifted, the sky is no longer the limit for aviation communications providers.

Global Eagle have already signed a deal with Southwest Airlines and are set to rival Gogo, who have announced modifications to their ground-based connections in order to provide a hybrid system that will utilise both land and satellite transmissions.

Installation and set up of the system will cost carriers in the region of $300,000 to $500,000 – a cost that will be recouped via passenger fees for the use of the in-flight connectivity services. Some carriers may offer a free connection to premium or first class passengers, but demand is so great for in-flight connectivity, that it will become a matter of competitive interest over the coming year.

Business aviation passengers travelling on private aircraft have enjoyed in-flight connectivity for some time, as expectations are high for these premium services when high-end executive travellers need to operated effectively in their airborne offices.

It is expected that many providers will follow the trend for in-flight connectivity, in spite of the mixed bag of opinions from some big airlines – we shall see!

 

Private Jet Purchases to Rise with Business Passenger Communications

January 10, 2014
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Passenger Communications Services for Business JetsExecutive jet travel is set to increase with between 6,500 – 10,000 private jets predicted to be purchased in the next 8 years. The reasons for its popularity are clear; speed and comfort will always appeal, but on-board communication systems on modern jets can offer a further inducement to business travellers – the ability to offer all the communications capabilities of the office.

Satcom1, an aeronautical satellite communication solutions provider has stated its commitment to extending these capabilities to helicopters in 2014. Not such an easy task, as CEO and Co-founder Karina Larsen explained. “The challenge has always been to manage the rotor wing, so we had to redesign the network in a way that it compensates for the fast interruptions.” The resulting improvements will impact helicopter travel in many ways, from providing the communications data necessary for a TV, to fulfilling the complex requirements of service craft.

As the private aviation industry grows, particularly in emerging markets, Larsen has stated Satcom1’s intention to further develop. With its current business in the Middle East steadily increasing the company is now looking to the potential offered by Asia and Brazil, the latter already being home to Embraer. Of the other BRIC nations, Larsen says that only Russia has the required infrastructure. However, there is certainly a demand for satellite communication technology in aviation and Larsen expects that Satcom1s’s ability to provide complete solutions will leave it well-placed to capitalise on every opportunity as new markets emerge.

New Technology Division for Aircraft Communications Launched by Rockwell Collins

January 7, 2014
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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.

Delta Airlines Say ‘No’ to In-Flight Voice Calls

December 18, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Cabin Services Solutions ProvidersAtlanta-based Delta Airlines have announced that they will not allow in-flight voice calls on their flights ahead of the impending final ‘vote’ by the FAA to lift the ban on cell phone usage.

In an internal memo, Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta said, ‘Last week the U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted to seek public comment in consideration of lifting its ban on in-flight cell phone use. Delta will not allow cellular calls or internet-based voice communications onboard Delta or Delta Connection flights.

Our customer research and direct feedback tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience. In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from – not enhance – their experience. Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favour of voice calls onboard.

Delta has moved quickly when technological and regulatory breakthroughs provide opportunities to make flying better for our customers. That is why we were the first to file our plan with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to allow customers to use portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet. Similarly, if the FCC lifts its ban on cellular use in flight, Delta will move quickly to enable customers to use text, email and other silent data transmission services gate to gate.’

Since no decision has yet been reached on the proposed lift, it is still unclear whether passengers may yet be chatting about their journeys using in-flight voice calls – certainly, Mr Anderson has made Delta’s position clear on the subject.

Today, however, there is an ever-growing demand for cell phone use in-flight. Business aviation in particular experience high levels of expectation from their executive passengers as they operate the office-in-the-sky.

Industry-leaders, such as ARINC, offer high-speed passenger connectivity for emails and broadband, as an understanding within the industry realises the need to enhance cabin services, therefore increasing competition and allowing airlines to stay ahead of the game.

Many critics say that there is no real need for in-flight voice calls, with the level of connectivity now available in the cabin. It remains to be seen whether the ban will be lifted and it seems that opinion is divided. Maybe we will see ‘voice-call-seats’ or areas of the plane that will be designated ‘non-voice-call’ to be booked in advance like the years-old ‘non-smoking’ seats – the jury is still out on this moot point.

Satcom Data Link Coverage Gives Aircraft VHF Communications

December 11, 2013
Business Aviation News
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SATCOM Data Link for Business AviationSatcom Direct, aviation providers of communications solutions has announced that its International office will now bring VHF coverage for aircraft satcom data link communications.

Using the new SITA VHF ground station, the company can offer enhanced flight deck communications with the joint effort from Satcom Direct and SITA.

