Safran Passenger Innovations | Astronics Corporation | Inmarsat & Cranfield University | Carlisle IT | Thales | Boeing | Other News

SAFRAN

Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) Launches New IFE Software Platform

SPI is excited to announce the launch of Safran’s latest software platform, RAVE OS, with All Nippon Airways (ANA) on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, STARLUX on A330 and A321, and Virgin Atlantic on A350 amongst other airlines.

RAVE OS offers a modern user interface with features such as pinch to zoom, picture in picture, and multi-tasking capabilities creating a passenger experience comparable to that of the latest consumer technology products. RAVE OS also features the ability to run 3rd party applications, play 4K content and provides an immersive experience with full cabin Bluetooth audio. Keeping with the essence of RAVE DNA (Reliable, Affordable and Very Easy), RAVE OS maintains its common core and a configurable and brandable UI, ease of maintenance and lowest Total Cost of Ownership.

RAVE OS is paired with SPI’s latest ULTRA displays featuring RAVE’s game changing docking station with display sizes ranging from 13.3” to 43” and high-power USB-C (60 watts) in every seat.

Matt Smith, CEO of Safran Passenger Innovation, states “We are thrilled to deliver a product that encapsulates the key innovations we have been developing over the last 3 years, driven by customer and passenger needs. As we continue to grow and innovate, we will prioritize investment in products that make a difference to our customers”.

ASTRONICS

Fourth Quarter Financial Results

• Fourth quarter sales of $116.1 million; full year sales of $444.9 million
• Fourth quarter bookings increased 53% over prior-year period to $177.3 million; full year bookings were up 35% to $577.2 million
• Achieved record backlog at year-end of $415.7 million
• Fourth quarter pre-tax loss of $0.2 million and net income of $1.6 million
•  Initial 2022 revenue guidance is $550 million to $600 million

Astronics Corporation (“Astronics”), a leading supplier of advanced technologies and products to the global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, reported financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021.

Peter J. Gundermann, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We achieved sales of $116 million in the fourth quarter, which was within our expected range despite continuing supply chain struggles and labor shortages. There were a number of puts and takes in the quarter that impacted results, but we believe that the most significant takeaway was the continued growth in demand from our markets. Bookings jumped to 153% of sales for the quarter, resulting in a year-end backlog of $416 million, an all-time high for Astronics.”

INMARSAT &  CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY

With a rebound in air travel now underway, a new report published by Cranfield University and Inmarsat highlights the critical role that digital connectivity will play in accelerating aviation’s long-term recovery. Titled ‘Why the future of aviation starts with connectivity’, the study offers insights and direction for key aviation stakeholders and governments as they reconsider their priorities for the industry’s future. This will be fueled largely by a monumental shift in passenger behavior and expectations following the pandemic, as well as increased consumer awareness of their impact on the climate.

The report highlights a number of transformative changes ahead for the aviation industry and examines how airlines can take advantage of the enormous opportunities created as a result.

As part of their research, experts from Cranfield University have developed a Digital Connectivity Timeline, which outlines when 21 of the industry’s most critical technological innovations can be expected to reach adoption. It focuses on three distinct time-frames: five years (technologies at advanced stages of development and in some cases are being piloted by organizations ahead of market adoption), between five to ten years (technologies under early development with potential to be trialed in some sectors), and beyond the next decade (concepts under consideration for product or service offering development).

These technologies will enable a range of innovative concepts to make their way onto aircraft and airspace, helping to define the future of aviation while leading to important step changes in passenger experience and sustainability efforts. Amongst the concepts explored are:

