Letter from the Editor & Publisher:
Dear IFExpress Readers,
After 30 years of publishing weekly in the inflight entertainment & communication space, we have decided to close IFExpress. Consequently, this will be the last issue you receive in your in-box. We did not reach this decision lightly but due to a series of health issues and a myriad of other factors, we determined this was the best course of action. Both Terry and I would like to thank you all for the many years of camaraderie. We wish you all the best in your endeavors as we embark on the next phase of our future. – Patricia Wiseman
Well, time is up for my IFEC news support and I would like to say “Thank You” to all my tech readers and friends. I will be 80 in a couple months and it is just time to take it easy after some 30 years of IFEC news. Besides, I need to work on the rest of my life! Thanks everybody! Terry Wiseman
Anuvu
Anuvu announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Skillshare, the world’s largest online learning community for creativity, to distribute the platform’s content across maritime and aviation markets.
The partnership, which excludes U.S.-based airlines, adds a new layer of content diversity to Anuvu’s media library. It offers travelers exclusive online learning resources beyond the streaming video on demand (SVOD) platform’s paywall. For the maritime market, specifically, Anuvu’s partnership with Skillshare brings crews new and compelling educational opportunities while at sea for extended periods of time. Effective immediately, passengers and crews will be able to access Skillshare’s online learning content and community spanning topics ranging from lifestyle, entrepreneurship and personal development to creative writing and branding. The initial content includes “Build Your Business and Brand: Translating Your Passion Into a Plan,” a Skillshare Original led by designer, founder and author Rebecca Minkoff, among many others.
“Passengers today have a different set of priorities than in the past. There is a growing desire to blend work and leisure when traveling, creating a strong demand for learning content. As such, we are excited to partner with Skillshare to deliver premium classes to our customers,” said Estibaliz Asiain, Anuvu SVP Media & Content. “This partnership showcases the unique buying power that Anuvu has with entertainment studios because of our leading market share in both maritime and aviation, ultimately benefiting our customers with unique content and competitive pricing.”
“Due to the nature of the industry, maritime crews often spend weeks to months at sea at any given time, with very little access to media and entertainment. With the addition of Skillshare to our media and content offering, Anuvu is addressing a critical need in the market centered on enhancing crew welfare aboard private and commercial vessels,” said Erik Carlsen, Anuvu SVP of Commercial for Maritime, Energy and Government (MEG). “We are thrilled to partner with Skillshare to bring educational and skills development opportunities to crews around the globe.”
Skillshare is the world’s largest online learning community for creatives. Members get unlimited access to thousands of inspiring classes taught by industry leaders and working professionals, on topics including illustration, design, photography, and more. Members around the world love Skillshare for discovering inspiration, learning new skills, and putting their talents to work in ways they care about. The partnership is a crucial next step in Anuvu’s strategy to transform the media and content industry across the global mobility market.
“We are thrilled to work alongside Anuvu to bring Skillshare’s online learning community to aviation and maritime passengers at a time when interest in creative focused learning and development content is in high demand,” said Scott Sullivan, Skillshare Director of Brand Partnerships and Business Development. “At Skillshare we know creativity can be a source for good and growth in peoples’ lives, and we look forward to partnering with Anuvu to help drive that creative spark in all travelers.”
Non U.S.-based airlines and maritime clients interested in adding Skillshare to their content lineup can contact Anuvu to learn more.
Cobham Satcom
Cobham Satcom continues to expand its innovative next generation SAILOR XTR portfolio with the introduction of two new Ka-band antenna systems for Telenor Satellite’s THOR 7 VSAT services.
The one-meter SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka and 65-centimeter SAILOR 600 XTR Ka leverage Cobham Satcom’s most advanced VSAT technology platform to secure high availability of broadband service on the THOR 7 satellite, used for a full range of network applications including big data management in the cloud architecture.
With Cobham Satcom’s new SAILOR XTR Ka antennas, end-users will be even better positioned to secure a return on their investment in digital operations. Vital applications including online catch reporting for regulatory and commercial reasons, Vessel Performance Monitoring for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as well as predictive maintenance systems to help reduce non-productive time, can all provide greater value when the connectivity they need to operate reliably, keeps pace with the ever-growing demand for data.
SAILOR XTR benefits including simplified installation, easy remote access for streamlined monitoring and support, and the best radio frequency performance for maximized throughput ensure that SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka and SAILOR 600 XTR Ka unlock the full capabilities of THOR 7 for end-users that understand the positive value of data to their operations.
Further, SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka and SAILOR 600 XTR Ka are prepared for future developments in the maritime satcom landscape, giving users the option to migrate to current and future networks on Ka or Ku-band frequencies and all communication satellite orbits. Thanks to its innovative features combined with a new antenna feedhorn and a new dual-pol, wideband Ka-band transceiver available in 4.5W and 9W variants for SAILOR 600 and 1000 XTR Ka, the SAILOR XTR platform can deliver this unmatched flexibility.
“THOR 7 has enabled hundreds of European vessels to deliver business and crew welfare applications, movie streaming, adopt digital operations and the Internet of Things for more efficient operations and business, and we are confident that our new SAILOR XTR powered Ka-band antennas will unlock even more ways to work safer, reduce operational costs and limit a vessel’s environmental impact, by securing more reliable data connectivity on Telenor Satellite’s dedicated European VSAT network,” said Jens Ewerling, Product Manager, Cobham Satcom.
“We are delighted to see Cobham Satcom complementing its XTR product family with the new RF transceiver package supporting dual-polarisation and wide-band Ka. To our customers, these antennas represent a seamless transition to the latest technology, while maintaining the hassle-free installation, reliable operation and performance they have come to appreciate,” said Jan Hetland, Director Data Services, Telenor Satellite.
First delivery of the SAILOR 1000 XTR Ka and the SAILOR 600 XTR Ka antennas, which are designed as a replacement of previous generation SAILOR VSAT Ka antennas for THOR 7, is expected from the Cobham Satcom warehouse in Rotterdam during Q4 2022.
Samarkand International Airport
Following extensive testing, Samarkand International Airport has launched the first E-gate border control system in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The E-gate software and hardware system, developed by an Uzbekistan company under contract with the border troops of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, allows safe and uninterrupted processing of arriving passengers.
The automated border control system is based on biometric technologies and provides for automatic identification of the person and allows for a quick and safe border crossing with minimal involvement of border control officers.
Gayrat Nematov, General Director of airport management company Air Marakanda LLC, said:
“Air Marakanda provides the most advanced technologies in the new terminal of Samarkand airport that meet international standards, so the implementation of such a project as E-gates is a logical solution for any modern transport facility. We are interested in the fact that the latest equipment allows passengers to minimize the time of passing all the necessary procedures. In aviation, the most important principles are safety and comfort, and such a project meets these requirements as much as possible.”
As part of the border control system, the technology expands the system’s capabilities and can be used at air, road, sea and pedestrian checkpoints.
After extensive testing, the Border Control Unit of the State Security Service chose to install the system at Samarkand International Airport. The system incorporates document readers, and high-resolution video cameras that carry out video surveillance and comparison of passengers’ biometric data with an identity document. Border Control and Air Marakanda have developed measures against unauthorized passage and algorithms to ensure single passage, recognition of luggage and items left unattended. The project is expected to increase the tourism potential by speeding the flow of passengers through passport control, while making the process more comfortable and convenient for visitors and eliminating the potential for human error.
Boeing
Boeing delivered two satellites for leading global content connectivity service provider SES to their launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida, ahead of the upcoming launch of the twin spacecraft on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket.
“SES-20 and SES-21 are the first commercial satellites we’ve delivered since the start of the global pandemic,” said Ryan Reid, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International. “It was challenging, but we found ways to be responsive to emerging customer demands and timelines. As a result, we went from contract signing to delivery of two satellites in little over two years.”
The pair of all-electric 702SP (small platform) satellites are equipped with C-band payloads that will operate over the continental United States and help usher in the Federal Communications Commission’s 5G Fast initiative, which requires satellite operators such as SES to transition services from the lower 300 MHz to the upper 200 MHz of C-band spectrum for 5G mobile services.
The new Boeing satellites are designed and intended to enable SES’s continued delivery of its C-band broadcast and radio services as well as critical data networks services in the coming months. SES-20 and SES-21 are the 14th and 15th satellites built by Boeing for SES.
“The delivery of SES-20 and SES-21 marks yet another big milestone for our C-band spectrum clearing project in the U.S. Thanks to our trusted and long-term partner Boeing, we remain on track to migrate our customers to these new satellites so that we can continue to provide services seamlessly without disruptions,” said Ruy Pinto, Chief Technology Officer at SES.
SES-20 and SES-21 went through rigorous environmental testing at Boeing’s satellite factory in El Segundo, California, including vibration, thermal vacuum, electromagnetic interference and acoustic testing. After arriving at their launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the satellites will be encapsulated in their payload fairing for launch. They’ve already been integrated into a dual-launch configuration platform built by Boeing.
“This will be our third dual-launch configuration of 702SPs, so it’s a proven way to get more to orbit, and faster, for our customers,” said Jim Peterka, Boeing’s SES-20 and SES-21 program manager.
Boeing has delivered more than 300 satellites to commercial and government customers globally, and continues to build adaptable satellites to meet changing business cases and fulfill even the most demanding missions.
Worldwide Low Cost Airlines Industry Forecast
The “Low Cost Airlines Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The global low cost airlines market reached a value of US$ 172.54 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach a value of US$ 302.85 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.83% during 2021-2027.
Companies Mentioned
- Air Arabia PJSC
- Alaska Airlines Inc.
- Capital A Berhad (Tune Group Sdn Bhd)
- easyJet plc
- Go Airlines (Wadia Group)
- IndiGo
- Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd (Qantas Airways Limited)
- Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA
- Ryanair Holdings PLC
- Southwest Airlines Co.
- SpiceJet Limited
- Spirit Airlines Inc.
- WestJet Airlines Ltd.
Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.
Also known as budget airlines or no-frills carriers, low cost airlines offer fewer amenities for short-haul than conventional full-service airlines. These airlines are affordable, but they charge separately for each item, such as food, beverages, prior boarding, carry-on baggage and car rental services, to generate non-ticket revenues.
They also use single type aircraft with minimum equipment to reduce weight, acquisition and maintenance costs while increasing fuel efficiency. They operate at less congested secondary airports to reduce airport fees, air traffic, delays and ground time between flights.
A significant rise in domestic travel and tourism represents one of the key factors bolstering the market growth. Moreover, the leading airline companies offer tickets directly via the telephone or the internet and eliminate the role of third-party agencies, which reduces the cost of transactions and services.
This, in confluence with the widespread adoption of ticketless travel and the growing internet penetration, is contributing to the market growth. Furthermore, these airlines operate via point-to-point nonstop flights that aid in reducing travel time and enabling better aircraft utilization.
In addition to this, the increasing focus of business travelers on minimizing travel time and costs is influencing the market positively. The emphasis of the market players on providing discounted fares to early reservations while enhancing passenger connectivity is driving the market further.
However, the decline in the number of commercial flights on account of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and several measures undertaken by governing agencies to prevent the spread of the pandemic is negatively influencing the market. The market will experience growth once restrictions on traveling are lifted.
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
- How has the global low cost airlines market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
- What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global low cost airlines market?
- What are the key regional markets?
- What is the breakup of the market based on the purpose?
- What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?
- What is the breakup of the market based on the destination?
- What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?
- What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?
- What is the structure of the global low cost airlines market and who are the key players?
- What is the degree of competition in the industry?
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xw2dsr
Canada Jetlines
Canada Jetlines Operations Ltd. (NEO: CJET) (“Canada Jetlines”) the new, all-Canadian, leisure airline, has received its air operating certificate (AOC) from Transport Canada, granting approval to initiate operations out of its travel hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Securing the AOC confirms that Canada Jetlines has all required professional capabilities and adheres to all safety regulations needed for aircraft operations. Canada Jetlines looks forward to its inaugural flight and will be releasing new destinations and updated scheduling shortly.
“The entire team at Canada Jetlines is thrilled to obtain our AOC after meeting all necessary operation standards and passing all inspections,” shared Eddy Doyle, CEO of Canada Jetlines. “We thank Transport Canada and greatly appreciate the tireless effort and diligence they undertake to approve new airlines. We excitedly look forward to our launch date, meeting the increased demand for convenient, leisure travel in Canada and beyond and to provide more options to explore the world.”
Visit Jetlines.com to learn more and book reservations and vacation packages with your preferred travel agent. Follow Canada Jetlines on all social media platforms and follow #CanadaJetlines for the latest news and updates.
Aircraft Electrification Global Market Research
The “Aircraft Electrification Market Research Report by Component, Technology, Platform, System, Application, Region – Global Forecast to 2027 – Cumulative Impact of COVID-19” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The Global Aircraft Electrification Market size was estimated at USD 5,738.48 million in 2021, USD 6,606.72 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 15.38% to reach USD 13,542.31 million by 2027.
Competitive Strategic Window:
The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period.
FPNV Positioning Matrix:
The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Aircraft Electrification Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.
Market Share Analysis:
The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits.
The report provides insights on the following pointers:
1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players
2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets
3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments
4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players
5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/82tqzw
Boeing Reports Increased Stability and Growth for Aircraft Finance Sector
- For second consecutive year, 100% of Boeing deliveries were financed by third parties with the top sources of delivery funding coming from cash, capital markets and sale leasebacks.
- Capital markets continued to play a key role in shoring up liquidity for the sector, close to pre-pandemic levels for most issuers as spreads tightened throughout the year.
Boeing Capital Corporation released the 2022 Commercial Aircraft Financing Market Outlook (CAFMO) showing improving financing stability as the industry recovers from the impacts of the global pandemic.
“Financiers and investors remain committed to the long-term fundamentals that continue to make aircraft a valuable asset class,” said Tim Myers, president of Boeing Capital Corporation. “Despite the changing landscape since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry remains resilient and there continues to be sufficient liquidity in the market for our customers with increasing opportunities as traffic recovers.”
The 2022 CAFMO reflects Boeing’s near-term view of market dynamics and assesses financing sources for new commercial airplane deliveries.
“Industry fundamentals continue to show varying degrees of strength in different markets that reflect the regional trends of the global pandemic,” Myers said.
The 2022 CAFMO, an introductory video, regional highlight videos and regional financing data is available at www.boeing.com/CAFMO. Select highlights include:
- For the second consecutive year, 100% of Boeing deliveries were financed by third parties with the top sources of delivery funding in cash, capital markets and sale leasebacks.
- The capital markets continued to play a key role in shoring up liquidity for the sector, with the market close to pre-pandemic levels for most issuers as spreads tightened throughout the year.
- Secured debt for lessors also made a return to pre-pandemic levels with the ABS market making a comeback with volumes at around $8.7 billion, as lessors took advantage of the favorable rate environment.
- Although risk tolerance and activity levels were below pre-pandemic levels, pockets around the world are increasingly looking for business through bank debt.
- Institutional investors and funds continued to seek aviation exposure, filling in where traditional sources of capital retrenched.
- Export credit supported financing for Boeing aircraft contributed about 5% of total funding last year, primarily by the Export-Import Bank of the United States and with one deal supported by UK Export Finance.
The Boeing 2021 Commercial Market Outlook, a separate annual 20-year forecast addressing the market for commercial airplanes and services, projects that through 2040 there will be demand more than 43,500 new airplanes valued at $7.2 trillion.
Satcom Direct
Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation solutions provider, is strengthening its Asia Pacific network with the opening of a Singapore office. The new location represents the base for Brian Roos, the recently appointed Asia Pacific, Regional Director, and newly named Regional Sales Manager, Kaviraj (Kavi) Nadarajah.
Reporting directly to Senior Vice President, SD International, Michael Skou Christensen, Roos is responsible for establishing the SD presence in Singapore and executing SD’s ongoing strategic developments across the Asia Pacific region. This includes identifying new markets, adding to the customer portfolio, consolidating existing and new MRO relationships, building new partnerships, and introducing established and new SD products and services to the connectivity-hungry market as well as ensuring continued delivery of SD award winning customer support.
“Stretching from China to New Zealand, the Asia Pacific region has always been an important market for SD, and still holds great potential for us. It is a buoyant area where the business aviation fleet continues to evolve, the number of high-net worth individuals is increasing, and the appetite for technology solutions to improve the user and owner experience is unparalleled globally. The appointment of Kavi enhances our support for regional operators and owners which are optimizing customized connectivity solutions to manage their data to meet their diverse mission needs. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bolster SD’s footprint here,” says Roos.
As business aviation continues its trajectory towards digitization, with more data generated and transmitted by business aircraft, Roos will also be responsible for advocating the benefits of the SD connectivity ecosystem of hardware, software and infrastructure, as well as the introduction of the series of SD Plane Simple™ Antenna Systems.
Following confirmation of FAA and EASA STCs in March 2022 for the Plane Simple Ku-band tail-mount antenna for specified Gulfstream and Bombardier airframes, and the anticipated confirmation of relevant STCs across Asia, top of Roos’ priority list will be to showcase the benefits of the first variant which is powered by the multi-layered Intelsat FlexExec service. Roos anticipates that the antenna, which simplifies high-speed data access for operators through ease of installation, competitive price plans and advanced antenna technology, will satisfy the region’s increased data demand. The Plane Simple Ku-band variant is on track to enter commercial service in Q3 2022.
With some 20 years of experience in aviation, Roos has held various positions within the commercial and private sectors, including airport operations, customer service, flight operations, flight support, and charter management. Brian spent five years working with start-up operators and flight support companies in the Middle East and Africa region before joining Satcom Direct. Originally from Cape Town, Brian is also a licensed International Flight Dispatcher.
Kavi Nadarajah will work closely with Roos, overseeing the north and southeast Asian customer base. His previous experience includes roles for Hawker Pacific and Jet Aviation after beginning his 18-year aviation career as a dispatcher for commercial airlines. He is eager to bring his passion for customer service to the SD community. “I am extremely excited to be a part of the new Singapore office team. The sky is not the limit for our services and I look forward to engaging with our customers to help them make the most out of the SD product and service portfolio,” says Nadarajah.
Call To Strengthen Consumer Protections For Travelers
Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen consumer protections for travelers who are eligible for airline ticket refunds. DOT previously stated that it would issue new consumer protections regarding airline refunds, in the wake of major disruptions for air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report to the White House Competition Council, DOT reported “[m]any airlines were also initially reluctant to provide the required refunds,” causing consumers to send the DOT “a flood of complaints” regarding airlines’ failures to compensate their customers for flight cancellations. In 2020, DOT received 29,687 refund complaints against U.S. airlines, a 4,634 percent increase from 2019.
“As part of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s ongoing oversight of the U.S. airline industry, we are writing to request that the Department of Transportation (“DOT”) take further action to make the process for obtaining refunds more transparent and efficient for U.S. airline passengers, in response to the increase in passenger refund complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote the lawmakers in their letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg ahead of Tuesday’s hearing in the Commerce Committee on the President’s budget priorities.
A copy of the Senators’ letter can be found HERE.
In their letter, the Senators urge the Transportation Department to take specific actions to protect air travel consumers, including clarifying and codifying policies requiring carriers and ticket agents to provide prompt refunds after a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, as well as clarifying the rights for consumers who are unable to travel and cancel their own tickets due to government restrictions or the declaration of a public health emergency. The Senators also called on DOT to require airlines to conspicuously disclose and publicize to passengers that consumers have to submit a written request to trigger the refund requirement, to set up user-friendly and easy-to-find refund portals, and to report to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics the value of the refunds and vouchers provided to consumers each month.
Other News
Safran Passenger Innovations Delivers RAVE IFEC for China Airlines A321NEO
Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI) is thrilled to announce the delivery of China Airline’s A321NEO. This aircraft is equipped with the latest RAVE Ultra displays in 13.3” and 15.6” as well as the newest software platform, RAVE OS.
China Airlines is very excited to offer their passengers a cutting-edge experience with full cabin Bluetooth audio paired with Safran Passenger Innovation’s RAVE OS platform. This first-rate experience is complete with 4K picture quality, second screen, multi-tasking, picture in picture, and in-seat wireless charging. In addition, kids map, and other activities geared toward China Airlines’ younger passengers, are among their latest offerings. VP, Corporate Development Office, Jeremy Chang, says “China Airlines is delighted to be working with Safran Passenger Innovations to bring about the future of inflight experience today and deliver the best product to our customer.”
China Airlines seeks to create a touch-free journey environment for their passengers. By implementing RAVE’s zero-touch features for IFE control, China Airlines can help reduce the risk of cross-infection in the post COVID-19 era.
The China Airlines A321neo passenger aircraft is configured with 180 seats including 12 Premium Business Class and 168 Economy seats. The new fleet emphasizes spacious, comfortable cabin interiors, improved energy and fuel efficiency and is continuing to expand its modernized fleet throughout Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and cross-strait routes.
VP, Products and Strategy, Ben Asmar, says “Congratulations to China Airlines! We are honored to partner with China Airlines to deliver a world class IFEC solution, using the latest consumer technology. This, paired with the beautiful cabin interiors developed by the China Airlines team, delivers an outstanding inflight experience for their passengers.”
Upcoming APEX Tech Committee Meeting
The upcoming APEX Tech Committee is scheduled for Wednesday May 18, 2022: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST. The meeting is being hosted by Panasonic in Irvine, California at their new office complex. This one-day event is reverting to a ‘working style’ TC meeting, focusing on panel discussions with free-flow of information. The APEX Technology Committee invites airline IFE and connectivity managers new and old to join with the providers of IFE to see what’s new and what is changing in the content delivery ecosystem.
While the pandemic has been underway, many airline personnel changes have taken place in passenger experience departments. This is also true of IFE executives at the major studios. But not only have people changed—so have business models, technology, and the way we get content to the aircraft.
As a result, TC agenda for the May meeting is content focused, and the co-chairs of the committee (Michael Childers, Rich Salter & Mary Rogozinski), supported by the TC Leadership Team, decided that the theme for the Spring Tech Meeting should be “The Changing Content Delivery Supply Chain: Back to Basics”. This not only enables the Tech Committee to offer a “101” kind of IFE workshop for new airline managers, but also provides an opportunity to bring both new and old IFE managers up to date on the changes in the content delivery ecosystem that have occurred during the pandemic.
The whole entertainment and media industry has undergone a paradigm change over the past 2 ½ years. There have been regime changes at some of the major studios, as well as consolidation. And the direct to consumer (D2C) market now has primacy, significantly reducing the gap between theatrical exhibition and personal viewing. Consequently, content acquisition and licensing has changed, and the exhibition windows have changed. Connectivity and IFE are on a trajectory to converge. IFE systems are evolving into “Digital Experience Platforms” (DXPs) and the passenger experience is becoming curated by “Digital Experience Management (DXM)”.
Also, new regulations are emerging involving content authentication and provenance. Inflight Entertainment content delivery is moving into the cloud and content delivery is becoming automated. The demand for more satellite bandwidth will inevitably rise as passengers directly subscribe to more D2C services, blurring the line between traditional IFE and connectivity.
The Technology Committee will offer two ways to participate:
- The event is planned as an in-person meeting, offering the opportunity to engage face-to-face, and–for many–the opportunity to meet for the first time.
- For those who prefer to attend remotely, the Technology Committee plans to host the event virtually as well via a Zoom or webinar format.
Additionally, the APEX 0415 Working Group will give a progress report on codifying AVI as the go-forward codec in IFE encoding.
If you want to learn more about D2C, Digital Experience Platforms, Digital Experience Management and the future of IFEC this is a must attend event! Log on to www.apex.aero for more information on how to register. We hope to see you there – in person or via Zoom!
New Industry-First Innovations For Commercial Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) Driven By Inmarsat With Dimetor And Bellweather
With its focus on industry-first collaborations for commercial uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), Inmarsat expanded the Partner Network for its Velaris UAV connectivity solution with the addition of software company Dimetor, which facilitates Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations in cellular networks, and Bellwether Industries, an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions provider for intra-city travel.
