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Rockwell Collins Award for Customer Service Support from Airbus | Aviation NewsRockwell Collins, leading aviation and high-integrity solutions provider, reached the top five of 43 aviation companies with the recognition of customer services by Airbus last month for the 11th consecutive year.

Airbus and its customer airlines presented the industry-respected Rockwell Collins with a Customer Services Award for its avionics service at the Farnborough Airshow on 18th July during a special ceremony.

The Rockwell Collins team is honoured by the award

Scott Gunnufson, vice president of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins, said ‘Our long-standing relationship with Airbus and its airline customers is one that we are very proud of. The Rockwell Collins team is honoured by the recognition and we remain focused on continuously improving support for Airbus and its customers. I commend our dedicated team around the world on their ongoing efforts and dedication.

The recognition was awarded based on several factors from more than 165 global Airbus customers, including in-service feedback, cost, service and customer support.

vMUSE_MexicoThe industry-leading Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) from Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports, ARINC vMUSE, has been selected by Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) for implementation in eight Mexico airports in a bid to streamline check-in processes, gate services and resource management.

Using vMUSE, the airports can make the most of existing infrastructure, and enable sharing capabilities for multiple airlines. This gives another layer of flexibility for airport operations and enhances passenger experience simultaneously, due to reduced queueing instances and greater management of peak flow passenger traffic.

The benefits of vMUSE for operators

The implementation of vMUSE can help to reduce the challenges posed by operational inefficiencies, and helps to redirect capital investment in other areas, due to the use of existing terminal equipment and infrastructure. The reduction in valuable terminal space is an added bonus, with fewer dedicated check-in counters needed, which also helps airport operators to better manage airport resources and personnel to further streamline and enhance operations, thus boosting productivity while simultaneously improving passenger experience and ultimately, satisfaction.

Mazatlan and Zihuatanejo airports currently do use vMUSE, but by 2019, passengers and airport operators should be able to enjoy the benefits at the following locations:

  • Acapulco
  • Culiacan
  • Chihuahua
  • Monterrey
  • Reynosa
  • San Luis Potosi

The teams at Rockwell Collins work closely with clients to determine the right fit of solution to meet the unique challenges in operations. Without a structured, tailored approach to the individual needs of the airport, regardless of size, flexibility and scalability become challenging in any airport.

Our Latin American team worked closely with the OMA Group to accommodate its need to leverage existing virtual infrastructure at each airport,” said Yun Chong, global head of sales, Airport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “Our customized solution will offer OMA’s airports increased operational efficiency as travel demands increase in the region.”

Rockwell Collins Special Meeting Over Acquisition | Aviation NewsIt has been announced that Rockwell Collins shareowners voted overwhelmingly in favour of the UTC acquisition in the special meeting that took place earlier this month. More than 96% of the votes cast during the meeting were cast in support of the proposition, which represented over 72% of all shares of common stock.

Kelly Ortberg, President and CEO of Rockwell Collins said, ‘Shareowners have made clear their support for this acquisition, bringing it one step closer to reality. As Collins Aerospace, we’ll be a stronger company, with attractive aerospace product and service portfolios, and ultimately, better positioned for long-term success.

Now the proposed acquisition will require regulatory approval, and customary closing condition will need to be met, but the transaction to create the new UTC business, Collins Aerospace Systems, is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Rockwell Collins to be Acquired by UTC | Aviation Industry NewsIt has been announced that United Technologies Corporation (UTC) are to purchase Rockwell Collins in a $30 billion deal including cash and UTC stocks.

UTC Chairman and CEO, Greg Hayes said, ‘This acquisition adds tremendous capabilities to our aerospace businesses and strengthens our complementary offerings of technologically advanced aerospace systems. Together, Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems will enhance customer value in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry by making aircraft more intelligent and more connected.

The deal, which has been agreed, but not yet finalised and approved, will deliver greater strategic options for UTC, and will result in the creation of a new business – Collins Aerospace Systems – with Kelly Ortberg in the role of CEO and Dave Gitlin as President and COO.

Mr Hayes continued, ‘We have demonstrated we can successfully integrate large acquisitions into our business and I have full confidence that the team has the capability to do it again.’

The agreed terms will give each Rockwell Collins shareholder a cash sum of $93.33 per share, and $46.67 shares of UTC stock. The final purchase price will take debt issuances into account, and delivers a total equity value of $23 billion. The deal is subject to shareholder and government regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Rockwell Collins’ current CEO, President and Chairman, Kelly Ortberg said, ‘We are extremely pleased to announce this compelling transaction with UTC which is a testament to the value we have created for Rockwell Collins’ employees, customers and shareowners. The combination will enable us to compete more effectively for future business through continued investments in innovation, world-class integrated product offerings and the ability to retain the top talent in the industry. We look forward to the next chapter in Rockwell Collins’ long and proud history, as part of UTC.’

Self Service Bag Drop Trials Bristol Airport | Airports NewsPassengers flying with easyJet from Bristol Airport at the moment, are enjoying the new self-service bag drop kiosks on trial for the summer.

Twelve kiosks and four bag drop stations have been installed during the last month at the easyJet area of the airport, with airport personnel on hand to give assistance during the trial.

Phil Holder, Bristol Airport’s Head of Operations Support, is pleased to see that the trial is already making positive inroads into increasing efficiency and said, ‘The trial is already speeding up the process for passengers and the initial feedback has been very positive. We are always looking for ways to improve the passenger experience and this trial is an example of how the latest technology can enhance the airport journey.