• How the ‘Conscious Aircraft’ uses sensing and communication technologies to create an integrated aircraft health, maintenance, and performance management system that is capable of a fully aware state, with the ability to either take or suggest appropriate action. For example, it can accurately predict the health of aircraft components and automatically reconfigure them to optimize their lifecycle. In addition, it can sense changes in the external environment, like weather or a volcanic ash cloud. With the reduced need for planned maintenance, as well as anticipating the potential for component failures, maintenance costs would be cut by an estimated 30%.
• How the ‘Connected Journey’ will enhance a passenger’s experience with more efficient and personalized way-finding through airports, more intelligent and response baggage tracking, real-time updates on flight disruptions, and seamless high-speed inflight connectivity.
• How Trajectory Based Operations are a critical step towards the future management of air traffic, allowing more efficient traffic sequencing and routine deployment of so-called fuel efficient ‘green descents’ to airport terminal areas.
• How Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital trust technologies have enormous potential to be applied across all aviation sectors. AI can provide intelligent advice on aircraft management issues and make informed decisions under pressure – when there is the need to make a diversion, for example – with camera-based traffic detection, or helping crew to anticipate and prevent critical situations. Machine Learning (ML) can improve accuracy of any application involving optimisation, from sensor calibration to fuel tank checks to icing detection.

The report also examines how the complexity and interoperability of future ecosystems are significant challenges for technology providers, regulators and airlines alike.

Philippe Carette, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “Our new report with Cranfield University has considered how the role of digital connectivity, in all its forms, can enable and accelerate meeting the rapidly changing needs of air travelers and of the aviation sector itself. It has identified specific challenges and opportunities that, if addressed, will have a direct beneficial effect on the sector’s resilience, its
contribution to reducing climate change, and to new customer service offerings that will enhance passengers’ willingness to travel in the post-pandemic world.

“Harnessing the technological innovations explored in this report will be nothing short of revolutionary for our industry, and at Inmarsat, we can’t wait to play our part in bringing them to life through our global connectivity and world-leading ORCHESTRA network of networks.”

The full report, executive summary and Digital Connectivity Timeline are available here: Digital Now: Why the future of aviation starts with connectivity – Inmarsat

Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, recently unveiled plans for
ORCHESTRA: ORCHESTRA – Inmarsat will bring existing geosynchronous (GEO) satellites together with low earth orbit satellites (LEO) and terrestrial 5G to form an integrated, high-performance solution, unmatched by any existing or planned competitor offering. ORCHESTRA allows capacity to be boosted in high-density areas such as at airports, eliminating congested network ‘hot spots’ and ensuring the connectivity needs of aviation customers continue to be met well into the future, with capacity scaled directly to match their requirements.

CARLISLE IT

Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT) launched the Adjustable Keeper with Mounting Block as an upgrade to its NAS1637 Adjustable Keeper. The new version of the product includes upgraded materials and finishes and other additional features that exceed the performance and user experience of built-to-spec NAS1637 keepers.

The design includes a mounting block that allows for installation on standard ARINC 404 trays while maximizing the adjustment range of the keeper.

“When we looked at the existing keepers in the market, we knew that the quality and consistency weren’t up to our expectations and wouldn’t support our customers’ needs for retaining Line Replaceable Units in ARINC 404-style trays. That is why we are excited to launch this new NAS1637 Adjustable Keeper, which exceeds the NAS1637 specification and improves our customer’s experience,” said Todd Canavan, product line manager at CarlisleIT. “Built with better materials and designed for easy and accurate installation and adjustment, this product truly embodies the CarlisleIT vision of ‘Performance with Purpose.’”

Features and benefits include:

• Structural anodized aluminum construction, providing minimal concerns for galvanic corrosion compared to the to-spec design.
• Lockwire holes, which allow for use of .032″ diameter lock wire to prevent rotation of assembly when LRU is not installed.
• Free-running screw thread inserts for greatly improved user experience when adjusting length of product in the field.
• O-ring to prevent accidental disassembly of product before it is installed.
• An adjustable length that allows for a larger adjustment range than the to-spec NAS1637 adjustable keeper (1.55″ – 1.925”).

To learn more about CarlisleIT’s variety of tray accessories, follow this link .