The Partner Network was established six months ago to encourage innovative collaborations using Inmarsat’s ground-breaking Velaris connectivity solution, which allows commercial UAVs – commonly known as drones – to operate long distance flights and access various applications, such as real-time monitoring, to ensure safe integration with aircraft in commercial airspace. In addition, it allows a single pilot to remotely operate multiple UAVs at scale, making operations more commercially viable.
As the latest additions to the fast-growing Velaris Partner Network, Dimetor and Bellwether Industries have joined existing members Altitude Angel, a leading Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) technology provider, and Harvest Technology Group, a specialist in ultra-low bandwidth livestreaming technology.
Dimetor joins Velaris Partner Network to create affordable, efficient BVLOS UAV solution
Dimetor’s AirborneRF solution brings together live radio network data from terrestrial Mobile Network Operators (MNO) with UAV airspace control systems. By adding Inmarsat’s Velaris satellite communications capabilities, UAV operators will have access to integrated terrestrial and space-based datalink communications for least-cost, high reliability data routing at any place, any time, allowing UAVs to be reliably controlled within a three-dimensional airspace safety corridor.
Using the latest high-performance computational technologies and Inmarsat’s communications spectrum, Dimetor will aggregate 4G and 5G data for flight planning, risk assessment, flight clearing and operation, adding satellite communications to its data visualization to calculate and display routes that provide the best coverage to support flight plans. This will achieve an assured 99.9% uptime in all types of weather and satisfy regulatory requirements through dual dissimilar redundancy.
As part of its UAV roadmap, Inmarsat will introduce a combined L-band satcom and LTE hybrid terminal that will be integral to the delivery of the solution. The newly-developed terminal will create integrated terrestrial and satellite communications that provides an affordable solution for UAV operators.
Inmarsat’s Anthony Spouncer added: “Partnering with Dimetor is a crucial next step in the development of accessible Beyond Visual Line of Sight UAV solutions, particularly those that come at an attainable price point without compromising on reach and quality of coverage. The combination of 4G and 5G with Inmarsat’s highly reliable, always-on ELERA network, visualized by AirborneRF, will be the best way to plan efficient Line of Sight (LOS) and BVLOS operations. This will be a game changer for the industry, offering world-first technologies within an affordable and efficient solution for UAV operators.”
Thomas Wana, Dimetor’s CTO and Co-Founder, said: “Our partnership with Inmarsat is a key milestone in progressing BVLOS solutions for UAV operators. Together, we are working to expand and bring AirborneRF to the market, combining our capabilities and expertise to create a platform that caters to the evolving wants and needs of customers. We’re excited to see what we can achieve as part of the Velaris Partner Network, and look forward to close collaboration with the Inmarsat team for years to come.”
Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat’s Senior Director of UAVs and Uncrewed Traffic Management, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dimetor and Bellwether as members of our Velaris Partner Network, especially at this incredibly buoyant time in the BVLOS and urban air mobility spaces. Such innovative collaborations, powered by the unparalleled capabilities of Inmarsat’s ELERA L-band satellite network, are fantastic news for uncrewed aviation and will directly benefit customers across this growing industry.
Bellwether joins Velaris Partner Network to ensure safety and harmony in intra-city travel
To revolutionize intra-city travel, Bellwether is bringing to market Volar, an Urban Air Mobility aircraft for personal and private mobility, designed to fly anyone at any time between any points in a city. Volar’s user-centric design and city compatibility aims to redefine future lifestyles and reduce complications often associated with city transportation, helping make stress-free intra-city transportation a reality, sooner rather than later.
The industry-first collaboration between Inmarsat and Bellwether Industries will explore how satellite communications can optimize the future of intra-city transportation services, with a focus on safety, regulation and innovation. Inmarsat’s Velaris connectivity solution and the company’s existing expertise in aviation safety systems will enable Bellwether’s Volar to safely and seamlessly integrate with commercial airspace no matter where it flies, with accurate positional information reported back from onboard satellite navigation systems, and the ability to combine and harmonize this data for Uncrewed Traffic Management. Additionally, Bellwether will gain access to regulatory and air traffic management expertise from Inmarsat and Velaris partners throughout the design and implementation process.
Kai-Tse Lin, Bellwether’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, said: “Inmarsat’s contribution is extremely important to the future development of Bellwether’s Onboard Vehicle Management System and airspace integration. It’s crucial that the operation of our Volar urban aircraft is a simplified and user-friendly experience, making commuting in a Volar easier than driving your car.”
Inmarsat’s Anthony Spouncer said: “Our partnership with Bellwether will be critical in the development of safe and efficient intra-city transportation services with passenger experience as their driving force. In collaboration with an urban air mobility platform manufacturer, Velaris will play a key role in making safety and efficiency industry-standard features for the intra-city transportation sector. Together we’re defining a new category of transportation that is passenger orientated by design, prioritizing safety and regulation.”
Anuvu Teams up with Marvel Entertainment to Bring New Inflight Games to Airline Passengers
Anuvu announced a new collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. The multi-year deal brings several of Marvel’s popular characters to airline passengers around the globe, building on Anuvu’s existing collaboration with Disney.
Working closely with Marvel, Anuvu will bring some of the company’s most notable franchises to passengers’ inflight entertainment experience. The collaboration comes at a time when Anuvu is focused on supporting airlines in future-proofing their media and content strategies, as passengers demand increased flexibility and convenience, including streaming capabilities. The new deal allows airlines to provide Marvel’s games through their seatback entertainment systems or stream directly to passengers’ personal devices while onboard the aircraft in the air.
“Anuvu has had a longstanding relationship with Disney for over 15 years. Expanding our collaboration to include Marvel content and characters is a natural next step,” says Mike Pigott, EVP of Connectivity at Anuvu. “By broadening our trusted and valued relationship, we expand our gaming catalog so that airlines can deliver flexible, affordable, and best-in-class gaming experiences to their passengers.”
Anuvu both licenses and develops games with a library that boasts 175 popular games including top video-game and mobile game brands.
Spafax’s Future Screen Podcast
Are you interested in the latest IFE licensing trends? Do you want to discover the hot new shows? Tune into Spafax’s Future Screen which is available on Spotify. Future Screen is hosted by Spafax’s Andrea Whyte. This issue features interviews with Vince Cruz, Vice President Non-Theatrical Sales at Paramount, Meera Sharma, Non-Theatrical Sales Manager at Paramount Global and Mark Horton, Head of Worldwide Sales at Cinesky. Listen to Future Screen here.
Boeing
The Boeing Company announced major program deliveries across its commercial and defense operations for the first quarter of 2022.
The company will provide detailed first quarter financial results on April 27. Major program deliveries during the first quarter were as follows:
Airbus & Air France-KLM
Air France-KLM has finalised its order with Airbus for four new generation A350F freighters, following the earlier commitment announced in December 2021. The freighters are destined to increase Air France’s cargo capacity with the most efficient and sustainable cargo aircraft available in the market.
The A350F is based on the world’s most modern long range leader, the A350. The aircraft will feature a large main deck cargo door and a fuselage length optimised for cargo operations. Over 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials resulting in a 30 tonnes lighter take-off weight, which together with efficient Rolls-Royce engines generate an advantage of at least 20% lower fuel burn and CO2 over its current closest competitor. With a 109 tonnes payload capability (+3t payload / 11% more volume than its competition), the A350F serves all cargo markets (Express, general cargo, special cargo…) and is in the large freighter category the only new generation freighter aircraft ready for the enhanced ICAO CO₂ emissions standards.
“Airlines now have a choice, and we salute Air France joining those going for the A350F’s step change in efficiency and sustainability for the cargo operations of the future. We are gratified by the wave of early adopters who, like Air France, see the economics and environmental signature of the A350s as standing out versus alternatives, past, existing and future. Merci Air France.” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International.
Launched in 2021, the A350F recorded 29 orders and commitments from five customers.
Also from Airbus:
Airbus has completed wind-tunnel testing of its eXtra Performance Wing demonstrator in its quest to quickly test and accelerate new technologies that will decarbonise the aviation industry.
The eXtra Performance Wing project, launched last September, takes inspiration from nature to improve wing aerodynamics and performance that is intended to be compatible with any future aircraft configuration and propulsion system to reduce CO₂ emissions.
“The scaled demonstrator will integrate and fly breakthrough wing technologies using a remote-controlled Cessna Citation VII business jet platform in representative flight conditions,” explained Oliver Family, Head of eXtra Performance Wing UK.
“The partly 3D-printed wind-tunnel model – expertly built by the aerodynamics team at Airbus’ low-speed, wind-tunnel facility in Bristol – is a scaled-down version of the Cessna jet, incorporating the lightweight, long-span design of the eXtra Performance Wing that will provide the emissions benefits we are striving for.”
Initially introduced at a smaller scale through another Airbus project, AlbatrossONE, which tested semi-aeroelastic hinged wings that – like the seabird – unlocked during flight when experiencing wind gusts or turbulence, the eXtra Performance Wing will also examine onboard technologies, like gust sensors, pop-up spoilers and multifunctional trailing edges, to enable the active control of the wing.
“Airbus’ state-of-the-art low-speed wind-tunnel is a fantastic way to validate our concepts before flight tests,” added Oliver Family. “Our computational aerodynamic analysis capability is world class, and the wind tunnel provides another valuable way to measure the performance and capabilities of the aircraft before flight testing. The technologies we have tested in the Filton wind tunnel – many inspired by biomimicry – will now be rapidly integrated for flight testing.”
The Airbus low-speed wind tunnel at Filton, near Bristol, replicates conditions similar to aircraft take-off and landing wind speeds but is also used by external organisations testing F1 cars, ship radar systems, Urban Air Mobility vehicles as well as more conventional aircraft.
The eXtra Performance Wing demonstrator is hosted within Airbus UpNext, a wholly-owned Airbus subsidiary, created to give future technologies a development fast-track by building demonstrators at speed and scale in order to evaluate, mature and validate potential new products and services that encompass radical technological breakthroughs.
Other News
INMARSAT AND ORBIT
- With record demand for premium business aviation connectivity, the compact tail-mount terminal is progressing towards type approval on Inmarsat’s Ka-band satellite network
The business aviation market will have access to a new compact and lightweight terminal for Inmarsat’s market-leading Jet ConneX (JX) inflight broadband solution from early next year, after the company expanded its partnership with Orbit Communication Systems, a leading provider of airborne communication solutions.
Orbit’s AirTRX30 terminal is progressing towards type approval on Inmarsat’s global Ka-band satellite network, which powers JX. The advanced system is compatible with a wide range of business jets, from super mid-size to large cabin platforms, and includes only two Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), consisting of a modem manager (MODMAN) and tail-mounted antenna. The simplified architecture is optimised for efficient installation and weight savings, which in turn also helps to reduce its environmental impact.
The AirTRX30 builds on patented Orbit aperture designs that are already used by Inmarsat’s government customers and will also be compatible with upcoming Ka-band satellites that are being launched over the next few years as part of Inmarsat’s ground-breaking technology roadmap.
Kai Tang, Inmarsat’s Head of Business Aviation, said: “Inmarsat has a successful track record of working with Orbit in the government market. We are delighted to build on this strong foundation and expand our partnership into business aviation. Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX is already established as the gold standard of inflight broadband in business aviation, with more than 1,100 customers across the world. With demand for aircraft and the premium connectivity that supports those operators at historical highs, Inmarsat is excited to expand our partner ecosystem for Jet ConneX with world-class manufacturers such as Orbit.”
Tuomo Rutanen, VP Sales and Business Development, Orbit Communication Systems, said: “We are very pleased to strengthen our partnership with Inmarsat and provide its Jet ConneX customers with a future-proof solution that can be used throughout the life of their aircraft. The open architecture and interfaces of our AirTRx30 terminal allow easy integration, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to passenger needs, which we know is more important than ever. Inmarsat’s relentless focus on innovation is fully aligned with our own, and we look forward to working together in the business aviation market.”
Orbit is currently working with OEMs, service providers and after-market partners to set-up distribution, certification, installation and customer support capabilities for the AirTRx30 globally. The company’s commitment to quality is driven by its ISO9001, AS9100, AS6500 and various other certifications as well as a long legacy in designing and delivering qualified and proven solutions for extreme aeronautical, military and climate conditions. The AirTRx30 will be manufactured at Orbit’s U.S. facility in Deerfield Beach, Florida and DO-160G qualified terminals will begin shipping in Q1 2023 or earlier.
AVOLON AND AIR GREENLAND
- Air Greenland commits to purchasing or leasing from Avolon a fleet of Vertical Aerospace VX4 eVTOL aircraft
- Air Greenland is the first European airline to join Avolon’s eVTOL program, starting its decarbonization journey where it matters the most
Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announces that it has partnered with Air Greenland, the flag-carrier for Greenland, to bring zero-emissions travel to the region and help tackle the issue of climate change.
Avolon and Air Greenland will partner to form a Working Group to assess the opportunity to commercialize zero-emissions air travel in the region. The Working Group will also collaborate to identify local infrastructure and certification requirements for eVTOL aircraft. As part of the agreement, Air Greenland will commit to purchasing or leasing a fleet of VX4 eVTOL aircraft, manufactured by Vertical Aerospace (‘Vertical’), from Avolon. Upon its introduction, the VX4 will be the most advanced and the safest eVTOL in the market and will be built to EASA safety certification standards – the most stringent global requirements and at the same level as commercial aircraft. The VX4 will be near silent when in flight and will have zero operating emissions, transporting four passengers and one pilot distances of over 100 miles at up to 200 miles per hour. The size of Air Greenland’s VX4 fleet will be defined at the conclusion of the Working Group’s assessment of the scale of the market opportunity.
Download the Avolon and Air Greenland partnership video here.
KYMETA
Kymeta, a world leading company for flat panel antennas making mobile global, and OneWeb (www.oneweb.world), the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announced today a distribution partner agreement to offer broadband connectivity services across the globe.
The OneWeb LEO satellite network will give Kymeta customers access to high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity while on the move or while stationary, anywhere in the world.
Kymeta offers the world’s only high-bandwidth, low power, fully integrated family of high throughput mobile terminals and has been widely adopted by military, government, enterprise, and maritime customers. The connectivity from OneWeb will complement Kymeta’s existing broadband geostationary orbit (GEO) and 4G cellular service offering.
Kymeta’s distribution agreement with OneWeb will enable the company to resell OneWeb services in conjunction with fixed and mobility hardware solutions to government and commercial customers globally.
“Whether connectivity is needed on land, at sea, or in the air, Kymeta continues to deliver through innovation and strong partner relationships,” said Walter Berger, President and Co-CEO, Kymeta. “Our distinctive technology can switch between linear and circular polarization in software, allowing support for both LEO and GEO Ku-band constellations without any physical changes to the hardware required. We look forward to working with OneWeb as the addition of capacity from their leading LEO satellite network will give customers, including the U.S. government and military, unprecedented access to connectivity in areas where existing networks don’t reach. Kymeta’s expansion into managed satellite services allows us to package our hardware solutions for connectivity as a service, a capability the US DoD and other end users are increasingly seeking.”
Commenting on OneWeb’s agreement, OneWeb CEO Neil Masterson added, “We believe that space is the future for communications on Earth. This agreement with Kymeta is another example of OneWeb’s dedication to enabling resilient and secure connectivity for all with fast, high-bandwidth, and low-latency communications services that enhance lives and can be accessed through revolutionary technology like Kymeta’s flat panel u8.”
The announcement comes just three months after the two companies partnered in a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop and bring to market by the end of 2022 a new u8-based LEO terminal that supports communications on the move (COTM) and communication on the pause (COTP) for governments, businesses, and communities.
The new Kymeta service, supported by OneWeb’s network of satellites, will distribute standalone OneWeb LEO service on the u8 or package together broadband services to offer GEO/LEO while also enabling military users access to a multi-constellation platform while on the move for the first time. The collaboration between the two leading companies in their respective fields provides a unique and comprehensive solution that expands connectivity and applications across all verticals and meets the needs of customers around the world
ONEWEB
- OneWeb, SpaceX sign agreement that will enable OneWeb to resume satellite launches
- First launch anticipated in 2022
OneWeb, the LEO the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announced that the company and SpaceX entered into an agreement that will enable OneWeb to resume satellite launches.
The first launch with SpaceX is anticipated in 2022 and will add to OneWeb’s total in-orbit constellation that currently stands at 428 satellites, or 66 percent of the fleet. OneWeb’s network will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.
OneWeb CEO Neil Masterson said: “We thank SpaceX for their support, which reflects our shared vision for the boundless potential of space. With these launch plans in place, we’re on track to finish building out our full fleet of satellites and deliver robust, fast, secure connectivity around the globe.”
Demand for OneWeb’s broadband connectivity services has continued to grow across telecommunications providers, aviation and maritime markets, and governments worldwide. OneWeb has activated service with its network at the 50th parallel and above, and early partners are initiating service.
Terms of the agreement with SpaceX are confidential.
ANUVU
Anuvu, a provider of high-speed connectivity and entertainment solutions for demanding worldwide mobility markets, has obtained the exclusive worldwide inflight distribution rights for critically acclaimed British comedy “The Duke”.
The Neon Films production for Pathé, Ingenious and the BBC is directed by the late Roger Michell and written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman, stars Academy Award winners Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. Since its release earlier this year, “The Duke” has garnered five-star ratings from esteemed critics at The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail and more. The film will be available for passenger viewing beginning in June 2022.
Anuvu’s decision to add “The Duke” to its growing media library comes on the heels of the inflight entertainment provider’s acquisition of the exclusive worldwide rights, outside Mainland China, to Hong Kong’s award-winning film “Zero to Hero” and China’s record-breaking box office hit “Hi, Mom”.
“At Anuvu, we are committed to providing diverse films that drive emotion and curiosity for a global audience”, said Estibaliz Asiain, SVP Media & Content. “‘The Duke’ is a heart-warming comedy that is sure to make passengers smile, something we could all use right now.”
“The Duke” is a funny and moving true story that celebrates a man who was determined to change the world and save his marriage. In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year-old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery. It was the first and only theft in the Gallery’s history. Kempton sent ransom notes promising to return the painting if the government invested more in care for the elderly. What happened next is the stuff of legend.
“We are happy to be working with the great team at Anuvu again on our latest film,” said a Pathé spokesperson.
As Anuvu’s vast entertainment library continues to expand, carriers seeking to uplevel their passengers’ travel experience can contact Anuvu or their content service provider (CSP) to book this film. For more information contact entertain@anuvu.com.
CARLISLE INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGIES
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT), introduces its new Octax® LT 10 Gbps single-port Ethernet connector for commercial aviation applications at the AEA 2022 show in New Orleans. CarlisleIT will be presenting at the “New Product Introductions” session on March 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the New Orleans Theater. CarlisleIT will also be present throughout the show at booth number 225.
While previous Octax® solutions are most often used for rugged-environment defense applications, the Octax® LT 10 Gb single-port connector is newly designed for commercial aviation applications with a die-cast, electroless nickel-plated aluminum shell. It is optimized for use with all the CarlisleIT Gigabit Series cables and is field-terminable.
“With commercial aviation being one of our biggest focuses right now, we wanted to give our customers the option to use this reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-work-with solution for that application,” said Jordan Tarter, CarlisleIT business development manager for airframe & engine OEMs and aerospace systems. “We’re excited to be presenting our latest innovation in this session where all the best new products will be announced. We hope to garner some anticipation for what’s coming to the market this year and solidify our standing as an industry leader.”
Other features and benefits include:
- Altitude immersion up to 50,000 feet
- Durable latching system
- Toolless EMI banding system
- Standard M39029 crimp contacts
- Compatible for both 26 and 24 AWG
CarlisleIT’s vertical integration allows them to provide interconnect solutions encompassing every facet of design and production for a variety of product needs. In addition, their in-house certification team is able to generate the appropriate reports and documentation required to ensure compliance with FAA and aerospace industry airworthiness standards. CarlisleIT is more than a manufacturer of aerospace products; they are an end-to-end solutions provider of high-performance interconnect solutions.
To learn more about CarlisleIT’s line of Octax® high-speed data connectors, visit this link.
Today’s Image : JetBlue Firms Up Order For 60 Airbus A220-300 Aircraft
ANUVU
Anuvu Secures Major Capacity Deal with Telesat
- New agreement provides Anuvu with 10 Gigabits of Ka-band capacity, the largest acquisition so far in Anuvu’s Bridge to LEO strategy
Anuvu (formerly GlobalEagle) and Telesat announced the largest yet in a series of satellite capacity deals, providing Anuvu and its customers with new Ka-band connectivity over the Southeastern US, the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and Central America.
Under the agreement, Anuvu will add approximately ten gigabits of Ka-band capacity, from Telesat starting next month. This adds to Anuvu’s existing global multi-band capacity on 54 satellites from 11 satellite operators around the world.
“This is an important step in our long-term plan that will culminate with our current GEO Ka-band, Ku-band and C-band global network being supplemented with the Anuvu Constellation of microGEO satellites and setting the stage for LEO connectivity with Telesat Lightspeed,” said Mike Pigott, Anuvu EVP Connectivity.
This deal is part of Anuvu’s Bridge to LEO, allowing Anuvu customers to begin using terminals and capacity now, which are forward-compatible with the Telesat Lightspeed LEO network. “We are revolutionizing mobile connectivity with an open-architecture, hybrid network model that will seamlessly integrate LEO and GEO satellite capability using the Anuvu Constellation Operating System (ACOS). Anuvu’s partnership model delivers our customers an integrated, flexible and cutting-edge solution to meet ever-increasing end user demand. It is a simple bridge from the best satellite technology today, to the best of the future,” said Pigott.
“The Telesat Lightspeed LEO constellation, with its flexible capacity and 100% global coverage, was designed for mobility from the start. And Anuvu’s Bridge to LEO network ensures their passengers an early and smooth upgrade path to the highest-capacity, lowest-latency, fiber-like passenger experience on Telesat Lightspeed,” said Glenn Katz, Chief Commercial Officer at Telesat. “Telesat provided Anuvu’s first satellite capacity over a decade ago and we are proudly further-cementing our relationship with this important agreement.”
ONEWEB
- OneWeb confirms successful launch and contact with 34 satellites, bringing total in-orbit constellation to 428 satellites
- OneWeb has now launched two thirds of LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity
- OneWeb starts the year with ten launches completed since December 2020, and several partnerships and agreements signed
OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, confirmed the successful deployment of 34 satellites by Arianespace from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. This launch, the Company’s first in 2022 and 13th overall, brings OneWeb’s total in-orbit constellation to 428 satellites. It represents 66 percent of OneWeb’s planned 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity.
This launch kicks off a successful start to 2022 as demand for OneWeb’s broadband connectivity services has continued to grow across telecommunications providers, aviation and maritime markets, ISPs, and governments worldwide. Most recently, the Company has signed new distribution partnership agreements with several companies in the last month – including Hughes Network Systems, Marlink, and Field Solutions Holdings – to help ensure connectivity is delivered to the most hard-to-reach places globally.
Liftoff of the latest launch occurred on Thursday, 10th of February 2022. OneWeb’s satellites separated from the rocket and were dispensed in nine batches over a period of 3 hours 33 minutes with signal acquisition on all 34 satellites confirmed.
ASTRONICS
Astronics Corporation congratulates Textron Aviation Inc., on the first flight of its new high-performance single-engine turboprop Beechcraft Denali.
The Beechcraft Denali is equipped with several of Astronics’ products, including:
- Aircraft power systems: CorePower® Induction Starter Generator System, CorePower® Electronic Circuit Breaker Units, and the 28-Volt DC EmPower® In-Seat Power Supply from Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems
- Aircraft exterior lighting and cockpit panels from Astronics Luminescent Systems
- The Max-Viz 1400 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) from Astronics PECO
“Astronics is proud to be a part of the Beechcraft Denali program,” said Mark Peabody, President of Astronics Aerospace Segment. “The technology and innovation being applied to the Beechcraft Denali program is often found in larger aircraft. We believe the addition of these systems will enable a significant increase in features and performance for smaller business and general aviation aircraft.”