The kiosks have been supplied by Rockwell Collins’ ARINC airports, and form a part of an initiative to improve passenger experience and increase efficiency within the airport. Passengers will scan their boarding passes to initiate baggage weigh facilities, before attaching printed bag tags, and proceeding to the bag drop desks.

EasyJet’s UK Country Manager, Ali Gayward said, ‘We recognise that our customers’ airport experience is a hugely important part of their overall journey and so we are delighted to be part of Bristol Airport’s self-service bag drop trial. As we approach the summer, our busiest time of the year, we want our customers to have a seamless journey through the airport, enabling their summer holidays to get off to the best of starts.

Paul Hickox, Head of Airport Systems Sales at Rockwell Collins recognises that airport experience for passengers is high on the list of requirements for a growing number of airports, regardless of size. He said, ‘There is no ‘one-size fits all’ bag-drop solution because different airlines have different passenger processing models. We were able to create the best solution for Bristol Airport because of our deep understanding of airports and bag drop technology. We look forward to seeing the new self-bag drop solution from Rockwell Collins have a positive impact for passengers as it has done in all other deployments in recent months.’

Bristol Airport passengers travelling with easyJet this summer will be greeted at the arrivals area by members of staff, who will first verify travellers with airline lists, before guiding them to the new self-bag drop kiosks.

Biometric Airport Technology | Airports NewsSince biometrics were introduced to the US airports market more than a decade ago, the uptake has still been pretty slow in adopting broad biometric measures.

Recently however, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been making sounds in favour of the introduction of greater levels of biometric technology across the country, particularly facial recognition.

How does facial biometric recognition work?

Facial biometric recognition technology can process information quickly – near real-time – and unobtrusively within the airport environment.

In simple terms, the way the system works places a camera within the airport, typically at passport control or other security area, and compares a live image of the travellers’ face with their travel documentation to determine an exact feature match. Using an automated biometric facial matching identification system, the process can be completed in seconds, speeding up the system of passenger processing significantly.

This increased efficiency is key to improving airport operations, particularly when integration with other airport systems can take place.

The trouble is that in the US, governments and departments cannot decide whether investment into biometric technology, both financial and resources, is for the public or the private sector. However, inroads are being built, as the CBP has announced the intention to use biometrics for foreign nationals leaving the US.

There is little doubt across the aviation industry, particularly within the commercial airlines sector, that biometric technology is the way forward for airport security and borders management. One of the key factors in favour of biometrics, aside from the efficiency factor, is the elimination of potential human error in checking travel documentation.

Travellers, according to the experts, could expect to be using their faces as boarding passes within the next three to five years, once infrastructural and operational challenges and investments can be shaken out within the industry. As passenger experience seems to be high on the agenda for the major players in the industry, biometric technology could be a real possibility.

Announced on October 23, Rockwell Collins is set to further expand its cockpit and cabin solutions product portfolio with the acquisition of B/E Aerospace for the sum of $8.4 billion.

B/E Aerospace began life in 1987 as Bach Engineering, and has enjoyed success since then, expanding with acquisitions such as EECO Inc, PTC Aerospace Inc and Aircraft Products Gallery, changing its name to B/E Aerospace Inc in 1992.

Its strong position in the cabin interiors sector has spread to aerospace consumables and logistics, distribution and energy services.

Growth since its inception in 1987 has been significant, and B/E Aerospace now employs more than 10,000 personnel over 35 facilities around the world.

Acquisition of B/E Aerospace will add value to Rockwell Collins’ considerable portfolio, as the image below demonstrates.

Rockwell Collins Expanded Product Portfolio | B/E Aerospace

Visit the Brevard Zoo Website | Business Aviation BlogThe Brevard Zoo Oyster Reef Restoration project has benefited from the Rockwell Collins Green Communities program this year with a grant awarded to help with the continued provision of mats and tools to create an area that is now commonly known as the Rockwell Reef.

Green Communities helps organisations that operate in Rockwell Collins’ locale. Nominations are made by employees of Rockwell Collins, and the awards are given after consideration by a review committee.

Since 2004 the program has awarded almost $900,000 to local initiatives.

Rockwell-Collins-Headquarters(1)Rockwell Collins hits the headlines yet again this year as it is named a ‘2016 World’s Most Ethical Company’ by the Ethisphere Institute.

This award marks the seventh consecutive win for Rockwell Collins in the decade that Ethisphere has operated the initiative that recognises a commitment to ethical business standards and practice.

Rockwell Collins are understandably delighted to achieve this recognition and attributes the award to the dedication of its employees. Bob Perna, senior vice-president for General Counsel and Secretary at Rockwell Collins said, ‘The recognition we’ve consistently received from Ethisphere Institute over the past seven years is a true testament to our employees’ commitment to upholding the highest levels of integrity in all that we do.’

Scoring for the award occurs in five main categories:

  • Ethics and compliance
  • Corporate citizenship and responsibility
  • Culture of ethics
  • Governance
  • Leadership

Find out more about Ethisphere and the other recipients of the awards here.

Disaster Comms Launched by Rockwell Collins | Read The Full Article on their WebsiteWorld-leading aviation communications provider, Rockwell Collins, has announced the launch of a new disaster communications network – ARINC UrgentLink – to enable first-responders communications channels when local ground networks have been compromised, damaged or destroyed.

Rockwell Collins’ ARINC UrgentLink leverages current mission critical transmission technologies, successfully used and proven within the aviation industry, and uses licensed radio frequencies specifically disaster-authorised by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).