THALES

Thales reports its 2021 full-year results

• Order intake(1) : €19.9 billion, up 18% (+18% on an organic basis(2) – Sales: €16.2 billion, up 5.3% (+5.3% on an organic basis)
•  EBIT(3) : €1,649 million, up 32.1% (+31.9% on an organic basis) – Adjusted net income, Group share(3) : €1,361 million, up 45%
• Consolidated net income, Group share: €1,089 million, up 125%
• Free operating cash flow(3) : €2,515 million, 185% of adjusted net income, Group share
• Dividend(4) of €2.56, up 45%

2022 objectives:

•  Book-to-bill(5) above 1, supporting sales growth acceleration in 2023
• Sales between €16.6 and €17.2 billion, corresponding to organic growth between +2% and +6%
• EBIT margin

BOEING

Emergency assistance package will be directed to organizations working to bring food, water, clothing and shelter to displaced Ukrainians

Boeing announced a US$2 million emergency assistance package to support humanitarian response efforts in Ukraine. The assistance package will be directed to organizations working to bring food, water, clothing, medicine and shelter to displaced Ukrainians – including those seeking refuge in neighboring countries. In addition, Boeing will match all qualifying employee contributions made in support of Ukrainian humanitarian relief through the company’s charitable matching program.

“The conflict unfolding in Ukraine is leading to a significant humanitarian emergency, and Boeing will take action to support the Ukrainian people,” said Dave Calhoun, Boeing president and CEO. “Our thoughts are with all those who have been thrust into the midst of this crisis. While we work to ensure the safety of Boeing employees in the region, our hope is that this assistance package will help deliver some much-needed support to those who are displaced and suffering.”

Funding from the Boeing Charitable Trust will support the following organizations:

$1,000,000 to CARE to assist with food, water and hygiene kit distribution as well as monetary assistance and psychosocial support for affected Ukrainians, with a focus on women, children and the elderly.
$500,000 to American Red Cross to support the global Red Cross movement providing critical humanitarian relief to people affected by the Ukraine crisis.
$250,000 to Americares to help with the distribution of medicine and medical supplies as well as support critical medical care for families displaced by the crisis, including mental health services.
$250,000 to organizations working to support vulnerable, displaced populations in Ukraine and neighboring countries.

MORE BOEING

We understand Boeing has suspended major operations in Moscow. We also understand they temporarily closed their office in Kyiv, and has suspended parts, maintenance & technical support services for Russian airlines.

BOEING/ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

Boeing and its longstanding customer Ethiopian Airlines announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intent to purchase five 777-8 Freighters, the industry’s newest, most capable and most fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter.

The MoU to order the 777-8 Freighter will enable Ethiopian Airlines to meet expanding global cargo demand from its hub in Addis Ababa and position the carrier for long-term sustainable growth.

BOEING & JEPPESEN FLITEDECK

Boeing has been selected to provide Etihad Airways with the Jeppesen FliteDeck Advisor digital solution for the carrier’s 787 Dreamliner fleet to optimize operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Etihad has already found benefits from the use of FliteDeck Advisor. During a trial on several of its 787 Dreamliners, the airline found that the digital solution delivered cruise fuel savings of 1.4%, saving an average of 350 kilograms of fuel and 1,100 kilograms of CO2 per flight.

Since 2019, Boeing and Etihad have collaborated on sustainability efforts centered on the airline’s 787 Dreamliner fleet, including on Etihad’s participation in Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program, where the FliteDeck Advisor solution was initially trialed. In 2021, the two companies renewed and expanded their sustainability alliance to focus on enhancing the efficiency of navigation and flight operations, airframe technologies and sustainable practices to reduce emissions.

Jeppesen FliteDeck Advisor analyzes airplane-specific performance metrics for all Boeing aircraft, including changes over time with aircraft age and maintenance action. The tool enables flight crews to make small, real-time adjustments to their course, altitude, and speed to optimize fuel use and minimize the carbon footprint of each flight.

Boeing provides several other digital solutions and services to Etihad’s 787 fleet including Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, Jeppesen Crew Rostering and Boeing Wind Updates, which provide crew scheduling, charting, navigation, and flight efficiency capabilities.

OTHER NEWS

• Curious about 5G and air[port avionics communication? Here is a bit more video – Is 5G dangerous for the aviation industry?
• We understand the folks at Farnborough International have suspended Russian involvement with the 2022 Farnborough Airshow.