BOEING
Boeing Reaches Record $2 Billion in E-Commerce Sales
- Boeing Global Services online sales portal simplifies customer transactions with new tools
- Record online orders reflect continued recovery from COVID-19 impacts
Boeing achieved an annual record for e-commerce parts sales last year with more than $2 billion in online orders. Fueled by investment in digital tools, Boeing Distribution Inc. (formerly Aviall) sold nearly 70,000 parts products through its e-commerce site to commercial and government customers, eclipsing pre-pandemic levels. Commercial orders accounted for $1.5 billion in sales, reflecting the continued recovery in the airline industry
“Our $2 billion closeout to 2021 was a great capstone as the market heads to a more stable recovery,” said Ted Colbert, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Global Services, at the Singapore Airshow today. “Our e-commerce capabilities are a great example of the digital solutions we provide to enable industry recovery and growth. Our focus as always is on bringing value through our products and services, and we will continue to partner with our customers as they navigate this dynamic environment.”
Boeing Distribution Inc.’s online revenue last year was 15 percent higher compared to pre-pandemic levels, while orders were 20 percent higher. The stronger sales came as the company rolled out new tools to improve the customer experience, including a new homepage, a live chat feature, and an online knowledge center.
The refreshed e-commerce parts website, which features over 500,000 products, saw five million visits from 50 countries last year.
“Boeing is improving e-commerce with our customers in mind,” said William Ampofo, vice president of Parts, Distribution Services, and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services. “In addition to launching new digital tools, we are creating a more streamlined process for our customers by realigning strategy, program, and product line management with supply chain and customer support. We will continue to focus on digital and performance improvements, along with simplifying how we engage with our customers.”
OTHER NEWS
- You might want to check out how AirAsia is changing their name and why – “The name change reflects the Group’s new core business strategy as an investment holding company with a portfolio of synergistic travel and lifestyle businesses, which have rapidly transformed the AirAsia brand into much more than just an airline.”
AirAsia Group is now Capital A — airasia newsroom
THALES
- AVIOBOOK strengthens its position as leader of the Electronic Flight Folder market with a record breaking 3 contracts signed in fall 2021.
- AVIOBOOK has passed a huge milestone in its growth and development, reaching over 2600 tails using AVIOBOOK’s suite of applications.
Despite difficult economic conditions in the aviation industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, AVIOBOOK has proved that its robust and reliable suite of applications can bring concrete business benefits to airlines around the world. The company is thus positioning itself as the practical solution for EFB software that will support airlines in the post-pandemic recovery.
The broad portfolio of new customers demonstrates the appeal of AVIOBOOK’s solutions. In India, low-cost carrier IndiGo has chosen AVIOBOOK for its fleet of over 270 aircraft to support its operations as the largest airline in the country by market share. And two members of the Indigo Partners Group, JetSMART in South America and Lynx Air in Canada, saw in AVIOBOOK a strong partner to help accompany their rapid growth plans.
Built on a decade of experience, AVIOBOOK is a proven solution that differentiates itself through its deep back-office integration and extensive user-driven functionalities. AVIOBOOK’s experience in the development of adaptable and flexible solutions, with previous implementations at 60+ airlines around the world, has been key to ensuring the success of these projects.
AVIOBOOK is proud to welcome IndiGo, JetSMART and Lynx Air to the AVIOBOOK community.
MORE THALES NEWS:
- Thales to create highest ever Wi-Fi hotspot as it joins forces with Airbus Perlan Mission II stratospheric glider project
Thales announced its partnership with Airbus Perlan Mission II, an internationally celebrated and world record setting climate and aerospace research project, aiming to fly Thales’ latest mobile Satellite communications system, FlytLink, in a zero-emission glider to more than twice the altitude of a commercial airline flight. Through this collaboration, the world will get a live, front row view of the stratosphere and hear from glider pilots as they soar to the edge of space via FlytLink. The Nevada-based Airbus Perlan Mission II team is planning for a possible return to flight this year in the U.S. and El Calafate, Argentina.
Airbus Perlan Mission II is an initiative of The Perlan Project, a non-profit, international team of scientists, engineers, and aviators. The group has already set aviation world altitude records in the experimental Perlan 2 glider, which was designed, built and deployed to fly to 90,000 feet without an engine. Originally launched in 2015, the Perlan 2 achieved its highest record-setting flight of above 76,000 feet in 2018. The organization’s mission is to conduct climate, atmospheric and aeronautical research at extreme high altitudes. Applications of their research include informing more accurate climate-change models, innovating fuel-efficient or zero-emission aviation, and even demonstrating the feasibility of using energy-efficient winged aircraft on Mars.
Soaring too high to use ground-based communications, the Perlan 2 glider will be fitted with the FlytLink Thales Iridium Certus based satellite communications (satcom) system. This means that for the first time it will be possible to make a live feed available to STEM students, researchers and aviation enthusiasts around the world while the aircraft is in flight, enabling access to real-time data downloads. FlytLink is the latest generation of Iridium-based satellite communications systems for cockpit and crew operations. Anywhere in the world, whether flying over the poles, the ocean or land, FlytLink offers coverage and connectivity for critical operations. Its resilience, high dependability and low size, weight and power make it adaptable to any aircraft, including gliders such as Perlan.
“We look forward to Perlan 2 carrying the Thales logo as well as one of the company’s most cutting-edge communication solutions to even greater heights,” said Ed Warnock, CEO of The Perlan Project. “By exploring the stratosphere in an airborne research vehicle that creates zero pollution, we hope to unlock discoveries never possible before. Through this exciting partnership with Thales, we also look forward to inspiring new generations of scientists, engineers and pilots in environmentally conscious aviation.”
“We are delighted to support Airbus Perlan Mission II because we believe the project aligns with Thales’ own strategies for future, greener aviation and the environment,” said Marc Duval Destin, Vice-President Strategy, Product Policy and Innovation for Thales’ Flight Avionics activities. ”We hope that the live stream will encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in aerospace, science and engineering.”
When Perlan 2 reaches its next record-breaking target altitude of over 90,000 feet, it will be the highest a winged aircraft has ever flown in level flight. Equipped with cutting edge aviation technology and using spacecraft engineering, its glider wings can fly in less than 3% of normal air density at temperatures of minus 70 degrees Celsius approximating the atmospheric conditions on Mars.
“Our equipment will be in an unpressurised environment,” added Duval Destin. “So, this is a great opportunity for us to validate the design and performance of our solution in such extremely non-benign conditions.”
Designed to support a wide range of use cases in maritime, land mobile and aviation markets, Thales Iridium Certus based satcom solutions are already used widely among vessels and land/mobile applications to keep critical communications when it is needed at all times, anywhere on the planet.
BOEING
Last year the airframer delivered 340 aircraft, broken down as follows:
2021
- 245 MAXs
- 18 737NGs
- 7 747s
- 32 767s
- 24 777s
- 14 787s
2020 Deliveries Totaled 157 aircraft
- 27 MAXs
- 16 737NGs
- five 747s
- 30 767s
- 26 777s
- 53 787s
In 2021 Boeing booked 909 orders (535 net) vs 184 (-471) in 2020, and ended the year with backlog of 5,136 vs 4,997.
QATAR AIRWAYS
Munich Airport welcomes a further increase in so-called cargo-only services. As of today, Qatar Airways is operating regular flights to and from Munich with a cargo version of its Boeing 777. The routing starts on Mondays in Bangalore, India, and leads via Qatar’s capital Doha to Munich and then on to Chicago. On the return flight, in exactly the opposite rotation, the freighter reaches Munich every Tuesday. Qatar Airways operates this service on behalf of the international logistics provider DB Schenker. Munich’s cargo network will thus be expanded by more significant destinations. This new freight service proves once again that, even in times of pandemic, Munich Airport plays an important role as a reliable part of the infrastructure and a key component of global supply chains.
OTHER NEWS
Today’s Image: The 777-9 flight test airplane makes its international debut, flying non-stop from Seattle to the United Arab Emirates. It will be on display at the Dubai Airshow starting November 14. The 777-9 has seating for 426 passengers and a range of over 7,285 nmi (13,500 km). The 777X program was proposed in the early 2010’s.
INMARSAT
Inmarsat, a leader in global, mobile satellite communications, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announce that the launch of Inmarsat’s first satellite in the Inmarsat-6 fleet (I-6 F1) by MHI’s H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 45 (HIIA F45), will be as follows:
- Launch Date: December 21st, 2021
- Window: 14:33:52 p.m. through 16:33:26 p.m., Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) 23:33:52 p.m. through 01:33:26 a.m. (the next day), Japan Standard Time (JST)
- Location: Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Inmarsat’s sixth-generation (I-6) fleet will be its first to feature dual-payload satellites. The I-6s will support L-band (ELERA) and Ka-band (Global Xpress) services as part of the company’s unique, global, multi-dimensional, dynamic mesh network ORCHESTRA.
MHI Launch Services enjoys an extremely high success rate of 98.1% and has provided 47 successful consecutive launches, delivered on-time and to the customer’s satisfaction. MHI provides a dedicated launch service for the I-6 F1 launch with the H-IIA Launch Vehicle, configured as H2A204/4S, with 4 Solid Rocket boosters (SRB-As) and 4m diameter payload fairing. The core stages of the H2A launch vehicle are undergoing final checks at MHI’s factory in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, ahead of their shipment to the launch site on Tanegashima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, which is located in the southwest of Japan.
“Our first Inmarsat 6 satellite, I-6F1, is the largest and most advanced commercial communications satellite ever launched and we look forward to the event in Japan with our trusted partner, MHI,” said Rajeev Suri, Inmarsat CEO. “The I-6s are Inmarsat’s first ever hybrid L- and Ka-band satellites, incorporating increased capacity and new technological advances for ELERA’s transformational L-band services alongside additional Global Xpress high-speed broadband capacity. They demonstrate Inmarsat’s ongoing investment and commitment as a global leader for the benefit of mobility customers worldwide, delivering an enhanced platform for world-changing technologies that ELERA enables, including the Industrial Internet of Things, by providing dramatically increased network capacity and resilience. I-6 F1 also plays an integral role in the reliable geostationary earth orbit infrastructure that underpins Inmarsat ORCHESTRA – the world’s first network that will combine geostationary, low earth orbit and terrestrial 5G into one harmonious solution.”
”We are honored to have been selected by Inmarsat, a leader in the global mobile satellite communication industry, to provide launch services for their first satellite in the Inmarsat-6 series,” said Tomoe Nishigaya, Vice President & Senior General Manager for Space Systems in MHI. “We strongly believe and expect that Inmarsat’s L-band services, ELERA, and Global Xpress high-speed broadband capacity delivered by their I-6 fleet of satellites will trigger further growth of demands in the global mobile satellite communication market. Again, we are excited and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to be part of such an innovative mission as a launch services provider. We are committed to providing highly reliable launch services for this 45th mission of H-IIA, following the success of previous missions. We intend to support Inmarsat and its partners with best efforts and great teamwork through the final preparation for the successful launch.”
ASTRONICS
- Sales for the quarter were $111.8 million, up 5% over
prior-year period
- Net loss of $7.2 million continues sequential improvement through 2021
- Adjusted EBITDA* was $2.8 million; measurably improved over prior-year period loss and trailing second quarter
- Bookings up 88% over prior-year period and up 22% over trailing second quarter to $153.5 million; Achieved book-to-bill ratio of 1.37
- Aerospace segment book-to-bill was 1.49 for the quarter
- Backlog increased 13% sequentially to $354.4 million
BOEING
ATSG Selects Boeing for Next Converted Freighter Order
- Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG) placed its first order with Boeing to convert four of their 767-300 aircraft into freighters
- 767-300BCF now has more than 100 orders and commitments
Air Transport Services Group, Inc., the world’s largest lessor of 767-300 converted freighters, has contracted with Boeing for the conversion of four aircraft to 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF).
“Our continued confidence in the 767-300 platform, now coupled with the services and support of the OEM, reinforces our commitment to deliver best-in-class reliable services to our customers,” said Mike Berger, chief commercial officer of ATSG. “We’re proud to partner with Boeing as we expand our fleet to meet growing demand and look forward to future growth together.”
The 767-300BCF now has more than 100 orders and commitments from customers around the globe, providing widebody converted freighter capability to meet growing market demand, and building on a record year for customer orders of Boeing’s family of freighters.
“We are honored that ATSG has decided to make the 767-300BCF an integral part of their fleet expansion strategy, supporting customers looking to capitalize on strong e-commerce demand,” said Jens Steinhagen, director of Boeing Converted Freighters. “As the OEM, Boeing has the original design data, robust supply chains, and dependable delivery schedules that benefit BCF customers such as ATSG. With that OEM advantage, we stand ready to meet ATSG’s needs by bringing forward market-leading 767-300BCFs into its fleet.”
ATSG is a global leader in cargo leasing, operating a fleet of 106 Boeing aircraft, including more than ninety 767 converted freighters.
And More News:
Boeing to Debut 777X, Spotlight Defense and Global Services and Highlight Sustainability, Technology and Partnerships at 2021 Dubai Airshow.
- Boeing ecoDemonstrator 737-9, Etihad Airways 787-10 Dreamliner and flydubai 737 MAX 9 on display at global aerospace event.
- Boeing defense platforms include KC-46A Pegasus, P-8 Poseidon and MV-22 Osprey.
Boeing will showcase its market-leading portfolio of commercial, defense and services products at the 2021 Dubai Airshow this month, including the international debut of its newest fuel-efficient widebody jet, the 777X, along with the company’s growing autonomous capabilities such as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.
“Boeing is excited to participate fully in the Dubai Airshow, the first global airshow in almost two years, and to be able to engage directly with customers, partners, suppliers and other stakeholders from the region and beyond,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Turkey and Africa. “The show is a perfect opportunity to come together and remind the world of the importance of our industry and discuss technology and innovations that are critical to advance a more sustainable aerospace industry over the long term.”
During the event, a Boeing 777-9 flight-test airplane will soar in the airshow’s flying program and appear in the static display. Building on the best of the industry-leading 777 and 787 families, the 777-9 will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering 10% better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than the competition.
The company’s static display will also feature the 2021 Boeing ecoDemonstrator, an Alaska Airlines 737-9 that is flight testing about 20 technologies to reduce fuel use, emissions and noise and further improve safety.
In addition, Etihad Airways will display a 787-10 Dreamliner that showcases the airline’s collaboration with Boeing to advance sustainable aviation. Etihad’s program researches and tests innovative technologies, products and practices on its fleet of 787s and within its operations to further reduce carbon emissions. Also on display, flydubai – the region’s largest 737 operator – will feature a 737 MAX 9 that reduces fuel use and CO2 by 14% compared to its predecessors.
Boeing’s exhibit in Dubai will highlight defense products including the F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet and T-7A Advanced Pilot Training System, as well as its Autonomous Systems portfolio, including the Boeing Airpower Teaming System and the Insitu Integrator ER and ScanEagle unmanned systems.
Global defense customers are expected to display several operational Boeing aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey, KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, C-17 Globemaster III, AH-64 Apache and CH-47F Chinook.
Boeing also will discuss its parts, modifications, digital, sustainment and training solutions, including an expansive global supply chain, maintenance and logistics network. Government services will feature in-country partnerships with on-the-ground support for its installed base of defense platforms. Commercial services highlights will include Boeing Converted Freighters, expanded support to regional customers and near-term sales opportunities.
More News From Boeing:
Boeing Projects Asia Pacific Commercial Aviation Market Valued at $6.8 Trillion by 2040
- Forecast anticipates need for more than 17,600 new commercial airplanes with a focus on efficiency and sustainability
- By 2040, Asia Pacific markets will account for nearly half of global air traffic; cargo fleet to more than triple
Boeing estimates that air travel within Asia Pacific markets will account for nearly half of global air traffic by 2040, driving 20-year demand for 17,645 new airplanes valued at $3.1 trillion. To support its commercial aviation industry, Asia-Pacific countries also will require aftermarket services valued at $3.7 trillion. Boeing provided the data in its 2021 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), the company’s long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and services.
The Asia Pacific region has diverse air travel markets, including mature economies in Northeast Asia and Oceania as well as rapidly growing aviation markets in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia. With the travel recovery enabled by rising COVID-19 vaccination, Asia Pacific carriers are well-positioned to capitalize on recovering business and leisure travel as well as air cargo transportation, according to Boeing.
“We have seen strong resilience in Asia Pacific traffic when restrictions are lifted and passengers feel confident about travel,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. “Carriers with efficient and versatile fleets will be positioned to meet passenger needs and air freight demand with airplanes that reduce fuel use, emissions and operating costs.”
Boeing’s CMO analysis addresses 20-year demand for the five regions within Asia Pacific:
- Southeast Asian countries seeing rapid economic growth will also see fleet growth and passenger traffic well above global averages. Low-cost carriers are forecast to expand intra-regional networks with single-aisle jets, while open skies and trade agreements will enable carriers to invest in fuel-efficient widebodies to serve long-haul routes. Southeast Asia is forecast to need 4,465 new airplanes valued at $765 billion and commercial aviation services valued at $790 billion by 2040.
- In Northeast Asia, mature economies will continue to support a balanced air travel market across domestic, regional and long-haul travel segments. Fleet replacement will account for nearly 75% of new deliveries as airlines look to improve sustainability and fleet versatility. The region is expected to need 1,385 new airplanes valued at $310 billion as well as services valued at $555 billion in the next 20 years.
- In Oceania, commercial aviation serves as critical transportation infrastructure across long distances and island nations. Domestic and regional travel accounting for 80% of passenger traffic will drive single-aisle demand, while versatile widebody jets such as the 787 Dreamliner will support long-haul and international network development. Oceania is projected to need 785 new jets valued at $135 billion and services valued at $165 billion by the end of the forecast period.
- Boeing previously released its China CMO forecast. The South Asia forecast will be highlighted in coming months.
The 2021 CMO includes these projections for Asia Pacific through 2040:
- Single-aisle jets will account for nearly 13,500 deliveries, about three-quarters of demand in terms of units. Widebody jets including passenger and cargo models will total nearly 3,800 airplanes.
- The cargo fleet will more than triple to 1,160 airplanes, including new and converted models, to support diversifying global supply chains and meet e-commerce demand. The Asia Pacific cargo fleet is expected to roughly equal North America’s cargo fleet by 2040.
- Tied to economic and fleet growth, demand for maintenance, repair, overhaul and modifications account for a majority of projected commercial aviation services demand. Digital solutions, analytics and training services also will support the Asia Pacific fleet.
- Boeing’s 2021 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) forecasts that the region will require nearly 820,000 new aviation personnel, including more than 230,000 pilots and nearly 250,000 technicians and 340,000 cabin crew members. The global PTO is available here.
OTHER NEWS
COLLINS AEROSPACE
- Customized Club Suite offers passengers luxury, privacy and all-aisle access
- Creates a consistent passenger experience across the British Airways fleet
- Completion expected by the end of 2022
British Airways has selected Collins Aerospace to upgrade its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft to the Club World experience for business class passengers.
The agreement includes installation of the popular Club Suite business class seat, the Club Kitchen and a new cabin configuration. Collins will also perform full-cabin integration work – including engineering design, test and approval – along with program management and third-party supplier approvals. Some of the modified aircraft are already flying with the upgrades expected to be complete by the end of 2022. The retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will be operating from London Heathrow.
“When we launched our Club Suite product, it was a huge hit with our customers who loved the privacy the new seat offers,” said Sajida Ismail, Head of Inflight Product for British Airways. “We are focused on the roll out of this product and other cabin enhancements to ensure we deliver on our commitment to provide the very best British quality, style and comfort for our customers.”
The Club Suite is a customized version of Collins Aerospace’s industry-leading Super Diamond business class seat, providing British Airways international passengers with privacy doors, a spacious seat that converts to a fully flat bed and an upgraded inflight entertainment system. Similar to the upgraded cabin on British Airways’ new Airbus A350 fleet, the suites are laid out in a 1-2-1 pattern, allowing all-aisle access for every passenger. This proven design can be tailored to fit different airframes, helping maintain a consistent passenger experience.
The Club Kitchen is an area consisting of galley inserts, chillers and built-in storage for snacks, drinks and other refreshments, allowing passengers the ability to collect self-service snacks and refreshments at their leisure.
“The upgraded Club World cabin raises British Airways’ already high standards and provides commonality across their fleet of aircraft,” said Trevor Skelly, general manager of Integration Engineering for Collins Aerospace. “Our Integration Engineering team has worked closely with British Airways designers for several years to bring the latest in business class comfort, style and privacy from concept to reality.”
Through its Integration and Engineering group, Collins Aerospace has an Organization Designation Authority from the FAA to oversee the certification and Supplemental Type Certificate for the upgrade. Manufacturing of the new suite seats is being completed at the company’s facility in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, while the new Club Kitchen was designed at the company’s facility in Everett, Washington.
INMARSAT
Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced a new partnership network for its ground-breaking Velaris connectivity solution and confirmed the first member is set to be Altitude Angel, the world’s leading Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) technology provider.
As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed this week, the two companies will explore opportunities to further integrate Inmarsat’s recently-launched Velaris connectivity solution for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with Altitude Angel’s market-leading UTM technology. Together, they will offer secure communications for commercial UAVs – commonly known as drones – to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) on long distance flights and access applications, including real-time monitoring, to ensure safe integration with aircraft in commercial airspace.
The new agreement will strengthen the existing partnership between Inmarsat and Altitude Angel, which has initially focused on the development of a Pop-Up UTM platform that delivers advanced flight tracking and management capability for UAVs. The solution has already been successfully demonstrated on a number of flights, offering full situational awareness to the operator team and preventing any potential conflicts with commercial aircraft. In addition, the Pop-Up UTM was crowned winner of Air Traffic Management Magazine’s UTM Service Supplier Award earlier this year and has been shortlisted in the prestigious Maverick Awards innovation category at World ATM Congress 2021, taking place this week.
Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat’s Senior Director of UAVs and UTM, said: “Inmarsat’s Velaris Partner Network (VPN) allows us to develop an unparalleled array of end-to-end UAV solutions and capabilities, working alongside a world-class ecosystem of leading players from across the industry. We are delighted that Altitude Angel has been announced as the first member and look forward to expanding the network further, with the additional of both new and well-established companies expected in the near future.”
Phil Binks, Altitude Angel’s Head of UTM, said: “Our Pop-Up UTM platform has received an outstanding response from the UAV industry, showing the immense potential for unmanned traffic management to enable safe, highly-automated UAV flights in both urban and rural environments. As the inaugural member of Inmarsat’s Velaris Partner Network, we will build on this momentum together by developing cutting-edge new innovations for this fast growing market that combine our unique individual strengths.”
The announcement comes a day after Inmarsat and Cranfield University published a new report, titled ‘UAVs: Unlocking positive transformation in the world’, which examines the wealth of new possibilities and applications unlocked by commercial UAVs. A key finding was the potential of UAVs to almost half the CO2 emissions of urban freight transport compared to small light commercial vehicles (LCVs), providing an unprecedented opportunity to reduce the logistics industry’s environmental impact.
The report, which analyses both new and existing research, also identifies the many other commercial advantages provided by UAVs to organizations that embrace the technology and adopt new operational methods, with cost and time savings leading to enhanced supply chain and business efficiencies. In addition, it explores the considerable benefits that extend beyond those driven by commercial gain, such as delivering humanitarian and medical aid to remote communities and conflict zones, surveillance to protect endangered animals from poachers, and monitoring for illegal deforestation or mining operations.
Velaris is powered by Inmarsat’s ELERA global satellite network, which delivers the world’s most reliable and flexible global connectivity, with full global redundancy and unique resilience in all conditions. ELERA capabilities will be enhanced further with the upcoming addition of Inmarsat-6 satellites, the largest and most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever built, the first of which (I-6F1) is scheduled to launch before the end of the year. The L-band capacity on each I-6 satellite will be substantially greater than Inmarsat’s 4th generation spacecraft and, among other enhancements, delivers 50% more capacity per beam in addition to unlimited beam routing flexibility.