“Installation of the VHF antenna and ground station is another way for us to continue to support our international customers, especially aircraft that are based at TAG Farnborough Airport,” said founder and owner of Satcom Direct, Jim Jensen. “Having both a VHF and a satellite component allows Satcom Direct to offer our customers a truly global network supporting all aircraft types equipped with a wide variety of avionics.”

Satcom data link allows pilots the flexibility and enhanced efficiency of sending and receiving data messages, allowing greater operational productivity whilst lightening the cockpit load for the flight crew. The improved reliability of satcom data link messaging is a big plus for aviation operators, with global connectivity becoming increasingly necessary in today’s skies.

Business aviation benefits reach into the cabin as the office in the sky is a prerequisite on most flights, either short or long-haul.

Providers of Satcom data link for business aviation, such as ARINC Direct, bring a seamless global connection with their unique partnership of Iridium and Inmarsat satellite networks and offer coverage in previously hard-to-reach areas, such as vast oceanic expanses and Polar Regions.

Voice and internet connections are crisp and reliable with satcom data link and over the VHF network have far-reaching capability, increased efficiency and ultimately help with cost effective operations, supporting a wide variety of avionics systems and web-based operational activity.

Indonesian Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport to Install New Baggage Handling System

November 21, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Baggage Handling Systems in AirportsA new self-bag drop baggage handling system is to be installed in the newly completed phase of the terminal 3 building of Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport in a project expected to be commenced early next year with a completion date of June 2015.

The new baggage handling system is a part of the remodelling of the airport terminal 3, which has shown major growth over the past 4 years since opening its doors on the first phase in 2009.  The airport, on the island of Java is the main airport serving the Jakarta area and had an original capacity over 3 terminals of 38-million passengers.  The busiest airport in the Southern Hemisphere, further growth is expected to surpass 2012’s figures of 57.8 million per year.

Vanderlande Industries is a part of the winning consortium for the project and will consist of 24 automated self bag drop points in the departures check-in area, 108 check-in positions over 12 rows, screening machines and automated transfer systems.  Phase two will see extra self-bag drop and early bag storage facilities.

The new baggage handling system at the airport will greatly enhance passenger processing and create a smoother experience for passengers as a result.

Self Bag Drop facilities in airports across the world give passengers greater control over their journey, reduces waiting times and generally improves operational productivity for the airport and ground handling staff.

Other baggage handling systems providers, such as ARINC, with their ExpressDrop Solution, bring vMUSE technology and common use terminal equipment to serve multiple airlines at one kiosk.

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

November 12, 2013
Business Aviation News
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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.

 

Airbus Cabin Services Communications Retrofit Approved for A380

November 12, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Airbus, Panasonic Avionics and Lufthansa Technik have joined forces in a retrofit operation to improve cabin services for all in-service A380s.  The agreement will bring broadband connectivity and mobile phone services to the aircraft.

David Bruner, vice president for global communications services at Panasonic Avionics said, “With this agreement we have made great progress with Lufthansa Technik towards providing this very important service to our airline customers and their passengers. We can now provide our broadband services on every aircraft type, which has always been our goal.”

Cabin Services Solutions for Enhanced Passenger ServicesIn addition to the benefit for passengers with access to the Internet and the ability to send and receive calls and SMS messages, the retrofit will bring enhanced Cabin Services possibilities for cabin crew.

Cabin Services give cabin crew greater access to flight information, passenger information and can be forewarned of problems, i.e. lost baggage in advance to enable them to deal with issues on board, before touchdown.

Other cabin services providers, such as ARINC, offer global solutions to airlines to enable increased passenger services efficiency and experience.

GoGo Introduce In-Flight Talk and Text Service for Passenger Connections

November 8, 2013
Business Aviation News
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Aircraft Internet & Wi-Fi Services for Business AviationIn-flight Wi-Fi is not breaking news; its popularity continues to grow as passengers begin to expect more from flight operators in terms of connectivity.

In light of this, GoGo has introduced its latest in in-flight technology, giving Smartphone users the opportunity to make phone calls and text as though they were on the ground.

The GoGo air-to-ground connection will operate through the aircraft’s wireless network instead of the picocells, traditionally used for telephone connections.

New rules, sanctioned by the FAA, now give passengers permission to use their electronic devices; Smartphones and tablet technology during the entire flight, even during take-off and landing, of course, still subject to the requirements of the individual airlines.

Data transfers must still be restricted to ‘airplane mode’ and transmissions across cellular networks are still a ‘no-no’, but with a GoGo app, Smartphone users will be able to roam on the aircrafts in-flight service as though they were on the ground.

Other providers of such in-flight Wi-Fi solutions, such as ARINC Direct, offer seamless connectivity to business aviation passengers.  The business passenger places a generally higher demand upon the airline operators in terms of connectivity and welcome the ‘office-in-the-sky’ scenario.