More News:
Inmarsat, announced that Philippe Carette will be joining the company as President of its Aviation Business Unit on 22 November 2021.
Philippe joins Inmarsat from Thales, where he held several roles since joining the company in 2013. This includes the position of CEO of Thales’ InFlyt Experience Business Line (IFE), where he led a digital transformation of the business, leveraging cloud based disruptive applications and achieving a significant increase in customer satisfaction. Philippe has over 30 years’ experience in the technology & aerospace industries, which in addition to his tenure at Thales includes 14 years with the Safran Group, a major French aerospace engineering company.
Philip Balaam, currently business unit President for aviation, is moving into a new strategy role at Inmarsat, where he will be working with Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Fredrik Gustavsson to reinforce the company’s growing, broad-based commercial momentum.
“I am very pleased to welcome Philippe Carette as president of our aviation business at the start of a new era of growth across our aviation business lines, and throughout the company as a whole”, said Rajeev Suri, CEO of Inmarsat. “He brings a wealth of experience and I look forward to working with him as a member of Inmarsat’s executive team as we extend our technology leadership and significantly enhance the services we offer to our partners and customers through new initiatives such as ORCHESTRA and ELERA. His 30 plus years of experience in aviation, technology and aerospace will be invaluable.
“I wish to thank Philip Balaam for the pivotal role he played in establishing Inmarsat as a leader in the IFC sector and for his many other contributions to the growth of our aviation business. In his new strategy role at Inmarsat, he will play a crucial role in enhancing the future strategic framework for the whole business.”
SATCOM DIRECT
Satcom Direct (SD), the business aviation solutions provider, has inked a preferred supplier agreement with Slovenia-headquartered aviation services company Elit’Avia. Voice, data, connectivity, and flight deck communication functionality, along with customer support and training, is now enabling Elit’Avia to optimize the full range of SD connectivity services for its mixed fleet. Demonstrating the value of the SD Xperience portfolio, which enables customization of bundled packages, the deal realizes the opportunity for Elit’Avia to tailor SD services to meet individual aircraft requirements.
The Elit’Avia flight department already uses the digital flight operations system SD Pro® to synchronize flight operations, access the SD Cyber Security Threat Monitoring module, and to track and monitor flights. The three-year arrangement strengthens and extends the existing commercial relationship between the two companies
THALES
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) renews their trust in Thales with a turnkey modernization of their nationwide Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. The new ATM system will improve capacity and safety thanks to a complete nationwide surveillance coverage using the latest ATC and air surveillance technologies compliant with ICAO standards. An iconic new Air Traffic Management Centre and Control Tower as well as new radar building will be constructed at the Hazrat Shajalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka.
BOEING
Boeing Projects Demand for 1,540 New Airplanes in the Russia, Ukraine and CIS Aviation Market Through 2040.
- 20-year commercial airplane market valued at $520 billion, including jets and services
- Forecast anticipates that Russia, leading all regions in domestic air travel recovery, will see additional growth in leisure and business travel
Boeing said that airlines in Russia, Ukraine and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will require 1,540 new airplanes valued at $200 billion over the next 20 years, driven mainly by growth in the single-aisle market. The region also will need aftermarket aviation services such as passenger-to-freighter conversions, maintenance and repair, and digital services worth $320 billion, according to the 2021 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), Boeing’s long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and services.
Global and regional air travel markets are recovering largely as Boeing projected last year. Following a strong economic rebound and large pent-up demand, Russia has led all regions in domestic air traffic recovery, with growth expected to continue, according to Boeing.
“Boeing is ready to support carriers in Russia, Ukraine and CIS as they transform their business models and take advantage of opportunities for further growth,” said Randy Heisey, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for Russia, Ukraine and CIS. “Aviation is vitally important for enabling robust domestic tourism growth and a rebound in long-haul leisure travel while also supporting trade and cargo links across a huge geographic region.”
The 2021 CMO for Russia, Ukraine and CIS includes these projections through 2040:
Air traffic is projected to grow by 2.9% annually, tied to economic growth of 2.1% per year.
More than half of deliveries to the region will be for growth. The overall fleet is expected to total more than 2,000 airplanes, with demand for more fuel-efficient models.
Single-aisle airplanes will represent 75% of deliveries, with demand for 1,150 airplanes. Demand will be driven by growth in the low-cost carrier (LCC) segment, including opportunities for new and expanding low-cost airlines.
Demand for 160 new widebody passenger and freighter airplanes to serve regional leisure markets as well as long-haul passenger and cargo markets.
The region will require 83,000 new aviation personnel, including 25,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians and 33,000 cabin crews. For Boeing’s global demand forecast, go to the Pilot and Technician Outlook website.
For Boeing’s global and regional forecasts, including data and analysis, go to the Commercial Market Outlook website.
More News:
A.P. Moller – Maersk Orders Two Boeing 777 Freighters
- Global logistics and shipping company places first order for 777 Freighter
- 777 Freighters to be operated by Maersk’s air freight operator Star Air
Boeing and A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) announced the global provider of end-to-end container logistics has placed an order for two 777 Freighters. The freighters will be operated by Star Air, Maersk’s in-house aircraft operator and is the company’s first 777 order. Star Air currently operates an all-Boeing 767 Freighter fleet.
More News:
Boeing contribution – Boeing Contributes Nearly $2 Million for Indigenous Communities in the U.S. – Nov 1, 2021
OTHER NEWS
CRYSTAL CABIN
As part of the virtual Aircraft Interiors Expo 2021, the Crystal Cabin Awards in the special categories “Clean and Safe Air Travel” and “Judges’ Choice Award” have been presented for the first time. French cabin interiors specialist Safran won over the international expert jury in both categories. The two special categories were developed by a task force of jury members in response to the global coronavirus pandemic and its impact on aviation worldwide. 2022 is expected to see the leading international industry prize take place in person again as part of the key global trade show, the Aircraft Interiors Expo, drawing the who’s who of the commercial aviation industry to Hamburg as it regularly does.
“Clean & Safe Air Travel” is targeted at innovations for aircraft in the areas of health, hygiene, safety, and cleanliness. The “Judges’ Choice Award” has been designed for entries that would otherwise have been submitted in one of the eight regular categories, including Cabin Systems and In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity. These two special categories were developed by a task force of the Crystal Cabin Award Association, which is led by Hamburg Aviation, in collaboration with members of the expert jury, spread over four continents. For the first time, five finalists were shortlisted per category, rather than three. The awards ceremony for the eight main categories of this globally recognized prize for cabin innovations and on-board products was also broadcast in TV format in March 2021. For the virtual presentation of awards in the two new special categories, the digital Aircraft Interiors Expo on 15 September represented the ideal setting.
Hygiene concepts for the aircraft cabin competed neck-and-neck in the “Clean and Safe Air Travel” category. In the end, Safran Cabin took the honors with its “Beacon Clean Lavatory”. This innovative bathroom concept represented the company’s response to increased passenger hygiene expectations, combining antibacterial surfaces with hands-free features. Speaking from Hamburg’s ZAL Center for Applied Aeronautical Research, Carsten Laufs, Vice President Product and Innovation Management of Crystal Cabin partner Diehl Aviation congratulated the winners.
INMARSAT
Inmarsat, a leader in global mobile satellite communications, announced the launch of its innovative new OneFi customer experience platform for airlines. The first-of-its-kind solution will serve as a catalyst to monetize inflight connectivity by bringing a host of onboard services together within a single portal interface, which passengers can easily access using their own personal devices.
OneFi delivers a rich airline-branded digital platform to enhance the passenger experience onboard flights. It allows passengers to order food and beverages, purchase seat upgrades, receive the latest flight and destination information, and sign-up to the airline’s frequent flyer programs, all in real-time from the comfort of their seat. In addition, passengers can browse the internet, stream videos and audio, shop online and enjoy other e-commerce offerings, using high-speed inflight broadband that airlines could choose to offer free-of-charge, funded through OneFi’s sponsorship and advertising features.
The launch of OneFi comes at a critical time for airlines, with the global pandemic having accelerated passenger demand for digital inflight experiences. Inmarsat’s recent 2021 Passenger Confidence Tracker, the largest and most comprehensive global survey of its kind since the pandemic began, found that digital solutions that keep passengers connected and minimize their contact with cabin crew and fellow passengers can go a long way in boosting confidence. In addition, out of the 10,000 respondents worldwide, 41% believed inflight Wi-Fi had increased in importance after the pandemic.
Philip Balaam, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “For many years, Inmarsat has advocated the vast commercial opportunities of inflight connectivity. However, until now, airlines have struggled to realize the full potential of the business model. OneFi is a step change for those looking to monetize their Wi-Fi services and ensure they keep pace with evolving passenger needs. It will empower a digital transformation in the cabin, which is especially important at this critical time for the aviation industry.
“OneFi allows airlines to improve their brand experience and secure passenger loyalty, with the flexibility to incorporate their own services and use existing and new partners, such as content providers, advertisers and retailers. We are in advanced discussions with leading airlines about adopting this innovative new platform and expect to see a rollout with our first OneFi customer by the end of this year.”
In recent years, airlines have continued to increase their focus on unlocking new revenue streams through broadband-enabled ancillary services. The market for digital inflight advertising alone is forecast to grow from $266 million today to $3.3 billion by 2030, representing a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.9% between 2020 and 2030, according to Valour Consulting. The launch of OneFi is a significant step in turning that untapped commercial opportunity into a reality.
What truly sets OneFi apart is its industry grade targeting features, media inventory and calls-to-action that are made available to the airline and its partners. These ensure that content is contextual and relevant to the individual passenger. It also enables partners to engage in more meaningful ways with passengers and boost sales lead generation rates. The platform’s intuitive, user-friendly interface will enable airlines to boost passenger take-up rates and create a frictionless funnel to purchase.
In addition, OneFi is network agnostic and uses open architecture, meaning it can integrate with any technology infrastructure and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) used by airlines, ensuring a uniform experience across mixed aircraft fleets. The platform is also scalable, giving airline customers the flexibility to add new third-party services over time and helping to future proof their onboard offering.
Inmarsat is transforming global aviation by bringing complete connectivity to aircraft and flight paths across the world. It recently unveiled plans for ORCHESTRA, the communications network of the future, which 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 are met well into the future, with capacity scaled directly to match their requirements.
LUFTHANSA SYSTEMS
Lufthansa Systems will welcome around 500 participants to the 14th edition of the Airline Forum, one of the industry’s leading airline IT user community conferences. The airline IT provider is bringing together about 80 airlines from across the globe who use its Ground Operations and Commercial Solutions. During this year’s edition of the Airline Forum, entitled “Back in the sky,” the user community will continue its dialogue in a fully virtual environment in which attendees will learn about forward-looking solutions and pioneering technologies for managing dynamic market situations.
Olivier Krueger and Dr. Thomas Wittmann, both CEOs of Lufthansa Systems, will kick off the event with their opening remarks, welcoming speakers from Air Canada, Avianca Holdings, Cathay Pacific Airways, Eurowings, GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes, Lufthansa and Trans States Holdings. Participants will be able to put together their own individual programs by choosing from a range of 48 presentations and workshops spread over the two days of the event.
“The world is changing, and the aviation industry is constantly facing new challenges. Thanks to our close partnership with our customers, we understand how this dynamic environment affects their business,” said Olivier Krueger, CEO of Lufthansa Systems. “We greatly value this mutual exchange with and within the community and consider it vital to the successful recovery and sustainable future of our industry.”
Latest developments unveiled for Lufthansa Systems’ NetLine and Commercial Solutions
The Airline Forum will break new ground by showcasing Lufthansa Systems’ latest developments covering ground operations and commercial management processes.
In keeping with the NetLine vision of “together we connect to make the best decision ahead of time,” Lufthansa Systems is pointing the way to a future of connected, cloud-native software. From network and schedule planning, through codeshare, crew and load management, to operations control, NetLine improves productivity and speeds up decision-making, rollout and execution, increasing revenue and reducing costs.
The NetLine/HubDesigner was developed in response to the current market situation, where demand and the competitive landscape are subject to dynamic and sweeping change. The solution uses AI to create the best (multi-)hub network at an unmatched speed. Changed schedules also mean changed codeshare connections. SchedConnect helps airlines manage their codeshare operations by automating connection building and schedule exchange. Another critical bottleneck in ramping up and down networks is crews and their qualifications. Lufthansa Systems has developed a new Qualification and Training Management module for NetLine/Crew to always have up-to-date information on the certification state of cockpit and cabin crews and plan qualification and re-qualification in due time.
Lufthansa Systems has also designed sophisticated solutions that perfectly support revenue management and pricing processes, the cornerstones of an airline’s commercial strategy. The ProfitLine/Price fare management solution helps airlines keep fares profitable and competitive, while the Revenue Integrity software keeps the inventory up to date.
“Lufthansa Systems has 25 years of experience in building forward-looking IT solutions and is committed to helping airlines move forward,” said Dr. Thomas Wittmann, CEO of Lufthansa Systems. “Airlines benefit from our scalable solutions that enable our customers to better cope with volatile demand through automation, optimization, and data-driven decision-making.”
MORGAN-STANLEY
The White House aims to advance the future of sustainable fuels in American aviation. Last week, the Biden Administration published a factsheet on the future of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), targeting carbon neutrality in the aviation sector by 2050. The new initiative aims to produce 3 bn gallons of sustainable fuel, reduce aviation emissions by 20% by 2030, and grow good-paying union jobs. Today, aviation (including all non-military flights within and departing from the U.S.) represents ~11% of United States transportation-related emissions. Due to this, and the increased focus on sustainability throughout the industry, several airlines have already made commitments to ramp up the use of SAF and advance sustainability across their operations: United (UAL) announced a new goal to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 50% compared to 2019 by 2035 and also committed to purchasing 1.5bn gallons of SAF over the next 20 years from Alder Fuels, Delta (DAL) committed to replacing 10% of its current jet fuel use with SAFs from 3 producers (Neste, Gevo, and Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels), American (AAL) plans to procure 10 million gallons of SAF from Prometheus Fuels by 2025, Alaska (ALK) offers the purchase of SAF to offset corporate travel on key routes, Southwest (LUV) is partnering with the National Renewable Energy Lab, and JetBlue (JBLU) is committed to electric and hydrogen aircraft development. We generally see the industry as broad beneficiaries from both increased fuel efficiencies as well as more commercially viable solutions for fuel.
BOEING
The Boeing Company named Ziad S. Ojakli as the company’s executive vice president of government operations effective October 1, 2021.
In this role, Ojakli will lead Boeing’s public policy efforts, serve as chief lobbyist for the global enterprise, and oversee Boeing Global Engagement, the company’s global philanthropic organization. He will report to Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun and will serve on the company’s Executive Council. In this role, Ojakli succeeds Marc Allen, Boeing’s Chief Strategy Officer, who has served as interim executive vice president of Government Operations since this past June.
“Ziad is a proven executive with an impressive track record of leading public policy and government relations operations for global companies,” said Calhoun. “His broad experience serving in executive roles in government and the private sector will contribute to our engagement with our stakeholders as we continue our focus on safety, quality and transparency, and transforming our company for the future. I also want to thank Marc Allen for his impactful leadership of our Government Operations organization in recent months as it has continued to advance our company’s policy priorities.”
Ojakli joins Boeing following a successful and diverse career in senior global government relations roles in the automotive and finance industries in addition to serving within the White House administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush.
Most recently, Ojakli served as the managing partner and senior vice president of Softbank from 2018-20, where he created and led the investment company’s first global government affairs operation in support of all legislative, regulatory and political matters for the company. Prior to joining Softbank, Ojakli spent 14 years at Ford Motor Company as group vice president, where he led a global team that amplified the company’s core business objectives and managed interactions with governments in 110 markets around the world. In that role, he also directed Ford’s philanthropic arm devoted to supporting global causes.
Previously, Ojakli served in the White House as Principal Deputy for Legislative Affairs for President George W. Bush from 2001-04. Earlier, Ojakli was Chief of Staff and Policy Director for U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell and he began his career in the office of U.S. Senator Dan Coats.
Ojakli currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. and he is a board member of The Jackie Robinson Foundation.
Ojakli holds a bachelor’s degree in American Government from Georgetown University.
AVOLON
Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announces a partnership with Gol, Brazil’s largest airline and Grupo Comporte, Brazil’s leading transport operator, to commercialize an eVTOL ride sharing platform in Brazil.
Avolon, Gol and Grupo Comporte will collaborate to identify and target local partners, infrastructure and certification requirements across a range of commercial models, launching one of the world’s first eVTOL ride sharing businesses. As part of the agreement, Gol and Grupo Comporte has committed to purchase or lease up to 250 VA-X4 eVTOL aircraft.
The VA-X4, manufactured by Vertical Aerospace, will be the most advanced and safest eVTOL in the market on its introduction in 2024. Avolon is a launch customer for the aircraft which can transport four passengers and one pilot distances of 100 miles at up to 200 miles per hour. eVTOLs are central to the future of transport. They introduce the ultra-short-haul aircraft category to commercial aviation and will revolutionize air travel with VA-X4 zero emissions aircraft.
This announcement means Avolon already has commitments for over half of its order for 500 VA-X4 aircraft which was announced in June 2021.
OTHER NEWS
PANASONIC
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) has announced an agreement with Russia’s largest airline, Aeroflot, to provide upgraded in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for its entire fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft.
The agreement will see Aeroflot’s fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft retrofitted with Panasonic Avionics’ eX3 IFE system and satellite-based IFC system, creating an enhanced cabin experience for Aeroflot’s passengers.
This upgrade will allow Aeroflot’s Boeing 777 aircraft to deliver the same IFEC experience that is available on its Panasonic Avionics-equipped Airbus A350-900 fleet, which has been in service since March 2020.
Panasonic Avionics’ eX3 system features the industry’s largest selection of integrated entertainment options including full 1080p HD monitors, in-seat power, and HD video handsets with capacitive touch. It can deliver more than 700 hours of on-demand entertainment, offering 1080p content with enhanced video color support.
Aeroflot’s customers flying on its Boeing 777-300ERs will also be able to enjoy upgraded connectivity from Panasonic Avionics’ global communications network of high-speed, high-bandwidth satellites. The system delivers faster internet, video streaming, VoIP applications, mobile services, and dedicated bandwidth for crew applications.
The first of Aeroflot’s Boeing 777-300ERs to be retrofitted with Panasonic Avionics’ upgraded IFE and IFC systems flew in the middle of August.
Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said, “We are delighted to deepen our longstanding relationship with Aeroflot. Our advanced eX3 in-flight entertainment system combined with our global, high-speed connectivity will enable Aeroflot to deliver an industry-leading passenger experience.”
This latest commitment from Aeroflot marks a further milestone in its longstanding partnership with Panasonic Avionics, which first commenced in 2008. Aeroflot’s fleet of Airbus A320neos and A321neos are also both fitted with Panasonic Avionics’ latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions.
INMARSAT
Inmarsat, a world leader in global mobile satellite communications, announced the launch of its advanced new Velaris connectivity solution, which is uniquely positioned to serve as a catalyst for the safe and rapid growth of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) industry.
Powered by the Inmarsat ELERA global satellite network, Velaris will provide secure communications for commercial UAVs – commonly known as drones – to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and seamlessly integrate with aircraft in commercial airspace. Backed by military grade cybersecurity, it allows operators to send their UAVs on long distance flights and access various applications, such as real-time monitoring, to ensure safe integration with other air traffic. In addition, Velaris allows a single pilot to remotely operate multiple UAVs at scale, making operations more commercially viable.
Over the next seven years, the commercial UAV market is projected to increase from $2.32 billion in 2021 to $11.29 billion in 2028, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.39% during this period1. This will have a far-reaching impact on various aspects of business and society, ranging from cargo delivery, urban transport and surveillance to emergency services and disaster relief, including the supply of critical items such as medicine, test kits and food for remote communities.
To support this fast-paced growth, Velaris will unlock unprecedented new digital automation capabilities within the UAV industry, leading to significant advances in safety, productivity, customer service, location access and accuracy, while also reducing the overall cost of operations. Importantly, it will also support the transport of people and goods in an environmentally friendly manner.
Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat’s Senior Director of UAVs and Unmanned Traffic Management, said: “Commercial UAVs have the potential to revolutionize a vast array of different industries throughout the world. However, to truly unlock their potential on a commercial scale, it is imperative that autonomous vehicles and unmanned aviation are safely and securely integrated into managed commercial airspace. That’s exactly what Velaris, as Inmarsat’s first global UAV connectivity solution, will deliver.
“Inmarsat’s unparalleled experience in air traffic management and aviation safety, combined with our established track record in civil and military UAV communications, ensures that we can support global regulators, air navigation service providers and UAV operators with seamless airspace integration. In addition, thanks to our ambitious and fully-funded technology roadmap, including our brand new ORCHESTRA communications network of the future, Velaris will continue to develop and evolve alongside the UAV industry, remaining its gold standard connectivity solution for decades to come.”
Inmarsat was recently crowned winner at the prestigious Air Traffic Management (ATM) Magazine Awards for its Pop-Up Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Platform, developed with Altitude Angel. Furthermore, Inmarsat is well-integrated in the air traffic management industry as a consortium member of Cranfield University’s recently opened Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC). The company participates in several projects that aim to revolutionise the future of flight, including the UK Government funded Project HEART (Hydrogen Electric and Automated Regional Transportation) – which is developing the country’s first automated, zero carbon regional air transportation network – and Airspace of the Future (AoF) – which focuses on integrating UAV services with the wider UK transport ecosystem.
“We work with our global partner ecosystem to develop UAV terminals that deliver smaller, more cost effective multi datalink solutions,” added Spouncer. “These are optimized for a wide range of use cases so that our customers can always have the highest possible standard of connectivity. I’m pleased to launch Velaris today. Coming soon after the launch of Inmarsat ORCHESTRA and ELERA, this truly emphasizes Inmarsat’s long-term commitment to the commercial UAV market.”
COLLINS AEROSPACE
Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, unveiled Lilac-UV, an ultraviolet (UV) lighting solution to sanitize aircraft interiors nearly anywhere a light is installed inside an aircraft.
Lilac-UV emits a slight violet light that disinfects surfaces in seconds to minutes, depending on lamp configuration and specific pathogen. Lilac-UV can be applied in lavatories, galleys, flight decks, cargo bays and throughout the cabin, and can be set for scheduled cleanings or manual applications during or between flights. The sanitizing light, combined with other hygienic measures taken onboard aircraft, gives added peace of mind and protection to passengers while also reducing aircraft downtime for manual cleaning.
Lilac-UV uses technology developed by The Boeing Company as part of a licensing agreement granting Collins the ability to build on Boeing’s UV technology for in-flight operation.
“At the heart of this project is the desire to continue to build the public’s trust and confidence in air travel as passengers return to the skies,” said Cynthia Muklevicz, vice president of business development for Collins Aerospace. “Collins and Boeing share the common goal to redefine air travel, a commitment to collaboration and the technical research and development expertise to bring this game-changing, hygienic technology to market for the benefit of air-travelers around the world.”
The new Collins-developed sanitizing lighting system operates with an intelligent dosage controller – for scheduled cleanings and manual treatments – and an occupancy detector for enclosed spaces, like an airplane lavatory.
“Our design allows for installation anywhere in the cabin with minimal or no hardware design changes, enabling users to switch to a higher power lamp or change the number of lamps based on application,” said Bridget Sheriff, vice president of engineering at Collins Aerospace. “The intelligent controller automatically adjusts to manage power consumption and offers scientifically proven disinfection of spaces during and between flights.”
A finalist for the 2021 Crystal Cabin Award in the “Clean & Safe Air Travel” category, the Lilac-UV sanitizing system will be available for new cabins or retrofittable to existing interior spaces.
THALES
Thales and AJW Group have signed an avionics maintenance services agreement including Repair By The Hour (RBTH) covering Airbus A320CEO, A320NEO and A330 fleets of major European airlines.
With Thales, AJW has a trusted Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partner for repairs securing reliable worldwide support. The main repair shop serving AJW is located in Châtellerault, France.
BOEING
You might find the Boeing Market Outlook (2021-2040) interesting! Boeing: Aerospace Commercial, Defense, & Crew Market Outlook
Boeing forecasts $9 trillion aerospace market opportunities in commercial, defense and services over next decade.
- Boeing Market Outlook forecasts continued path to long-term growth, with signs of industry recovery
- Over 10 years, the 2021 BMO shows $9 trillion addressable market, up from $8.5 trillion in 2020
- Increased demand for dedicated freighters, including new and converted models
Boeing released its annual forecast for the commercial, defense and space aerospace market, reflecting signs of the industry’s recovery following the impacts of COVID-19. The 2021 Boeing Market Outlook (BMO) – Boeing’s analysis of long-term market dynamics – states that commercial airplanes and services are showing signs of recovery, while the global defense, space and government services markets have remained stable.
The BMO projects a $9 trillion market over the next decade for aerospace products and services that Boeing addresses. The forecast is up from $8.5 trillion a year ago, and up from $8.7 trillion in the pre-pandemic 2019 forecast, reflecting the market’s continued recovery progress.
“As our industry recovers and continues to adapt to meet new global needs, we remain confident in long-term growth for aerospace,” said Boeing Chief Strategy Officer Marc Allen. “We are encouraged by the fact that scientists have delivered vaccines more rapidly than imaginable and that passengers are demonstrating strong confidence in airplane travel.”
Commercial Market Outlook
The new Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) reflects that the global market is recovering largely as Boeing projected in 2020. Demand for domestic air travel is leading the recovery, with intra-regional markets expected to follow as health and travel restrictions ease, followed by long-haul travel’s return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023 to 2024.
Within the Boeing Market Outlook, the CMO projects 10-year global demand for 19,000 commercial airplanes valued at $3.2 trillion. Boeing’s 20-year commercial forecast through 2040 projects demand for more than 43,500 new airplanes valued at $7.2 trillion, an increase of about 500 planes over last year’s forecast.
In a significant area of growth, projected demand has increased for dedicated freighters, including new and converted models. With sustained demand for air cargo tied to expanding e-commerce and air freight’s speed and reliability, the CMO projects the global freighter fleet in 2040 will be 70% larger than the pre-pandemic fleet.
“The aerospace industry has made important progress in the recovery, and Boeing’s 2021 forecast reflects our confidence in the resilience of the market,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “While we remain realistic about ongoing challenges, the past year has shown that passenger traffic rebounds swiftly when the flying public and governments have confidence in health and safety during air travel. Our industry continues to serve an essential role of bringing people together and transporting critical supplies.”
Highlights of the new 20-year CMO forecast include:
- The availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be critical factors in the near-term recovery of passenger air travel. Countries with more widespread vaccination distribution have shown rapid air travel recovery, as governments ease domestic restrictions and open borders to international travel.
- Passenger traffic growth is projected to increase by an average of 4% per year, unchanged from last year’s forecast.
- The global commercial fleet will surpass 49,000 airplanes by 2040, with China, Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific countries each accounting for about 20% of new airplane deliveries, and the remaining 20% going to other emerging markets.
- Demand for more than 32,500 new single-aisle planes is about equal to the pre-pandemic outlook. These models continue to command 75% of deliveries in the 20-year forecast.
- Carriers will need more than 7,500 new widebody airplanes by 2040 to support fleet renewal and long-term passenger and air cargo demand growth in longer-haul markets. These projections are up slightly compared to 2020 but remain down 8% from 2019.
OTHER NEWS
PANASONIC & THINKOM
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics)announced the launch of a new, next-generation Ku-band antenna, which will be developed in partnership with ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
The newly designed ThinAir® builds upon ThinKom’s flight proven, VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology. It will be offered by Panasonic Avionics to its airline customers for both line-fit and retrofit installations, with first deliveries occurring in 2023.
The antenna will connect aircraft with Panasonic Avionics’ global communications network of high-speed, high-bandwidth Ku-band satellites, which place capacity where it is most needed to meet the growing needs of airlines and their passengers.
The new highly efficient and low-profile antenna offers airlines a wide range of advantages. These include support for both LEO (low earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary orbit) satellite networks, higher speed throughput, greater aerodynamic efficiency, gate-to-gate operations, and reduced operating costs.
Jeff Sare, Vice President of In-Flight Connectivity Solutions at Panasonic Avionics, said, “Panasonic is committed to delivering seamless, scalable, and future-proofed in-flight connectivity to our airline customers and their passengers. Our new antenna offering with ThinKom is an integral part of our network and will allow airlines to access both current and future satellite constellations.”
Panasonic Avionics offers global high-speed connectivity service everywhere commercial aircraft fly and has over 210 regulatory approvals across the globe. Its network consists of high-throughput (HTS) and extreme throughput (XTSTM) satellite technologies that provide the best end-user experience possible.
“This agreement with Panasonic Avionics is an important validation of our VICTS phased array antennas, which are designed to seamlessly roam on both LEO and GEO networks, delivering unparalleled flexibility and resiliency to ensure the highest level of bandwidth services and availability to airline customers,” stated Mark Silk, President of ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
“The combination of our VICTS technology and Panasonic Avionics’ experience and commitment to in-flight entertainment and connectivity provides an extremely compelling value proposition to commercial airlines, both today and in the future.”
Over 2,300 aircraft are now connected to Panasonic Avionics’ global communications network, which supports improved airline and passenger experiences including faster internet, video streaming and greater bandwidth for crew applications. Over 3,750 aircraft from various airline customers are currently committed to Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight connectivity services.
BLUEBOX WOW & QANTAS
Bluebox Wow wireless IFE to be deployed on all jet aircraft in QantasLink fleet
Travelers flying the
network of cities and regional destinations across Australia served by QantasLink, the regional airline for the Qantas Group, can soon enjoy free wireless in-flight entertainment (W-IFE) on board.
Bluebox Aviation Systems has been selected by QantasLink to deploy its
Bluebox Wow W-IFE system on QantasLink’s fleet, initially on Airbus A320 aircraft, then expanding to its Fokker F100, Boeing 717, and Alliance Airlines’ Embraer E190 aircraft. The Bluebox Wow system will enhance the regional airline’s service on board, providing entertainment content directly to passenger devices over a captive wireless network.
Bluebox Aviation Systems has been selected by QantasLink to deploy its Bluebox Wow W-IFE system on QantasLink’s fleet, initially on Airbus A320 aircraft, then expanding to its Fokker F100, Boeing 717, and Alliance Airlines’ Embraer E190 aircraft. The Bluebox Wow system will enhance the regional airline’s service on board, providing entertainment content directly to passenger devices over a captive wireless network.
The
IFE content will include movies, TV, audio books and podcasts. Access to the Bluebox Wow system will be integrated with the Qantas Entertainment app to help facilitate a seamless flight-to-flight IFE experience, but will also be available app-free with simple browser access for anyone who does not have the Qantas Entertainment app loaded on their device.
The Bluebox Wow aircraft-powered option will be deployed, which will also have fully-automated PA Pause functionality. This is provided and fitted via an
EASA STC, recently awarded for the A320 Family aircraft and which will be modified for use on the other aircraft in QantasLink’s fleet.
“Recently receiving our STC on the Airbus A320 Family for our aircraft-powered version of Bluebox Wow system, and now being able to announce Qantas’ selection of Bluebox Wow for its QantasLink network, are two exciting and very positive milestones for us to mark as our industry begins to emerge from the global pandemic,” said David Brown, Business Development Director, Bluebox. “It’s not insignificant either that we’re demonstrating that our W-IFE systems can replicate offerings of traditional aircraft avionics-based installed systems and proving the value of low-cost W-IFE systems across larger fleets. Just as Bluebox Wow expanded the market for IFE in its original battery-operated form, we’ll now see it capture more of the W-IFE market, given its lower cost of deployment and digital platform scope for everything from entertainment to touch-free retail and to even more as digital in-flight services develop.”
Bluebox Wow is a discrete, lunchbox-sized unit, typically stowed securely in overhead bins. With a remarkably low cost of ownership, it provides wireless content streamed to passenger devices in any aircraft cabin, including a wide range of film, TV, audio, games, and other digital content. These services can be offered to passengers on a complimentary basis or paid for via payment card or voucher access with no cabin crew interaction required. Bluebox also offers onboard retail services, including the ability to order and pay for products and services via passenger devices with full inventory synchronization, in parallel to traditional sales from galley carts via cabin crew point-of-sale devices. In addition to onboard touch-free sales, Bluebox’s retail solutions also enable pre-paid (booking path) purchases.
With battery- and aircraft-powered versions of Bluebox Wow, the linefit option for Bluebox’s W-IFE platform available on Airbus OSP and retrofit on traditional avionics grade hardware, Bluebox’s range of hardware options for its digital in-flight platform ensures the greatest choice and flexibility are available to customers, especially those with different aircraft types and fleets of any size. This also means that Bluebox can deploy a consistent customer experience across a fleet – whether that be to provide more traditional entertainment content, offer food & beverage or retail sales on board or through the passenger journey, or deliver other innovative services designed to engage passengers and build customer loyalty as well as increase ancillary revenue.
BOEING
- Aircraft Lessor Griffin Global Asset Management Orders Five Boeing 737-8 Jets
- The Los Angeles- and Dublin-based aircraft leasing company places its first direct order with Boeing
- With the Griffin order, customers have placed 529 gross orders for the 737 MAX family in 2021
Boeing and Griffin Global Asset Management announced the aircraft lessor is expanding its commercial aircraft portfolio with five new 737-8 jets. The purchase is Griffin’s first direct order with Boeing as it sees strategic opportunities to place the airplanes during the market recovery.
“As market conditions rebound, we are finding opportunities to serve our airline customers in innovative ways. An important component of this strategy is providing balanced capacity that meets returning passenger demand. The 737-8 is well-positioned to support this objective, and this order lays a strong foundation for more to come with Boeing and Griffin on future opportunities,” said Ryan McKenna, founder and CEO of Griffin.
Designed and built in Renton, Washington, the 737 MAX family delivers superior efficiency, flexibility and reliability while reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by at least 14% compared to the airplanes they replace. The 737-8 seats up to 189 passengers and can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. Every 737 MAX features the new Boeing Sky Interior, highlighted by modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead storage bins.
“Griffin Global Asset Management is building a first-class aircraft leasing business, and we are delighted that they have selected the 737-8 for their single-aisle portfolio. As Griffin places its first direct order with Boeing, we welcome them to the 737 family and look forward to working with the team in the future,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com .
Backed by Bain Capital Credit, Griffin provides commercial aircraft leasing and alternative asset management with offices in Dublin and Los Angeles. The team is staffed by experienced aviation professionals who work closely with airlines, aircraft manufacturers and investors to provide custom fleet solutions and innovative financing products to airlines around the world.
More Boeing News:
Boeing named Matt Welch as vice president of Investor Relations. Welch will succeed Maurita Sutedja, who has accepted an opportunity outside of Boeing following more than a decade of leadership within several finance roles at Boeing. Welch’s appointment is effective immediately.
Welch will lead Boeing’s interactions with the investment community, providing shareholders and financial analysts timely, accurate and transparent information on the company’s market environment, business, performance and outlook.
Welch is a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of deep financial experience across Boeing’s operations. Currently serving as vice president of Revenue Management at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Welch has held several roles of increasing responsibility, including in Investor Relations; Financial Planning and Analysis; and program finance
OTHER NEWS
Posted by Patricia on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 10:28 pm
Filed under Hot Topics · Tagged with Airlines, Connectivity, IFE, IFEC, inflight entertainment, passengers, Satcom, satellites, Travel, Wi-Fi
Sustainable Fuel
Air France-KLM, Total, Groupe ADP and Airbus Join Forces to Decarbonize Air Transportation and Carry Out The First Long-Haul Flight Powered By Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Produced in France.
At 3:40 p.m., Air France Flight 342 took off from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport’s Terminal 2E for Montreal with its tanks filled for the first time with sustainable aviation fuel produced in Total’s French plants.
This flight is a tangible result of the four groups’ shared ambition to decarbonize air transportation and to develop a SAF supply chain in France, prerequisite to the generalization of their use in French airports.
No modifications to storage and distribution infrastructure, aircraft or engines are required to incorporate biofuels. Their gradual introduction worldwide should significantly reduce CO2 emissions from air transportation, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development
Goals.
The biofuel used for this flight was made from waste and residue sourced from the circular economy. Total produced the SAF from used cooking oil at its La Mède biorefinery in southern France and at its Oudalle factory near Le Havre, without using any virgin plant-based oil.
This first 100% French SAF received ISCC-EU certification from the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification System, an independent organization that guarantees sustainability. The 16% blend on this flight avoided the emission of 20 tons of CO2. By developing and supporting France’s first industrial SAF production, Air France-KLM, Total, ADP Group and Airbus are paving the way for France to drive innovation in the energy and environmental transition. French legislation calls for aircraft to use at least 1% SAF by 2022 for all flights originating in France, ahead of the European ambition scheduled to gradually ramp up to 2% by 2025 and 5% by 2030, as part of the European Green Deal. To meet these requirements, Total will also produce SAF at its Grandpuits zero-crude platform near Paris as from 2024.
The flight also illustrates the synergy of the different drivers for reducing aviation’s environmental footprint, i.e., sustainable aviation fuel, latest-generation aircraft and electrification of ground operations. The Airbus A350 used for the flight consumes 25% less fuel than its predecessor. What’s more, the aircraft was serviced by the first 100% all-electric refueling truck, developed in France with Total expertise, and all of the ground support equipment used by Air France was fully electric powered. Air France-KLM is a pioneer in testing sustainable aviation fuels. KLM made its first SAF-powered flight in 2009. Since then, the Group has multiplied the number of innovative programs. Between 2014 and 2016, for example, it carried out 78 Air France flights powered by a 10% SAF blend in collaboration with a Total affiliate. These tests showed that the use of SAF had no impact on the reliability of airline operations. Air France-KLM intends to strengthen its leadership in SAF in the years ahead, while contributing to research on future generations of aircraft. In addition to this flight, Airbus is conducting several series of tests to certify airliners to fly with 100% SAF in the coming decades. Airbus has also installed SAF refueling stations at its industrial facilities so it can be used in production operations, as well as for aircraft deliveries. These installations contribute to Airbus’s ambition to decarbonize all of its industrial operations.
(Editor’s Note: Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a blend of conventional aviation fuel (JET-A1) and biojet fuel made from waste and residue sourced from the circular economy (animal fat, used cooking oil, etc.). Biojet fuel has similar properties to JET-A1 and produces up to 90% fewer CO2 emissions over its lifecycle compared with the fossil equivalent.)
LATAM Group
LATAM Group (“LATAM”) announced the expansion of its freighter fleet growth under which it now plans to add 10 Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters over the next three years. This will bring the fleet size to up to 21 freighters by 2023. The first aircraft will be expected to begin operations in December 2021. The Group’s freighter fleet growth plan initially included four firm conversion orders with Boeing and another four conversion options. Two months after the initial announcement, LATAM has exercised the four options, eight planes, and the conversion of two additional Boeing 767-300ERs. This means that the freighter fleet will be comprised of up to 21 aircraft by the end of 2023. Upon completion of the plan the Group will have almost doubled its freighter capacity as well as reduced the average fleet age from 17 to 14 years. Growing from 11 to 21 freighter planes will enable the LATAM Group’s cargo subsidiaries to expand and reinforce their capacity to, from and within South America, and positioning the Group as the main freighter operator group in the region. The first eight airplanes have been allocated to markets that are critical for key customer segments.
LATAM also announced that it will use some of the 767-300ERs that are awaiting conversion under a hybrid format to benefit customers in the short term. The seats will be completely removed from three planes for this purpose in order to have a payload of up to 46 tons per flight. Two of these planes are already operational. The third one is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2021. Furthermore, LATAM is optimizing commonality across their fleet of 767-300 production and converted freighters to maximize capacity, including the ability to transport delicate goods.
FTS
Qingdao Airlines announced that it is fully committed to
expand and accelerate the deployment of high-speed in-flight satellite Internet on its aircraft fleet. This follows the successful evaluation of the first commercial high-speed Internet flight trial in China that was launched by Qingdao Airlines on July 2020. This marks a major milestone in this groundbreaking collaboration project whereby FTS is supplying the Xstream™ high-speed satellite inflight system while TD Link Technology is providing internet service operations.
The Xstream™ system suite developed by FTS comprises of XstreamSAT™ satellite communication, XstreamLITE™ cabin WiFi, and XstreamOP™ cloud management platform. It is the first China developed IFEC system to receive all three major international airworthiness STC certifications from FAA, EASA and CAAC. The system is integrated with China Satcom’s ChinaSat-16 Ka-HTS satellites and is capable of providing up to 150 Mbps bandwidth between aircraft and ground. Over the past 10 months, the trial aircraft has flown more than 1,200 flights flawlessly with impeccable service, delighting Qingdao Airlines passengers with unprecedented inflight connected experience equivalent to ground 4G performance, with services such as movies, social media, live video broadcast, maps and e-commerce (with mobile payment).
FTS XStreamOP™ ground-based cloud management platform which has been in service since beginning trial has proven to be critical in ensuring service delivery with real-time monitoring of airborne systems, connectivity status, as well as consolidating all inflight data for ground analytics. This open cloud architecture enables the airline and service providers to integrate with airline backend IT to provide an efficient and easy-to-use method of managing all the on-
board internet equipment and services.
Although the coronavirus pandemic has brought far-reaching and fundamental impact to aviation, the China domestic air travel is leading the industry in terms of recovery and even growing beyond pre-COVID period. A spokesperson at FTS commented they are seeing more confidence, optimism and interest from domestic airlines on making long term investment on Inflight connectivity as they believe this is a pivotal enabler to drive digital transformation of passenger service, airline operations and auxiliary revenue from which airlines could benefit to achieve recovery and long-term sustainability.
The decision from Qingdao Airlines is not taken lightly especially in the current challenging climate. It came after rigorous scrutiny of trial results concluded that FTS system performance, reliability and benefits far exceeded airline expectations. Qingdao Airlines’ innovative and pioneering spirit has attracted strong endorsement and support from local government, CAAC and industry bodies. After carefully
weighing all these factors and firmly believing in the benefits of connected aircraft, the airline stood firm in its decision to go full steam and accelerate the fleet-wide adoption of inflight
connectivity.
In preparation for the accelerated fleet wide deployment, FTS is ramping up its operations and capabilities. It announced that it has obtained CAAC PMA certification and Part 145 maintenance and repair overhaul approvals for its range of components.
Boeing
In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States, Boeing announced the company is donating $1.1 million to organizations working to combat anti-Asian hate and promote justice, advance appreciation for AAPI history and culture, and fund community service projects and leadership development programs in communities across the United States.
“At Boeing, we know that being a truly equitable, diverse and inclusive company requires a commitment to our team members here at the company and in the communities where our employees and partners live and work. These investments build on Boeing’s longstanding commitment to supporting those in underserved and marginalized communities and recognizes the challenging issues currently being faced by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said Tim Keating, Boeing’s executive vice president of Government Operations.
*Boeing’s contribution will support 17 national and local initiatives. Nonprofits receiving immediate grant funding include:
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice – $200,000
- Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida (FL) – $10,000
- Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy – $10,000
- Asian Counseling & Referral Services (WA) – $75,000
- Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (OR) – $10,000
- Asian Pacific Cultural Center (WA) – $10,000
- Little Tokyo Service Center (CA) – $35,000
- Asian American Youth Foundation (MO) – $15,000
- Neighborhood House (WA) – $100,00
- One America (WA) – $75,000
- Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (CA) – $35,000
- Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center – $250,000
- Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers – $50,000
- Stop AAPI Hate – $50,000
- Tacoma Community House (WA) – $90,000
- United Cambodian Community (CA) – $35,000
In 2020, Boeing invested more than $15.6 million to promote racial equity and social justice programs – including funding aimed at diversifying the aerospace pipeline.
(Editor’s Note: As Boeing hustles to evolve from the 21 month MAX crisis, quality problems and the management of the repair operations of the 787, 737 MAX, 767 Tanker, are to be reviewed by the government. Boeing (and the FAA as well) are to be reviewed by the US House Committee on Transportation. These reviews are probably based on the continuing issues we have all seen on these planes. Stay Tuned on this one because if issues continue, it will be quite an impact for both organizations and products … especially with any new management and their decisions!)
Other News
AirFi Nears Rollout Completion on Eastern Airlines’ 767 Fleet
Eastern Airlines is just one tail away from having outfitted all ten of its B767 aircraft with AirFi’s FASE (Fully Autonomous Semi-Embedded) wireless IFE solution. The airline sees this deployment as an important key to unlocking improved passenger experience, operational efficiency and revenue generation potential.
This successful installation effort, completed in Miami by AirFi America (MEKCO Group), marks the second North American deployment for AirFi.
“Eastern was looking for an onboard solution to both improve passenger experience and generate new cross-platform opportunities,” said Steve Harfst, CEO Eastern Airlines. “AirFi allows us the achieve both while also giving our customers a touch-less entertainment experience onboard. We strive to do everything possible to make traveling a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Eastern Airlines (which has an average flight length of 5-6 hours) is now offering a broad selection of inflight entertainment through AirFi and boutique CSP partner, West Entertainment. On their own personal devices, passengers can watch the latest Hollywood releases, award-winning classics and must-watch TV programs (comedy, drama, kids, documentaries, lifestyle). 90% of the content is also available in Spanish.
How does it work?
To create the onboard streaming solution, four compact and ruggedized AirFi Venus boxes (less than 2 kg/4.5 lbs each) are simply placed in overhead storage bin of each twin-aisle aircraft. They create a closed Wi-Fi network (sometimes called “Near-Fi” in industry circles), which passengers connect to, using any Wi-Fi enabled personal device such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Once connected, they can begin streaming entertainment directly through the browser, without the need to download an app.
The FASE option for installation adds a layer of security because the boxes are physically “attached” to the plane, though still classed as carry-on equipment – meaning no STC is required. FASE also connects the boxes to aircraft power supply (so battery life isn’t an issue) and automates the power on/off function.
“We’ve installed all our planes in as little as one day, while upgrading other aspects of the cabin,” said Harfst. “Quick deployment and the quality streaming entertainment were probably the main reasons we wanted to work with AirFi, but we’ve also become very excited about the other ways we can use the AirFi platform to improve our customer experience.”
What’s next?
Eastern plans to install the AirFi solution its first two B777 aircraft and will soon use it to launch a new buy-on-board catalogue that passengers can use to browse, order and pay for food, beverage and comfort items right from their seats.
“Ancillary revenue is an important part of our strategy and allowing our team members to collect these fees and charges more effectively using AirFi will continue to be vital to our growth. Digitizing online sales significantly streamlines ancillary revenue,” commented Harfst.
To ensure that passengers can enjoy all the features of the AirFi system and still have full a full battery charge when they arrive at their destination, Eastern is also working with MEKCO Group to retrofit its aircraft with in-seat USB power solutions for charging electronic devices.
Check out their infographic
Wizz Air Launches Chatbot Amelia
Wizz Air, Europe’s fastest growing airline announces the introduction of its chatbot, Amelia. WIZZ’s new virtual assistant will further raise the company’s customer experience standards and will enable customers to easily acquire information related to their flights while also providing a number of useful general information to the traveling public.
Wizz Air’s new chatbot was inspired by Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Wizz Air is a company of inclusivity, diversity and of infinite career opportunities and is a fierce supporter of gender equality. Naming its chatbot after such a fantastic woman, the airline wishes to pay tribute to all women in aviation and underpin its commitment to a more gender-equal industry.
At WIZZ we believe in a future where everyone has the opportunity to live up to their full potential. We work hard to develop our services to enhance our customer experience and to empower our people and support the communities we serve.
Amelia the chatbot is happy to answer general questions related to COVID-19, special assistance, baggage, payment methods, check-in, voluntary cancellation, traveling with infants, WIZZ services (e.g. WIZZ Discount Club, WIZZ Flex, WIZZ Priority, Seat Selection) and questions related to several other topics. This new virtual assistant is free for all, and enables customers to find information fast and easy without having to interact with anybody, without communicating with agents via e-mails or over the phone and without scrolling through the airline’s site. Live chat with agents is also available and free, should customers have questions which exceed Amelia’s knowledge.
We at Wizz Air are committed to developing a better chat experience, and to achieve that we need customers to use the chatbot and help it learn and improve based on customers’ demand and feedback. The chatbot function is currently available in English for a limited number of issues, however it is gradually rolled out to cover a continuously growing number of topics to more and more customers visiting wizzair.com. Besides the newly introduced chatbot, live chat agents will be supporting the customers in all questions related to WIZZ flights and services as long as no changes to the bookings are needed to be made which would require payments. For requests requiring payments, Wizz Air already provides a number of self-service options directly from the WIZZ account as well as call center support.
Zsuzsa Poos, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Wizz Air, commented: “I am delighted to introduce Amelia, our virtual assistant who is a real gamechanger in Wizz Air’s customer experience solutions. Automating and digitalizing our processes is key in delivering ever higher customer satisfaction. Wizz Air is dedicated to broadening Amelia’s expertise and to supporting our passengers with an always expanding array of self-service options to manage their travel details. Let’s welcome Amelia on board.”
OneWeb
OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, has confirmed the successful launch of all 36 satellites by Arianespace from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. This launch brings OneWeb a step closer to its ‘Five to 50’ ambition, which enables the start of commercial service by the end of the year.
Lift-off occurred on 26 April at 23:14 BST. OneWeb’s satellites separated from the rocket and were dispensed in nine batches over a period of 3 hours 52 minutes with signal acquisition on all 36 satellites confirmed.
This successful launch brings its total in-orbit constellation to 182 satellites. These will form part of OneWeb’s 648 LEO satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency global connectivity, including commercial inflight applications and represents 60 percent of the constellation required to enable its connectivity solution to reach all regions north of 50 degrees latitude by June 2021.
This is the third in a five-launch ‘Five to 50’ program, enabling OneWeb to offer services across the United Kingdom, Alaska, Northern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, the Artic Seas and Canada, and will be switched on before the end of the year. OneWeb then intends to make global service available in 2022.
Panasonic
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) and 8tree announced a partnership to make available the revolutionary and OEM-approved dentCHECK® dent-mapping/reporting service at select Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) regional line stations: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), London Heathrow (LHR) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).
This new service offering will allow Panasonic Avionics’ customers yet another convenient, accurate and efficient way to protect their commercial aircraft investment, avoiding unnecessary cost and time delays. Further, the service will complement PTS’s existing line of best-in-class products and services, continuing its history of being a premier service solution provider.
Panasonic Avionics supplies and services In-Flight Entertainment and Communication (IFEC) systems. The company’s customer base includes more than 300 airlines located across the globe.
As a key business unit within Panasonic Avionics, PTS provides Spares, Repairs, Line Maintenance and Technical Services, which includes Training, Technical Publications and Support Services, at more than 50 locations globally. PTS’s customized solutions are designed to ensure equipment serviceability at the lowest possible through-life cost.
Also from PAC:
Panasonic Avionics announced the appointment of Andrew (Andy) Masson as Vice President of Product & Portfolio Management.
Andy joins Panasonic from Adient Aerospace, Boeing’s aircraft seat joint venture with Adient, where he served as CEO.
At Panasonic, Andy will lead its global Product & Portfolio Management team and guide the company’s product and services strategy to deliver innovations and value to customers. He will improve and expand customer-focused product management processes and manage development and execution across the product lifecycle for Panasonic’s market-leading IFEC products, digital solutions and aftermarket services.
Andy will report to Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics. Sain says: “I am confident that Andy’s broad and relevant experience, track record and enthusiasm will greatly enhance Panasonic’s product portfolio to benefit customers worldwide. He will build upon a legacy of innovation as we continually strive to make flying an experience everyone looks forward to.”
Prior to his tenure with Adient Aerospace, Andy held several leadership positions at Boeing, including Director of Engineering and Chief Engineer for Modifications and Freighter Conversions, and Director of Interior Modifications and Inflight Entertainment (IFE). Andy also served as Executive Vice President, Engineering and Operations for Continental Data Graphics (CDG) and UK Managing Director. He began his career at CDG as Operations Director, 787 Operations Manager and Service Bulletin Retrofit Engineer. Andy holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK and will be based in Irvine, California.
Gogo
Jet Edge, a leader in full-service private aviation, is proud to announce a new partnership with Gogo Business Aviation, the industry’s top inflight internet provider. The long-term partnership will upgrade Jet Edge’s AdvantEdge and Managed super-mid and large cabin fleet to AVANCE L5, Gogo’s most popular connectivity system that delivers a robust inflight 4G Wi-Fi experience.
Other News
- We understand the airline industry is looking at losses of $47.7B in 2021. Not to mention, we hear last year’s losses were $126.4B!
European Aviation Network
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a milestone decision answering a set of questions referred to the ECJ in proceedings initiated by Eutelsat (and supported by Viasat) regarding Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network (EAN). The decision rejects the arguments of Inmarsat’s competitors, which have been trying for years to deprive European consumers of the pro-competitive, innovative and efficient EAN service offering.
Inmarsat operates EAN with Deutsche Telekom and has always known that its EAN platform complies with applicable EU rules.
Brad Swann, Inmarsat General Counsel, said: “Inmarsat welcomes the ruling of the European Court of Justice rejecting our competitors’ arguments aimed at limiting the operation of the European Aviation Network. EAN is an asset for Europe as a whole and it is proving very popular with passengers and airlines. Inmarsat looks forward to continuing to provide the rapidly growing number of EAN users with a world-leading in-flight connectivity experience.”
This decision by the ECJ is final and binding.
Inmarsat has always known that the allegations made by its competitors were entirely without merit and fundamentally misconceived. The legal actions by Inmarsat’s competitors were filed with the sole intention of artificially creating legal and regulatory uncertainty around EAN. The claims of Inmarsat’s competitors have been rejected by all national administrations in the 27 EU Member States and in the UK. Legal actions have also been rejected by courts in the countries where litigation was initiated by either Viasat or Eutelsat, including the UK (including on appeal, now final and binding), Germany and Belgium, as well as in not less than four other earlier decisions of the Court of Justice of the EU (three by the General Court and another one of the Court of Justice).
EAN is an award-winning inflight broadband solution based on outstanding technological innovation developed by European businesses, which has taken years of hard work and commitment by Inmarsat, Deutsche Telekom and a range of European technology partners to deliver. It is providing high quality connectivity services to thousands of passengers on hundreds of flights across Europe. The successful operation and roll-out continues and over the coming months thousands more European airline passengers will be able to experience a world-class cabin Wi-Fi service.
Gogo
Jet Edge, a leader in full-service private aviation, is proud to announce a new partnership with Gogo Business Aviation, the industry’s top inflight internet provider. The long-term partnership will upgrade Jet Edge’s AdvantEdge and Managed super-mid and large cabin fleet to AVANCE L5, Gogo’s most popular connectivity system that delivers a robust inflight 4G Wi-Fi experience.
Jet Edge offers the most extensive and elevated selection of point-to-point super-mid Bombardier Challenger and large cabin Gulfstream aircraft in the United States, and will have the first-ever fleet to be entirely equipped with Gogo AVANCE L5. The conversion is slated for final completion by end of Q3-2021. The commitment to an all-AVANCE L5 Charter fleet has already begun, with over 20 aircraft now equipped with Gogo’s 4G Wi-Fi connectivity. Gogo’s advanced system enables the use of popular streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, video conferencing, and on-demand movie viewing. Passengers are able to access high-speed internet for web browsing on their personal smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Real-time data for cockpit apps, and remote diagnostics and support are also available.
Boeing
Boeing and Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) announced the aircraft lessor is growing its 737 MAX portfolio with an order for 15 737-8 jets. DAE had been investing in the 737 MAX by buying jets from existing customers and leasing them back to the carriers. The new order is DAE’s first direct 737 MAX purchase from Boeing as it modernizes its portfolio for better economic and environmental performance.
The order will appear on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once finalized.
Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, said: “We are delighted to deepen our already strong relationship with Boeing. Including this order, we own and manage 162 Boeing aircraft. An increasing number of global aviation regulators are returning the MAX to the skies. We are confident in the success of these aircraft as domestic and regional air travel are seeing strong signs of recovery.”
The new purchase is DAE’s second investment in the 737 MAX in the past year. In the third quarter of 2020, the lessor signed an agreement with American Airlines to purchase and lease back 18 new 737-8 airplanes. Since the agreement, the lessor has delivered 17 of the jets to the U.S. carrier. DAE previously completed a similar purchase-leaseback deal with Brazilian carrier GOL for five 737-8s.
“DAE has been instrumental in helping its customers realize the operating economics and environmental performance of the 737-8. We are delighted that they have come back to add more 737 aircraft to its growth plan as it positions itself for the recovery in commercial passenger traffic,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are honored by DAE’s trust in the 737 family and we look forward to partnering with them to serve the fleet requirements of airlines around the world.”
The 737-8 is a member of the 737 MAX family which is designed to offer more fuel efficiency, reliability and flexibility in the single-aisle market. The airplane can fly 3,550 nautical miles – about 600 miles farther than its predecessor – allowing airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. Compared to the airplanes it replaces, the 737-8 also delivers superior efficiency, using 16% less fuel and significantly reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs.
Also From Boeing:
Boeing projects global and diversified funding will continue to flow into the aircraft financing sector as the aviation sector navigates the global pandemic and vaccine deployment continues to accelerate.
“Financiers and investors understand the industry’s resilience and the long-term fundamentals that make aircraft a valuable asset class,” said Tim Myers, president of Boeing Capital Corporation. “Despite the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 on the global aerospace industry, there generally continues to be liquidity in the market for our customers, and we expect it to further improve as travel begins to rebound.”
The 2021 Current Aircraft Finance Market Outlook (CAFMO), the first published since 2019, reflects Boeing’s near-term view of market dynamics and assesses financing sources for new commercial airplane deliveries. Due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, the 2021 CAFMO excludes its customary one- and five-year industry financing projections.
“Industry fundamentals continue to show varying degrees of strength in different markets depending on the regional trends of the global pandemic,” Myers said. “We expect that capital will continue to be routed into the sector by established players and as new entrants seek opportunities during the industry’s recovery.”
The 2021 CAFMO reports the aircraft financing environment ended 2020 with enough liquidity to finance deliveries, but with stresses particularly in the bank debt and tax equity markets. The 2021 CAFMO, an introductory video and regional financing data is available at here. Select highlights include the following:
- At the industry level, commercial aircraft delivery funding volume totaled $59 billion, a 40% decrease from 2019 levels.
- The top sources of Boeing delivery financing were cash, bank debt and capital markets, and 100% of Boeing deliveries were financed by third parties.
- Aircraft lessors executed a significant volume of sale-leaseback transactions, and the industry-wide leased fleet climbed to 46%.
- Capital markets for aviation volumes were 70% higher than 2019.
- Commercial banks shored up the aviation industry’s need for liquidity early in the pandemic, but long-term bank debt became one of the less utilized forms of financing.
- Institutional investors and funds continued to seek aviation exposure, stepping up as some financiers paused and sector credit spreads widened.
- Export credit agencies remain a small but important funding source during the pandemic.
- Credit-enhanced financing saw further progress as a complementary funding source, totaling to 4% of the financing mix for Boeing deliveries.
The Boeing 2020 Commercial Market Outlook, a separate annual 20-year forecast addressing the market for commercial airplanes and services, projects passenger traffic growth at an average rate of 4% per year. The global commercial fleet is expected to reach 48,400 by 2039, up from 25,900 airplanes today.
Galgus
Vision-Box
Vision-Box, a world leader in biometrics seamless travel, automated border control and digital identity solutions has announced that it has extended its contract with the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), in Sint Maarten. The partnership aims to support the economic recovery of the island, after the impacts of hurricane Irma and COVID-19, with the airport being the gateway to the twin nation island and the neighboring islands.
The expanded partnership will see the rollout of the latest and most innovative biometric service platform across the airport, enabling a seamless experience for all travelers, and a modern border control ecosystem at entry and exit of the island. The contract extension builds on the existing partnership formed in 2015, when PJIAE and the Immigration Border Protection service first sought to enhance passenger experience and security, with the launch of Vision-Box’s biometric Automated Border Control solutions, including an Advance Passenger Information System.
The seamless technology offered by Vision-Box is fueled by its award-winning Orchestra™ Digital Identity Management Platform – a state-of-the-art touchless and contactless passenger processing at the airport to provide safety and security in response to the covid-19 pandemic, and the increasing need to enhance the digitization of border control procedures. By implementing Orchestra™, the Sint Maarten stakeholders will have a greater control on the flow of people on premises, while leveraging a data rich environment to improve its entry / exit systems including the capacity to consume passenger data insights before arrival.
With most of PJIAE’s traffic coming from Europe and the United States, maximizing its infrastructure with automation and biometric technologies will be crucial in sustaining the economic recovery in order to maintain its position in a very competitive Caribbean market.
Vision-Box’s contactless technology will offer a sophisticated traveller experience, comprising an identification, clearance, and safety monitoring environment. The new infrastructure offers a suite of digital tools that reduces or eliminates passenger contact with touchscreen surfaces, and physical interaction with airport and airline staff, thus providing a safe travel experience.
Speaking about the partnership Jeff Lennon, Vice President Strategic Sales and Global Partnerships at Vision-Box, said: “We are delighted to continue working with PJIAE, and the local government, building on our trusted partnership over the years. Sint Maarten has been going through unprecedent tough times for the last 3 years following hurricane Irma and the pandemic. We fully embrace the vision of the airport to become one of the role models of an agile digital travel platform in the region, enabling them to attract more happy tourists to foster GDP and sustainability in the mid-term.”
The Orchestra™ Digital Identity Management Platform will be a springboard for passenger satisfaction, making Sint Maarten a top choice and seamless destination to travel to.”
The deal with Princess Juliana International Airport caps the latest high-profile project by Vision-Box over the last 12 months, which included the launch of automated pre-security gates at the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, the implementation of an integrated Biometric experience for Emirates Airline at Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport, and a regional strategic partnership with AirAsia Group, to implement industry leading, identity management technology across its network of 152 airports.
Media Carrier
Air Astana has selected Media Box for their Digital Press Service. The leading digital content experts have now been awarded a contract to provide their highly functional digital media library, the Media Box, to the passengers of Kazakhstan’s national airline. During a three-month test run earlier, Air Astana was already convinced of the functionality and the extensive digital content of the Media Box and confirmed the positive feedback at that time by awarding the contract to Media Carrier.
With the Media Box, Media Carrier is providing Air Astana extensive digital content – including a first-class portfolio of international publications with renowned newspapers and magazines such as the Financial Times and the International New York Times. The Media Box can be used with any Internet-capable device, no external apps need to be installed or additional registration is required. Air Astana passengers will be able to access the digital content of the Media Box via various “touch points”, such as the website, a pre-flight e-mail, at mobile/web check-in and in the Air Astana App. In this way, passengers can start reading their preferred media even before their departure. Around 1,000 newspapers and magazines are available for passengers to download free of charge, and other titles can also be downloaded for a fee. All publications are then available to the reader in PDF format in the familiar layout and in the full scope of the print edition and can also be read conveniently offline.
“The use of digital media has taken on a new significance with Corona,” says Aigerim Zhambyl, Project Manager of Air Astana. “In particular, the hygiene aspect of each passenger using only their own mobile phone or tablet without contact has been a decisive argument for us to expand our range of digital services. Media Carrier’s Media Box convinced us with its functionality, digital content and user-friendliness”.
The Media Box from Media Carrier is a digital media library and functions as a complex information and entertainment platform. Whether on a smartphone, tablet or other Internet-capable end devices – the Media Box is web-based and therefore the perfect smart media companion when you are on the move. In addition to a range of more than 1,500 daily, national and international newspapers and magazines, many other digital content formats such as games, podcasts, videos, streaming services, live TV and the customer’s own publications can be integrated into the Media Box on request.
JSFirm
JSfirm.com awarded an Aerospace Engineering scholarship to a deserving student from the Central Florida Aerospace Academy. Robert Landen Kincart, successfully completed the application process and impressed a JSfirm.com Managing Partner during a recent telephone interview. Last night, April 15th, during the SUN ‘n FUN Annual Birthday Bash, Robert, who goes by Landen, was officially presented with the JSfirm.com Aerospace Engineering Scholarship.
Landen is a senior at Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA). Through his education at CFAA, he was able to explore topics in Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace, Avionics, Unmanned Systems, JROTC, and Airframe & Powerplant. During his time at CFAA, Landen has obtained his Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, Solidworks Certification and received an Airframe & Powerplant internship through the Aerospace Center for Excellence. He will be continuing his education in Aerospace Engineering this fall at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Abbey Hutter, Executive Director of JSfirm.com, said, “Having the opportunity to present Landen with the JSfirm.com Aerospace Engineering scholarship was an honor. This CFAA student is going to do great things with his future.” She continued, “JSfirm.com remains committed to helping sustain the aviation industry by supporting the future of aviation through education. We are truly honored to recognize the hard work of stellar aviation students such as Landen.”
SATCOM DIRECT
Satcom Direct (SD), a business aviation solutions provider, is bolstering access to its Crewmember Network and Connectivity Training certificate program, aeroCNCT, through a new agreement with DaVinci Inflight Training Institute, a Florida-based flight crew training company. The SD aeroCNCT certified course is now being taught by an SD training professional at the DaVinci Institute on a quarterly basis. Theoretical and practical teaching leads to a professional credential upon successful completion of the course and examination.
The addition of aeroCNCT to the DaVinci curriculum aims to support the needs of an increasing amount of flight crew requiring comprehensive understanding of in-flight connectivity solution management. Designed to familiarize students with multifaceted connectivity concepts, the course includes modules on cabin network management, network applications and tools, and flight operation preparation. The resulting accreditation gives the flight professional the confidence to troubleshoot connectivity issues and serves to raise industry standards.
“We understand that connectivity is an essential element of the flight experience and that for flight crew it is a growing area of responsibility. DaVinci recognizes that providing reliable training enhances the opportunity for greater professional development, so it makes sense to team up to offer our dedicated course through the institute. The aeroCNCT course complements existing DaVinci modules, and we hope that by providing a wide selection of courses at a single location, attendees can optimize the full training potential available at the institute,” explains John Kummer, SD senior vice president strategy.
DaVinci offers a wide range of courses for flight attendants and crew, including culinary, cabin safety, and service training among others. “We believe that by adding tangible value to professional development with certified courses we are improving career prospects for our students and enhancing the business aviation sector. We are frequently asked for educational support relating to connectivity, so we are excited to add the SD connectivity module to our curriculum. We know it will appeal to many of our existing customers and be of great interest to new ones too,” says John Detloff, chief operating officer at DaVinci.
Since its launch three years ago, more than 200 crewmembers have successfully completed the aeroCNCT course and SD is now welcoming returning students for certification renewal.
BOEING
Boeing and private investment firm 777 Partners announced an agreement to add 24 B737-8s to the firm’s diverse aviation portfolio, with purchase rights for an additional 60 airplanes. The Miami-based company will place the single-aisle airplanes with its growing portfolio of low-cost carrier investments around the world.
In addition to aircraft leasing, 777 Partners strategically invests in a host of aviation businesses, from operating carriers to technology-driven solutions. The firm’s travel sector strategy is largely focused on innovative solutions for interlining, passenger connectivity, and creating new commerce channels for its airline investments and customers.
“We could not be more excited to partner with Boeing on this transformative order for our growing aviation business. The 737-8 aircraft are a fantastic addition to our aviation portfolio and will enable our partners to leverage the jets’ superior economic performance to deliver low fares for their passengers while reducing their carbon footprint,” said Joshua Wander, founder and managing partner of 777 Partners. “The retrenchment of traditional carriers globally has created an unprecedented market opportunity for more agile and cost-efficient operators. These aircraft will enable our operators to accelerate the recovery in the destinations they serve. We are humbled to call one of America’s greatest manufacturers our partner in this endeavor.”
The B737-8 can fly 3,550 nautical miles, about 600 miles farther than its predecessor. This additional capability allows airlines to offer new and more direct routes for passengers. The 737-8 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 16% compared to the airplanes it replaces, and that superior fuel efficiency means lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. Every airplane features the new Boeing Sky Interior, highlighted by modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead storage bins.
“777 Partners has gained a reputation for investing in high-growth markets and we are delighted to welcome them to the Boeing 737 family. This is a significant order that speaks to 777 Partners’ belief in the 737-8 and the market recovery ahead. We look forward to delivering these jets and supporting a safe and successful entry into service with 777 Partners’ affiliates,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. 777 Partners is a Miami-based private alternative investment firm that invests across a number of high growth attractive verticals. Founded in 2015, 777 Partners initially applied its expertise in underwriting and financing of esoteric assets to diversify across a broad spectrum of financial services businesses, asset originators and financial technology/service providers. In recent years, the firm has broadened its mandate and now invests across six different industries: insurance, consumer and commercial finance, litigation finance, direct lending, media and entertainment, and aviation.
FLIGHTAWARE
FlightAware, a global provider of real-time and historical flight tracking information and insights, announced that it has been awarded a General Services Administration (GSA) contract from the United States Government. As a GSA schedule contract awardee, FlightAware becomes a trusted vendor of aviation data and applications for all approved GSA buyers. FlightAware is an American-owned and operated small business that can quickly and reliably deliver the world’s most complete aviation data and insights to the GSA purchaser. The GSA approval extends FlightAware’s aviation intelligence platform seamlessly to the government sector with data provided both in out-of-the-box and fully customizable formats. FlightAware’s APIs, like Firehose and AeroAPI, allow users to integrate flight data into customer products, while FlightAware’s applications such as FlightAware Global allow sophisticated tail and fleet monitoring. GSA buyers looking to learn more about FlightAware’s data offerings can visit: industry.flightaware.com/usgovernment
Synoptic Data PBC, the leading weather data aggregation and distribution platform, and FlightAware, the largest global provider of flight information and insights, today announced a partnership to deliver real-time Mode-S derived aircraft weather data via Synoptic’s API services to weather-sensitive users in the public and private sector.
Synoptic is expanding its aircraft-based observations offering by leveraging FlightAware’s capability to deliver global derived temperature and wind data throughout the vertical extent of the atmosphere using FlightAware’s complete historical and predictive aviation information platform, Firehose. Utilizing Mode-S weather data from tens of thousands of flights daily across the globe, Synoptic will provide its customers with a rich source of vertical weather profile information to enhance and improve weather forecast accuracy, increasing the amount of available aircraft weather data by as much as 400% in some situations. In addition to direct use in aviation operations, weather data collected from aircraft is one of the most important inputs to both global and regional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. Being able to incorporate additional data like FlightAware’s Mode-S data, especially in data sparse regions, will increase weather model accuracy and allow customers the ability to deliver better forecasts, contributing to public safety, operational efficiencies, and effective planning.
“The drop in air travel due to COVID has dramatically reduced the volume of critical airborne observations worldwide, impacting NWP weather forecast accuracy by as much as 30 percent. This partnership provides an important additional source of vertical wind and temperature data that will have a direct impact on NWP performance, improving weather forecasts and by extension, improving operational efficiency for all weather-impacted businesses,” said Steve Woll, President of Synoptic Data PBC.
OTHER NEWS
- Let’s face it, the future of trade shows is questionable because of the virus risks and we have been waiting for some solutions that might work to help present new products. Well, the folks at Asian Sky Group have come up with one option and if you think this might be a partial solution, check out this demo video of GatoR introduced by Jeffery Lowe – Jeffrey Lowe introduces GathR: the next-gen virtual communication / networking platform. Jeffrey Lowe introduces GathR: the next-gen virtual communication / networking platform – YouTube
- If you are a mechanical engineer you will love this video – The Antikythera Cosmos. The story is amazing and so is the video! The mechanical display of the universe developed and built around gears and brass display parts is a wonderful story on Gizmodo – New Model of Ancient Astronomical Device Reveals a ‘Creation of Genius’ and is the result of a rusted discovery off the coast of Crete in 1901. The 2000 year old device is an amazing development in its time. The video on Vimeo is a very good development description of the device that has taken over 100 years to resolve – especially since only one third of the device was discovered under water. Vimeo said – “The UCL Antikythera Research Team struggle to solve the front of the Antikythera Mechanism—a fragmentary ancient Greek astronomical calculator—revealing a dazzling display of the ancient Greek Cosmos.” They are correct! The Antikythera Cosmos on Vimeo And if you are wondering why this old mechanical technology story is in IFExpress, it is because we think our readers might find the history of knowledge and technology older than we are taught. And, along the same lines, the question of earlier flight history just may be somewhere developed, tested and hidden so well that we have not heard about it yet!
Abu Dhabi Airports Launches Rapid Covid-19 Testing
- In-airport laboratory facilities provide Covid-19 PCR test results in approximately 90 minutes
- All arrivals from all destinations (except transit passengers) to benefit from free rapid testing
- Rapid testing service launched in partnership with Pure Heath, the region’s largest laboratory operator, and UAE-based Tamouh Healthcare
- Introduction of new testing process for arriving passengers is a reflection of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of passengers, staff and visitors while facilitating air travel procedures
Abu Dhabi Airports, in partnership with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare, has launched rapid free Covid-19 PCR testing for all arrivals, except those in transit, with results provided in around 90 minutes. The new state of the art RT-PCR lab offers testing within Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to facilitate air travel procedures and support quarantine tracking procedures.
Designed to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of travelers and staff at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the new Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing process is free for arriving passengers and offers results in approximately 90 minutes. The laboratory has the capacity to test more than 20,000 travelers and staff per day.
The establishment of the PCR testing laboratory falls in line with the directives and vision of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, to contain the spread of Covid-19 while continuing to deliver a smooth and seamless travel experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Through partnering with Pure Health and Tamouh Healthcare, Abu Dhabi International Airport is now able to offer travelers state-of-the-art rapid testing services delivered by a dedicated laboratory facility. The introduction of the RT-PCR Covid-19 testing is a milestone achievement in our ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe resumption of international air travel and support the recovery of the aviation industry.”
“That we now offer a dedicated PCR testing laboratory within the airport is testament to our commitment at Abu Dhabi Airports to continuously innovate and look for new ways to deliver a safe, smooth and seamless travel experience for all our passengers. The new rapid testing facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport, developed in partnership with many of our stakeholders, will not only enable passengers to confidently travel to Abu Dhabi, but significantly enhance the efficiency of our operations while supporting global efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19,” added Al Hashmi.
All passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport through both terminals 1 and 3 will be tested at the AUH PCR testing facility. Results of the Covid-19 tests will be shared by SMS and WhatsApp, as well as being available on the Alhosn mobile application. Passengers can leave the airport once they have finalized the PCR test processes.
Passengers who receive a negative PCR test and are arriving from the list of ‘green’ countries outlined by the government of Abu Dhabi, will not have to self-isolate. Those arriving from countries not on the ‘green’ list will have to self-isolate for a period of ten days, and will require a quarantine wristband fitted at the PCR testing tent attached to the airport.
Passengers transiting through the airport will not be tested prior to departing for their final destinations.
The lab, being developed and operated by Pure Health – the region’s largest laboratory operator – and the healthcare and passenger facility, being developed by UAE-based Tamouh Healthcare, will have the capacity to test more than 20,000 travellers per day. The 4,000 square metre facility will operate around the clock with up to 190 staff.
The launch of rapid Covid-19 testing services follows Abu Dhabi Airports’ introduction of a comprehensive range of health and safety measures at Abu Dhabi International Airport, including a specially trained team of Wellness Ambassadors equipped to support passengers by answering common questions relating to keeping healthy during travel, encouraging social distancing, and providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
In addition, the airport has deployed touch-less elevator technology, SterixEco Gates sterilization tunnels, thermal scanning cameras, as well cameras with facial recognition capabilities that alert staff if passengers or visitors to the airport are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 or not wearing facemasks.
Check out the link for the latest Covid-19 information at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Satcom Direct Begins Airborne Validation of Plane Simple™ Ku-band Tail Mount Antenna System
One year after announcing the launch of the Plane Simple™ Satcom Antenna Systems, Satcom Direct has begun rigorous airborne testing of its advanced technology, purpose-built Ku-band tail mounted antenna system.
The transition from development to ground assessment to the aerial testing phase aims to validate the full performance capabilities of the Ku-band terminal. Inflight trials will also confirm the system’s integration with the SD ecosystem of hardware, software and supporting ground infrastructure. The antenna, which is now equipped on SD’s Gulfstream aircraft, will be stretched to the limits of its capabilities while providing empirical feedback about its functionality in an aerial environment.
“It is our company philosophy to always bring products to market that we have validated internally, and we are in a unique position to have the ability to undertake system testing on our own aircraft which gives us direct performance feedback,” says Satcom Direct Founder and CEO, Jim Jensen. “The aerial validation is the next step in becoming a single source provider of end-to-end connectivity solutions for business and government operators worldwide, which will streamline the connectivity ownership experience and customer support services.”
The aerial testing follows successful completion of intense drive testing completed in Melbourne, Florida using a customized mobile platform. SD’s investment in the hardware series is satisfying the broadening segment of the business aviation sector’s appetite for flexible, reliable, cost effective connectivity solutions. The Plane Simple tail-mounted antenna system will support super-mid to large-size jets and is being developed in partnership with Germany-based QEST, Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH, a worldwide market leader in innovative aeronautical antennas.
“Aviation is moving toward a digital industry, and data is the foundation for informed decision making by operations, finance and maintenance departments. It is essential that we can offer powerful connectivity solutions to a much broader business aviation audience which also support enhanced data management and analytics. The start of our inflight testing within a year of announcing the hardware expansion highlights just how committed we are to meeting these market needs,” concludes Jensen.
The Plane Simple Ku-band antenna is the first in a series of antenna systems being developed by SD. As a Value-Added Manufacturer (VAM) and service provider (SP) for Iridium Certus, SD is also designing and manufacturing a Plane Simple antenna system for compatibility with the new network offering from Iridium, while also providing the service direct to the business aviation community. The company is aiming to launch a Ka-band variant tail mount antenna in 2022, followed by an electronically steered, fuselage mounted phased-array antenna which will deliver high-speed connectivity via upcoming LEO constellations.
Suspension of Retaliatory Tariffs
US agreed to temporarily suspend all retaliatory tariffs on direct exports from UK resulting from the Airbus dispute in a new joint approach to longstanding trade conflict over aerospace tariffs; this follows UK’s decision to suspend Boeing tariffs against the US from January. – Source: Speednews
Other News
- “All us engineers or retired engineers always look at math as a baseline of our education. Why? Because all our education was based on, or explained with, math. Obviously, if your education experience occurred a while ago, it is interesting to review it … I guess? Anyway, here are 17 equations that probably had a part in your education … and yes, it may be a bit challenging. Keep up, that is the message here!” – TJW
- This is a big deal. Why? Aviation competition … but find out what CRAIC is first: CRAIC Plans 3 Versions Of Its New Widebody: The ‘CR929’ – Simple Flying
Posted by Patricia on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Filed under Hot Topics · Tagged with Airlines, airports, Connectivity, COVID-19, IFE, IFEC, passengers, Satcom, travelers
IdeaNova Technologies
The team at IdeaNova Technologies is working hard on new features and functionality that will enhance the travel experience while improving passenger and crew safety.
Last year, airlines saw changes to the travel industry ranging from new technology that ensures a clean cabin to an overhaul of boarding protocols. Travel might look a little different these days, but the importance of providing comfort in the cabin is just the same.
Passengers can now watch their inflight entertainment with their friends and family on a flight, while respecting safety guidelines in limiting passenger movement around the cabin. This functionality also highlights the continued importance of the relationship between passengers and crew. Inplay Video Chat is a natural extension of the text chat feature introduced earlier.
Just like the text chat, Inplay Video Chat is quick and easy to use. With a click of a button, anyone can initiate video communication with their friends or crew, creating a friendly atmosphere interacting safely and digitally onboard – ensuring passengers can fly with confidence.
Inplay Video Party brings revolutionary functionality for the next generation of flying affecting how passengers not only interact with their entertainment options, but also each other.
The Inplay IFE Portal offers airline passengers the ability to find their favorite movie and TV shows, and set up their watchlist before getting onto the aircraft. The player includes feature rich entertainment options such as ad-based video on demand, live TV, and games. It of course also keeps passengers informed with such things as safety information and automatic pause for important PA announcements. Now, the playback is augmented with yet another convenient feature of being able transmit audio and video in real time with fellow passengers.
Together passengers can enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows, allowing for better engagement between friends and family while taking advantage of all IFE content onboard. Inplay Video Chat allows passengers to watch and discover IFE content together – highlighting the important social aspect of flying.
While Inplay Video Chat is offered as stand-alone SDK for airlines to integrate into their own portals, Inplay Portal integration is well engineered. Passengers can conveniently configure and invoke this feature with a click of a button from any main portal area, while playing DRM or non-DRM content using Inplay Players. All Inplay components (including Microsoft PlayReady DRM) run on Linux, allowing an easier integration for airlines and IFE operators. IdeaNova DRM infrastructure has gone through many changes driven by self-driven need for new features and better performance as well as by external changes imposed by vendors such as Google, Microsoft and Apple. Inplay Portal has recently been enhanced with Video Ad Serving Template (VAST) compliant advertising features giving airlines another revenue stream option.
“Our mission has always been to create beautiful products that enrich the passenger journey and that is no exception with Inplay Video Chat. This time, we are making it both enjoyable and safe” says Juraj Siska, IdeaNova CEO…, “Introducing this new functionality is exactly within airlines highest priorities – moving us forward towards safe travel again. The continued innovation in our airline industry will help us to exceed previous passenger experience and bring new innovation to the cabin. Together with the newly released ad serving functionality we provide a combination of safe and income generation features.”
IdeaNova will be providing in-person demos of this new technology at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany rescheduled last year due to the pandemic for August 31-September 2, 2021. Customers can request on demand demos and evaluation of Inplay Video chat anytime.
Astronics Corporation
Astronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, announced it was awarded an order of approximately $11 million from Collins Aerospace (“Collins”) for business jet connectivity equipment. The order is a follow on to previous orders for inflight connectivity (IFC) hardware that Astronics has been providing to Collins.
Astronics’ equipment supports the growing interest in the business jet connectivity services offered by Collins Aerospace. Having received many strong customer reviews, Collins’ system provides unparalleled high-speed world-wide connectivity that enables a broad variety of remote conferencing services as well as streaming entertainment.
“We are excited to extend and expand the relationship with Collins Aerospace to provide best-in-class connectivity equipment for their customers,” stated Michael Kuehn, Astronics CSC President. “We believe this order validates the success of Collins Aerospace connectivity services and the performance of Astronics connectivity hardware. Improved connectivity for the business jet market has become an imperative and we are committed to providing the best connectivity capability available for aircraft with our technologies.”
For more details on the T-311 hardware, visit Astronics.com.
UNITED AIRLINES & ARCHER AVIATION
Many of you may not know who Archer Aviation is, so here it is in a nutshell: Archer is based in Palo Alto, California and was started in May 2020 and the company plans to manufacture planes, not so unusual, but the twist is their planes are targeted for the electric air-taxi market. Their website indicates their aircraft travel at speeds of 150 mph with a 60 mile range. Also, the company is backed by Marc Lore, who is head of Walmart’s e-commerce division.
Morgan Stanley projects the electric air-mobility market will be worth $1.5T by 2040. Also, United Airlines has agreed to purchase $1B worth of Archer’s aircraft with an additional $500M option. In December, United announced it would invest millions to be 100% “green” by 2050.
Recently it was announced that Archer Aviation will merge with Crest Investment Corporation SPAC with plans to go public at $3.8B. The merger will generate $1.1B for Archer, with $600M coming from a private investment made by United Airlines and Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s investment arm. The remaining $500M will come from funds raised during Atlas Crest’s October IPO.
OTHER NEWS
Thales
Qatar Airways is upgrading its Boeing B787-8 fleet with Thales’s AVANT IFE. The IFE system features an innovative, New Generation user experience unique to Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways is one of the fastest growing and highly acclaimed airlines in the world, consistently earning a 5-Star rating by Skytrax. With a fleet of the latest-generation aircraft and an unrivaled level of service, Qatar Airways has a steadfast vision to provide the best in-flight experience to its passengers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline remained unwavering in its commitment to upgrade the current fleet of Boeing B787-8 Dreamliner with Thales AVANT inflight entertainment (IFE) system. If your dream is to soar in the skies as a pilot, it’s indispensable to have the best flight training in order to achieve that dream.
Qatar Airways has been eager to replicate the innovative AVANT experience on their Boeing B787-8 aircraft without disrupting the utilization of the fleet and minimizing down time during the retrofit installation. To achieve this ambition, Thales has developed an upgrade program to adapt the existing legacy system to incorporate new AVANT screens and servers into the existing seats and aircraft infrastructure. This turnkey approach includes delivery of full seat modification, hardware and all required certifications, as well as the ability to leverage media integration commonality across the Qatar Airways’ fleet equipped with AVANT.
Qatar Airways Senior Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ms. Salam Al Shawa, said: “As a leader of innovation within the global aviation industry, we are always looking for ways to further enrich our already exceptional 5-Star on board experience for passengers. With the latest in-flight technology, including lightweight screens, greater content storage and full HD touch screens, we are delighted to work with Thales in bringing the most advanced AVANT IFE system on board our Boeing 787-8 fleet.”
Upgrading to AVANT IFE on the Boeing B787-8 fleet introduces the latest High Definition (HD), capacitive touch screen technology enabling passengers to seamlessly navigate the graphical user interface (GUI) using familiar gestures from their smartphone or tablet. The lightweight screens are two to three times brighter than the former technology, featuring more than 16 million colors for a brilliant viewing experience.
The AVANT system offers a large selection of features and applications with high capacity servers to store over a terabyte of industry leading media content including the latest HD movies, TV show episodes and music collections. Business class passengers will enjoy 17” Full HD touch screens; the main cabin will feature the same high quality experience with 12” smart displays.
“Qatar Airways continues to be a leader in the recovery of the aviation industry, maintaining a paramount commitment to service and to the enrichment of the passenger journey. Together we have developed a turnkey upgrade program with a seamless customer experience and continued installation despite the crisis. With the AVANT IFE system, passengers on Qatar Airways Boeing B787-8 aircraft will enjoy a 5-star experience.” Philippe Carette, Chief Executive Officer, Thales Inflyt Experience.
KID Systeme
KID-Systeme GmbH, a subsidiary of the Airbus Group, announces a change in its multi-member Board with the appointment of Stefan Stolzki as Managing Director.
Currently Head of Customer Services for Cabin Electronics at Airbus Operations and KID-Systeme, Stolzki takes over the position from Peter Schetschine with immediate effect.
KID is managed in a dual leadership set-up. Next to Fokke Mentjes, Stefan Stolzki will be responsible for the overall revenue generation including business development, product line management, sales, customer program management, marketing communications and events.
Stolzki is a graduate of the University of Applied Sciences in Lübeck, Germany. After graduating in Industrial Engineering, he held various senior management positions in Logistics and Customer Service at Satair and Airbus Operations.
“I am very excited to be named Managing Director. KID-Systeme was created by the insight and innovative thinking of aerospace visionaries, and has been built into a customer centric team of cabin experts. I look forward to shaping the future with the team and our network, including the Board of Directors, customers, our industry partners, and especially the people working here who dedicate themselves to the success of KID every day.”, Stolzki said.
KID-Systeme belongs to the Cabin and Cargo family within the Airbus Group, its product portfolio encompasses seat power, cabin and cargo safety features as well as on-board connectivity products and services.
AERQ
AERQ announced that the joint venture between LG Electronics and Lufthansa Technik has joined the Hamburg Aviation Network. AERQ is headquartered in Hamburg and has the goal to improve and evolve the digitalization of the cabin experience with an innovative digital ecosystem. Lufthansa Technik, one of AERQ’s parent companies, is a founding member of Hamburg Aviation. Hence, it was a logical conclusion to become a member of the cluster.
The location Hamburg has developed a leading global position in the field of cabin systems. The presence of cabin expertise at the site is carried to the world not least through the AIX trade fair and the Crystal Cabin Award. It is not only a matter of maintaining the level, but also of exploiting further potential in order not to relinquish global leadership.
“AERQ contributes to Hamburg Aviation’s value chain by providing airlines with cabin solutions that allow them to tap into new business models, drive ancillary revenues and generate operational efficiencies,” said Arnd Kikker, Managing Director at AERQ. “Our hardware, software and data solutions drive the aircraft cabin’s digitalisation, which is another competence field of Hamburg Aviation.”
“The alliance of the city, companies, science and associations creates added value for all players through trusting and efficient cooperation for an innovative aviation location and for the mobility and jobs of tomorrow. We are happy that AERQ with its innovation power has decided to be part of the Hamburg Aviation cluster. Both sides will profit from the collaboration,” said Ulf Weber, Managing Director at Hamburg Aviation.
“Although it is a challenging time for our industry, we believe that it can be an opportunity, too. We feel that especially now given the current circumstances digital and passenger centric products will flourish. In the meantime, our OLED-based Transparent Class Divider concept was shortlisted for the Crystal Cabin Award 2020 and we are planning on participating at the next AIX, too,” said Sang Soo Lee, Managing Director at AERQ.
Sustainable Aero Lab
The aviation industry has historically been the most innovative when facing crises. While global air travel is still severely challenged by the COVID19 pandemic, another game-changing crisis can already be outlined today: In the next decades, the effects of climate change will dramatically influence aviation and its business models. At the same time, this development poses a great opportunity for the aviation industry to regain a revolutionary state of mind, unlocking new fields of technology, business and cooperation.
To support and accelerate this transition of aviation on a global scale, numerous partners and initiatives from Hamburg have joined ranks to form the Sustainable Aero Lab. The new lab will be a global fast track program for startups and projects that can prove their tangible impact on reducing the climate footprint of aviation.
Sustainable Aero Lab to Drive Industry Discussion and Serve as Acceleration Network for Startups
To achieve this, the Sustainable Aero Lab will globally bring together startups, experienced mentors, investors and industry players into one room where founders receive highly focused feedback in a transparent live session four times a year. The first session will be held virtually in February 2021.
The Sustainable Aero Lab also strives to be an international agenda-setter for discussing the relevant issues and questions around the sustainable transformation of aviation, with all stakeholders involved.
Mentors at Sustainable Aero Lab: Leading Individuals from Aviation, Green Tech and Finance
Mentors at Sustainable Aero Lab comprise of world-leading experts from aviation, green tech, and finance. The Sustainable Aero Lab invites individuals with relevant background and experience to help the startups, and will ask for limited time commitment only. Exchange between the mentors is a key benefit even for partners from big corporations.
While the selection process is still ongoing, the Sustainable Aero Lab team is honored to, among others, have already secured the commitment of industry executive Nico Buchholz (former Lufthansa EVP Fleet Management & SVP at Bombardier), renowned aviation analyst at Leeham Company Bjorn Fehrm, long-time Bombardier innovation director Fassi Kafyeke, Ampaire SVP of Global Operations Susan Ying (also formerly Boeing, COMAC), and ex-Facebook director and venture capitalist Christian Hernandez Gallardo as mentors.
Hamburg-Based Initative with Global Scope
The Sustainable Aero Lab is a project driven by Hamburg-based Density Ventures and its CEO Stephan Uhrenbacher, a renowned serial entrepreneur and investor (most prominently: founder of Qype, Avocadostore, 9flats), who also serves as CEO of the Lab. As associated partners, the Hamburg Aviation cluster network, and ZAL Center of Applied Aero Research will also contribute significantly to the new initiative. The Sustainable Aero Lab is supported by the Hamburg Ministry of Economics and Innovation (BWI), and funded through the Hamburg Investment and Development Bank (IFB).
Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Senator for Economics and Innovation:
“The sustainable change that the aviation industry is facing will come with many new opportunities. To unlock these, we need open discussions and higher speed. The Sustainable Aero Lab will put its focus on exactly these points. As one of the world’s leading aviation sites, Hamburg strives to be a leading place for the development of sustainable aviation technologies as well.”
Open for Startup Submissions and Further Lab Partners
The Sustainable Aero Lab is actively scouting for founders and innovators who desire to be part in the first cohort of the Lab. Selected startups will receive A level mentoring on their most pressing objectives. The Lab will not ask for any shares, repositioning or generic pitches. Detailed information on the selection criteria and the application process can be found on www.sustainable.aero.
All individuals, institutions and companies who would like to contribute to the Sustainable Aero Lab in other forms are encouraged to get in touch as well. As a platform for open innovation, the Sustainable Aero Lab is looking to welcome anyone who can add value towards reducing the climate footprint of aviation.
Carlisle IT
Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT), a division of Carlisle Companies (CSL), is pleased to announce the award of a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) for installation of Satellite and Communication (SATCOM) provisions on Airbus A320 series aircraft.
EASA STC 10075259 installs all aircraft structural provisions, outside aircraft equipment and electrical integration packages for the Honeywell JetWave Ka system. The installation package is certified for application on A319, A320, and A321 aircraft, using CarlisleIT’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approved solution. CarlisleIT provided all design, qualification, approvals and certification resources associated with the STC. The kits are manufactured at CarlisleIT’s Franklin, Wisconsin factory.
“CarlisleIT’s extensive certification experience, including 202 STCs and 100 VSTCs, ensures that any equipment installation is completed safely and in compliance with airworthiness regulations, regardless of location,” said Chris Rawley, product line manager, aircraft connectivity solutions at CarlisleIT. “This STC opens the door for our European customers to take advantage of an existing, qualified SATCOM installation solution for the Airbus A320 family of aircraft.”
CarlisleIT leads the market in aerospace SATCOM applications, with over 2500 installations delivered worldwide. From component manufacturing to fully integrated engineered solutions, CarlisleIT has the capability and flexibility to support its customer needs.
Wood Dale, Illinois | December 16, 2020–AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs and OEMs, has extended its agreement with Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, to provide logistics, repair and aftermarket management services for Viasat’s in-flight connectivity products.
AAR’s OEM Solutions team will continue to manage the aftermarket inventory pool of Viasat components including modems, antennas, radomes, wireless access points (WAPs) and power supply units (PSUs) as well as third party logistics and aircraft on ground (AOG) support.
“Our goal is to deliver the gold standard in support to our aviation customer base — from factory-new components to their aftermarket needs,” said John Daly, Viasat Vice President, Business Operations, Global Mobile Solutions. “By extending our relationship with AAR, we can ensure we are providing exceptional, comprehensive aftermarket services and support to meet growing in-flight connectivity global demand.”
“AAR’s services allow Viasat to further leverage our aviation aftermarket expertise through our comprehensive logistics and repair management,” said Eric Young, AAR Senior Vice President OEM Solutions. “This global program supports Viasat’s airline customers to maximize component availability. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Viasat in bringing their advanced connectivity services to more airlines and passengers globally.”
IMMFLY
Immfly announced it has secured a long term partnership with International Airlines Group.
Immfly’s specialist onboard software services will support the development and maintenance of IAG’s universal platform (.air). The platform has already deployed the most advanced connectivity service across a large part of the Group’s fleet to deliver a consistent digital customer experience, with built in flexibility to tailor the offering to each airline’s brand and customer proposition.
IMMFLY provides onboard connected digital services specialized in enhancing customer experience, optimizing operations and maximizing revenues. The announcement follows a long standing pioneering wireless IFE collaboration of more than 5 years between Immfly and the Group’s airline Iberia Express. IAG now intends to enhance the .air platform with new features, products, services and retail opportunities designed to progressively unlock new revenue streams and increase customer satisfaction.
“The partnership with IAG and Immfly brings together a world leading airline group composed of top tier aviation brands in Ireland, UK and Spain, with the industry’s foremost partner for pioneering cabin digitization” said Immfly’s Executive Chairman Jimmy Martinez von Korff. “Together, IAG and Immfly will provide digital engagement tools and resources that will enhance the journey of millions of customers.”
“The partnership with Immfly will enable IAG to deliver new personalised services and expand the product range offered to our customers across entertainment, retail and loyalty” said Andrea Burchett, Group Head, IAG Connect at International Airlines Group. “We are excited to work together to develop services that innovate and disrupt the market by leveraging our combined knowledge and expertise for the benefit of our customers and airlines”.
CARLISLE IT & GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. announced the collaboration with Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CIT).
Gilat’s Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) was the first-ever to demonstrate in-flight operation over Ka on a commercial aircraft. A series of successful test flights took place over the last few months over GEO and LEO satellites. The ESA terminal is a fully electronic beam steering, no moving parts terminal, featuring wide instantaneous bandwidth, wideband frequency support, instantaneous beam switching and gate-to-gate operation. The elegant compact design by CIT exhibits an ultra-low profile, small footprint and an all-inclusive offering of outdoor antenna equipment in a single line replacement unit for: antenna, baseplate, skirt and transparent radome.
“Gilat is most pleased to join forces with its partner, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, and to present Gilat’s ESA terminal in CIT’s booth at Satellite,” said Roni Stoleru, Vice President Antenna Products & Strategy at Gilat. “Carlisle Interconnect Technologies’ team is the expert in innovative Thermal Management Solutions (TMS) and we couldn’t be more pleased with the elegant and compact design of Gilat’s proven technology for which we are already seeing significant market interest.”
“We are delighted to collaborate with Gilat and to display the ESA terminal in our booth in Satellite 2020,” said Kris Samuelson, Director of Sales, IFCE/Interiors at CIT. “Gilat’s proven and scalable technology easily integrates our Thermal Management Solution for both the small form factor business and general aviation market, as well as the commercial aviation market.”
GOGO
Fouth Quarter and Full-Year 2019 Highlights:
- Consolidated revenue of $221.3 million in Q4 2019, up 2% from Q4 2018; Net loss of $22.4 million in Q4 2019
- Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $34.4 million in Q4 2019, resulting in record full-year 2019 Adjusted EBITDA of $145.6 million
- Record BA Reportable Segment Profit of $41.7 million in Q4 2019, up 17% from Q4 2018
- 2019 Cash Flow from Operating Activities of $64.1 million; Free Cash Flow(1) improvement of $162.6 million in 2019 versus 2018, significantly exceeding guidance of improving Free Cash Flow by at least $100 million for the year
- Reached 1,407 2Ku and 1,657 total CA satellite aircraft online as of December 31, 2019, with a backlog of nearly 950 2Ku aircraft(2), which included 150 new commitments from existing customers in the quarter. In Q4 2019, 2Ku aircraft online increased by 118.
- As of January 28, 2020, total flights on Gogo’s AVANCE L5 and L3 systems reached 244,000, totaling 154 million miles flown. These milestones were reached approximately two years after the L5 launch in late 2017
- Qatar Airways selected Gogo’s 2Ku solution for high-speed inflight connectivity and live TV on 70 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with service expected to begin in 2020
SITA
SITA and trade association ULD Care hope to bring new efficiency to the air cargo industry by exploring the use of blockchain to digitally track and record change of custody of airline cargo containers or Unit Load Devices (ULDs) across their journey. By eliminating inefficiency, embedding always-on tracking of ULDs and abandoning redundant paper systems, the use of blockchain is expected to save the industry $400m a year in improved efficiency, fewer losses and prevention of damage. The proposed platform also offers a wide range of authentication and trust-based benefits, reducing the risk of tampering, cybercrime, trade-based money laundering, fraud, and illicit trade. Today more than 800 million ULDs are in use by airlines yet the system used to track these ULDs has only been partial digitalized and relies on incomplete data sharing and record keeping. The proposed blockchain system improves efficiency by making use of all data points across the air cargo journey and provides a platform that aggregates and processes the ULD data in a trusted and secure way. The PoC will extend and upgrade the current ULD interlining platform to include non-airline third parties such as ground handlers via open APIs and a new modern interface. The results will transform the industry by lifting the veil on a myriad of previously unknown factors like damage reports. Knowing the location of all ULD’s (and therefore cargo) at all times means companies can accurately track where loss or damage occurs and recover the costs without dispute. For any given shipment there can be up to 12 custodian companies monitoring and tracking the cargo, with many relying on paper documents making the process cumbersome and undermined by trust and transparency issues. Blockchain presents a near-perfect solution to address these industry pain points with huge time and cost-saving potential. This project forms part of SITA’s Global Blockchain Alliance which is leading exploration into blockchain’s potential for the air transport industry. SITA’s role, as the air transport community’s IT provider, is to provide governance for the global alliance, support the working groups, deliver all required blockchain technology components and ensure proper alignment and validation with regulators and international standardization bodies.
GLOBAL CONNECTED AIRCRAFT SUMMIT WARNING
“To our Global Connected Aircraft community: Let us sneak in a few words among the torrent of emails you’re getting about the Coronavirus. As we near the end of a terrible week during which the spread of COVID-19 officially became a global pandemic and its economic fallout dramatically worsened, we are hoping for the best possible health outcome for you, your loved ones and your colleagues. We are watching the situation closely. With regard to our upcoming Global Connected Aircraft Summit event, scheduled for June 2-3 in Denver, the health and well-being of attendees, speakers and exhibitors is our greatest priority. We have not yet taken the step of postponing or canceling the conference, since this is such a fast-moving story and the show’s early summer timing gives us a little more opportunity to assess. As of this writing, information is still hard to come by on when infections are likely to peak in the United States or how far into the future the current suspensions on conferences, sporting events and other large gatherings in March and April should remain in effect. Whatever happens, we will keep you posted.”
COURTESY of SEEKING ALPHA
“Without a lifeline from governments we will have a sectoral financial crisis,” according to the International Air Transport Association, which called for extending lines of credit to airlines, reducing infrastructure costs and cutting taxes. IATA last week estimated that the crisis could wipe out some $113B of industry revenue, in a forecast that did not include the U.S. clampdown on European travel. “There is a heightened concern there will be increased airline bankruptcies in 2020 given the fallout from the coronavirus,” added Cowen analyst Helane Becker. “We expect some governments to step in to help some airlines, but ultimately we expect more airlines to fail this year than last year.”
BOEING
Boeing is freezing new hiring and overtime except in certain critical areas to preserve cash as the coronavirus compounds the fallout from a year-old grounding of its 737 MAX. News that Boeing was planning to draw down the rest of a $13.8B loan it took last month sent shares tumbling 18% on Wednesday, their biggest one-day percentage drop since 1974. Other issues: Boeing booked 46 cancellations last month, resulting in a net loss of 28 orders, as carriers switch from the grounded MAX to other planes.
US CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines for “community mitigation strategies” to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, which include recommendations for “social distancing”—a term that epidemiologists are using to refer to a conscious effort to reduce close contact between people and hopefully stymie community transmission of the virus.
Note: We got an email in from Kelvin Boyette, CEO Latitude Aero
“Here is a quick LinkedIn post I composed discussing how airline’s current cabin decontamination methods, using fogging and non-approved chemicals, causes damage to the aircraft seating.”
Editor’s Note: The US Federal Reserve, advised “The coronavirus outbreak has harmed communities and disrupted economic activity in many countries, including the United States,” and they will cut interest rates to near-zero on 3/15/20 and launch a massive $700 billion quantitative easing program to isolate the economy from the effects of the virus. It will take the form of $500 billion of Treasury’s and $200 billion of agency-backed mortgage securities. The Fed said the purchases will start on Monday with a $40 billion installment. Interestingly, in 2014, Bill Gates saw the problem in his TED Talk Bill Gates suggests, to put all our good ideas into practice, from scenario planning to vaccine research to health worker training. he notes: “There’s no need to panic – but we need to get going.”
Bill Gates: The next outbreak? We’re not ready | TED Talk
COVID-19
As you can well imagine, with COVID-19 running rampant throughout the world, air travel is being destroyed and the airlines are feeling the hurt – big time! The world is getting hit, while in Seattle companies like Alaska Airlines stock has dropped some 44%, the value of Boeing stock has plunged 48% at the time of this writing! Today (3/17/20) the world has some 196,639 cases and it will continue to climb.
Presently, scientists don’t know exactly when the disease will peak but we suspect 2 months is optimistic and this timeframe will be telling in the US and globally as well. Below the equator, the virus is just beginning to hit and we expect third world countries will be hit the hardest. There is no virus innoculation in sight and that means the airlines/travel/hotel industries will continue to be in big trouble. In actual fact, the travel industry is in disarray, and will get worse in the short term.
If you want to stay up on travel, check out: Coronavirus & Travel Industry: Breaking News & Impacts – Coronavirus & Travel Industry: Breaking News & Impacts – Skift , and here is the Airline Industry Coronavirus Impact: Coronavirus & Airlines: Coronavirus & Airlines: Breaking News & Updates – Skift
Noted AXIOS: “Last year, 46 million passengers flew on roughly 200,000 flights between the U.S. and the 26 affected European countries, says IATA. In March 2019, international visitors arriving from Europe (excluding the U.K.) accounted for about 29% of total overseas arrivals to the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association. Those visitors spent approximately $3.4 billion in the U.S., the group said.”
Lastly, we suggest you WASH YOUR HANDS frequently and keep your distance from just about everybody. Good Luck and Stay Healthy!
OTHER NEWS
- Oh this is interesting! The subject is national wealth and the folks at Visual Capitalist have done an incredible job – check it out here: Animated Chart: Which Countries Have the Most Wealth Per Capita?
- COVID – 19 and the economic impact on airport business; read here
- And, some more on the subject: Metabiota: Epidemic Tracking and Data Science, Coronavirus COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), Coronavirus Dashboard, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC, EPI-WIN | WHO, Coronavirus Age, Sex, Demographics (COVID-19) – Worldometer, Unique discovery in Erasmus MC: antibody against corona – Erasmus Magazine, COVID-19 Megathread #6 : news, Estimating actual COVID 19 cases (novel corona virus infections) in an area based on deaths – YouTube, Infection Trajectory: Which Countries are Flattening their COVID-19 Curve?
- Nuclear Electric Resonance just may change the world of microscopic effects by controlling single atoms within electric fields. This is a big deal (but we aren’t quite sure why – you might!) Watch Nuclear Electric Resonance – the key to controlling single atoms in electronic devices – YouTube
- This might help if you still have to work thru the COVID-19 on a plane. Thermal Imaging AR Smart Glasses Supply Vital Medical Info – Dealerscope And, The COVID-19 virus is being tackled by some 2500 citizens on the computer – Foldit is an online video game that challenges players to fold various proteins into shapes where they are stable. This online puzzle game may find a coronavirus treatment
ASTRONICS
Astronics Corporation is launching a new family of flexible, compact, 64-bit avionics I/O computing platforms for problem-solving and tech insertion in areas such as mission computing, distributed control and avionics data conversion.
VIASAT
EL AL Israel Airlines and Viasat Inc. announced they expanded their successful relationship, adding the Boeing 777 widebody fleet to the mix of EL AL aircraft with Viasat’s equipment for high-speed in-flight connectivity (IFC). In addition to the Boeing 777 fleet, Viasat equipment currently powers the connectivity experience across EL AL’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 737-900 and part of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. EL AL plans to have all widebody aircraft equipped with Viasat’s latest generation IFC solution and all narrow-body fleet equipped with Viasat’s in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) offering. EL AL expects to have the majority of its fleet connected with the Viasat service by the end of 2020. “EL AL takes great pride in being an innovative airline, and they continue to push the in-flight connectivity boundaries,” said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Aviation, Viasat. “EL AL was first to launch Viasat’s fast IFC service in Europe and the Middle East; first to deploy high-speed internet on transatlantic flights using the advanced ViaSat-2 satellite; and are now the first airline to bring IFC to the Boeing 777 aircraft for global routes before the launch of our ViaSat-3 satellite constellation. Enabling high-speed, high-quality internet to their full fleet confirms their dedication to bring customers and crew fast, reliable connectivity service—no matter where they fly.” The Viasat in-flight Wi-Fi service offers an at-home or office experience in the sky, keeping flight crews connected for enhanced passenger service and enabling passengers using smartphones, tablets or laptop computers the ability to browse websites, connect to email and instant messaging, use apps and social networks and to stream music and/or films when in-flight. Today, EL AL offers three in-flight Wi-Fi packages—Basic, Social and Business—which can be purchased during the flight through the EL AL Wi-Fi portal via credit card or EL AL Matmid Club points.
AIRBUS
Air Canada’s first Airbus A220 was unveiled this week when it rolled out of the painting hangar at the A220 final assembly line in Mirabel. In December, Air Canada will be the first Canadian airline to take delivery of this Canadian-designed and developed aircraft when it receives the first of its 45 A220s on order. The A220 features an innovative cabin design, as well as significantly lower emissions and a reduced noise footprint. The A220-300 for Air Canada will provide passengers with superior comfort in a 137-seat dual-class cabin layout. Air Canada’s brand new A220-300s will replace the flag carrier’s existing mainline fleet of smaller, older narrow-body aircraft and support the airline’s hub and network growth, creating one of the world’s youngest and most fuel efficient fleets. Now that the aircraft is decked out in Air Canada’s livery, it has moved to pre-flight activities in the A220 flight line hangar in Mirabel, before taking off for its first flight later this fall. Currently, there are 94 A220 aircraft flying with six operators on regional and transcontinental routes in Asia, America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ latest family member. The A220 has an order book of 530 aircraft as of the end of October 2019.
Airbus and China are strengthening their long-standing partnership as both sides commit to a further deepening and broadening of cooperation in the aviation industry. A Memorandum of Understanding on the Further Development of Industrial Cooperation was signed in Beijing by He Lifeng, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron. According to the MoU, both sides have agreed to take practical and effective measures for new initiatives regarding both Airbus single-aisle and widebody aircraft. As part of Airbus’ objective to reach a global A320 Family production rate of 63 aircraft per month in 2021, the Airbus Tianjin A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL Asia) remains on track to ramp up its production to six aircraft per month by the end of 2019, which is a 50% increase compared to its original design. A350 XWB capabilities will be extended into the Airbus Tianjin wide-body Completion and Delivery Center (C&DC) from the second half of 2020. The C&DC is scheduled to deliver its first A350 aircraft by 2021 from Tianjin. The potential of China’s aviation market is huge: While China domestic is set to become the world’s largest market, international traffic to and from China has nearly doubled over the last 10 years. According to the Airbus Global Market Forecast, China is expected to require some 7,560 new aircraft over the next 20 years. In both Airbus’ single-aisle and widebody aircraft programs, cooperation is well established. In single-aisle, the FAL Asia has been successfully operating for over a decade since its inauguration in September 2008. To date, 450 A320 Family aircraft have been delivered from Tianjin to Airbus’ Chinese and Asian customers since. In twin-aisle aircraft, the first Airbus’ widebody center outside Europe, the C&DC – inaugurated in September 2017 – has successfully performed A330 aircraft completion activities including cabin installation, aircraft painting and production flight test, as well as customer acceptance and aircraft delivery. The A350 XWB has garnered 913 firm orders from 51 customers worldwide.
October was a landmark month for Airbus in terms of new business, with orders logged for 415 new commercial jetliners. This includes one of the company’s largest-ever transactions with a single airline operator, and overall bookings that significantly strengthened the extra-long-range A321XLR’s market positioning – while the 77 deliveries brought the total number of A320neo/A321neo jetliners delivered to customers/operators above the 1,000 mark. Leading October orders was Indian carrier IndiGo’s for 300 additional A320neo Family aircraft, taking its overall order for the type to 730. Other bookings in October for the A321XLR included 30 for Malaysia’s AirAsia X, 20 for Hungarian-based Wizz Air, 12 for JetSMART of Chile, and two for an unidentified customer. Another unidentified customer ordered 13 A321XLRs in a transaction that also included 12 A330-900 highly efficient wide-bodies. Completing the A320 Family orders during the month was China Airlines’ contract for 11 A321neos; seven A320neos for Taiwan’s Tigerair; and an agreement by the U.S. based lessor Aviation Capital Group for three A320neos. Overall, the A320neo Family reached a new milestone of over 7,000 orders from 113 customers with a backlog of more than 6,000. New transactions were also booked in October for the latest member of Airbus’ single-aisle product line: the A220. France’s Réunion Island-based airline, Air Austral, signed a firm order for three A220s, becoming the first A220 customer in the Indian Ocean region; while Air Tanzania, the A220’s initial African-based operator, extended its fleet of A220-300s with two additional aircraft. The 77 deliveries during the month were made to 45 customers and led by the A320 Family with 59 deliveries (56 NEOs and three CEOs). Since the A320neo Family entry into service in 2016, October marked Airbus’ 1,000th A320neo Family delivery, an aircraft which was received by IndiGo. Among the other notable deliveries in October were the first A321neo for Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines (through lessor GECAS). Completing the October deliveries were four A220s, along with 14 Airbus wide-body aircraft: eight A350-900s and six A330s (four NEOs and two CEOs). During the first 10 months of 2019, Airbus made 648 deliveries overall to 92 customers, compared with 584 aircraft over the same period of 2018 – equivalent to 64 more deliveries. Taking the latest orders and deliveries into account, Airbus’ aircraft backlog as of 31 October stood at 7,471 aircraft including 6,107 A320 Family, 436 A220 Family, 593 A350 XWBs, 284 A330s and 51 A380s.
BOEING
Boeing will showcase its broad portfolio of commercial and defense products, services and technologies at the 2019 Dubai Airshow, which runs November 17-21 at Dubai World Central. The company’s presence and activities at the show will focus on safety, innovation and industry partnerships in the growing Middle East market. At Boeing’s exhibit, visitors can immerse themselves in a 360-degree theater and learn more about the company’s capabilities throughout the product life cycle. An interactive display will highlight Boeing’s latest family of aircraft and services, as well as the company’s vision for the future of mobility. A seating mock-up and virtual reality experience will offer visitors a closer look at the 777X. The exhibit will be located near the main entrance of the exhibit hall (1110). On the airfield, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will demonstrate the breakthrough capabilities and innovations that have made it a favorite of both operators and customers. This unique 787 sports a full-body decal celebrating the Employees Community Fund of Boeing, the company’s employee-managed charitable fund. An Etihad 787-9, Emirates 777-300ER and a Boeing Passenger Air Vehicle (PAV) will be on static display. The U.S. Department of Defense also will display several Boeing platforms at the show, including an F-15E fighter, an MV-22 tiltrotor and a KC-46A tanker. The UAE will showcase a CH-47F Chinook helicopter. Boeing’s market outlook values the Middle East commercial airplane and services market at more than $1.5 trillion over the next 20 years. Boeing also anticipates 40% of defense and space opportunities in the next decade will originate outside the U.S., with strong platform and services growth opportunities in the Middle East.
In observance of Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, Boeing announced a $10.4 million charitable grants package to support 102 veterans nonprofit organizations worldwide. The package will fund programs through 2020 and beyond. This latest investment builds on Boeing’s three-year, $25 million commitment to increase veterans giving. Since 2017, Boeing has donated $27.4 million in support of veterans programs. Boeing’s investment includes a $500,000 grant to the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN) and its sister nonprofit, Corporate America Supports You (CASY). Funds will support the direct placement of 1,500 military spouses and 2,000 unemployed and underemployed National Guard, reservists and veterans over a three-year period.
OTHER NEWS
- Well, the link title says it all – and it is really, really, really big! Just use your right arrow key to see how small you really are!
- To see how financially small you really are! Mapping the Population of Global Millionaires in 2019
- Your microvascular system may help determine aircraft cooling Mimicking body’s circulatory AC could keep airplanes, cars and computers cooler: Researchers’ program designs materials with human-like microvasculature — ScienceDaily
- How about some hot music in your safety video – try Korean Air! Korean Air X SuperM Safety Video – YouTube And as one reader noted: “Imagine the amount of people who may buy a ticket to literally anywhere just to see this video.” Pretty cool!
- What is happening to the A380? Why was the Airbus A380 a Failure? – YouTube
- “A new game called Airplane Mode might provide the most relaxed gaming experience imaginable, as players are only tasked with enjoying the ride as a passenger on a six hour trans-Atlantic flight that plays out in real time.” Honestly, a Video Game That Strands You On a Boring Six-Hour Flight Is Just What I Need Right Now
- Wow, how stupid am I? Recently I got in some photo’s of flight scenery from Bob Bogash, a retired, smart friend and airplane enthusiast. In my last email we sent, I suggested he build a website for some of the amazing air pictures he has. “Hah”, he noted, and this is why: Trains, Planes, and —
CarlisleIT’s OAE Offerings
Many of you are familiar with Carlisle Interconnect Technologies (CarlisleIT) but for those of you in the industry who are not, they design, build, test and certify numerous types of interconnect structural items such as trays, racks, and satellite adaptor plates. When we last had the opportunity to talk with Kris Samuelson, Director Sales IFEC & Interiors of Carlisle IT, he provided us with an update on their FlightGear product line. First, let’s review their FlightGear ARINC 791 Universal Installation offering. In partnership with Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, they offer multiple ARINC 791 solutions for Ka, Ku and Ka/Ku band Satcom installations. The ARINC 791 adapter plate is available for a wide range of commercial aircraft types and more than meets the need for standardized installation, with easier maintenance inspections, ultimately reducing the cost of ownership for the aircraft operator. Other existing satcom antenna products can be easily accommodated as well, saving the airline both time and money, while being adaptable for future ESA antenna technology upgrades. Presently, the FlightGear ARINC 791 is available over 14 airframes and five system configurations. Carlisle holds retrofit STC’s for A319, A320, A321, A330, B757, B777 and fully line-fit offerable for all Airbus platforms. Overall, the company says that the complete ARINC 791 package (adapter plate, provisions for outside airframe equipment (OAE) and intercostal kits) improves their customers speed-to-market.
Carlisle’s FlightGear ARINC 792 was debuted last September at APEX. This adaptor plate also fulfills the re equipment for a standardized installation, easier maintenance inspections and a lower cost of ownership. It may be easily customized based on the Ka, Ku, or Tri-band antenna selected by the end user customer. “The ARINC 792 solution supports a wide range of available antennas currently on offer in today’s marketplace,” said Kris Samuelson, “And the adapter plate design can accommodate additional OAE equipment and antenna cooling provisions under the Radome. It also provides an easy upgrade path for future proofing.” We were also told that the ARINC 792 was designed to support a wide range of satcom systems but may be preferred by aircraft manufacturers for electronically steered array (ESA) antenna installations.
CarlisleIT will be attending the upcoming APEX and excited to show our newly designed installation solution for next generation ESA’s. Be sure to stop by their booth #1933 and or contact Kris Samuelson@ Kris.samuelson@carlisleit.com to get a product run through.
ASTRONICS
Astronics Corporation Reports 2019 Second Quarter Financial Results:
- Sales for the quarter were $189.1 million; after adjusting for the divested semiconductor business, sales increased 5.4%
- Consolidated orders for the quarter were $170.7 million
- Backlog at the end of the quarter was $380 million
- Updated outlook for 2019 reflects rescheduled programs, delayed business jet antenna program and 737 MAX grounding
AIRBUS
Airbus has officially started manufacturing the A220 in the U.S. The first team of A220 production workers began work at Airbus’ Mobile, Alabama-based production facility following their recent return from on-the-job training in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, where the A220 program and primary final assembly line are located. Airbus announced plans for the addition of A220 manufacturing in Mobile in October 2017. Construction on the main A220 flowline hangar and other support buildings for the new A220 began at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley at the beginning of this year. Airbus is producing the first few aircraft within some current A320 family buildings and newly-built support hangars. The first U.S.-made A220 – an A220-300 destined for Delta Air Lines – is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2020. By the middle of next decade, the facility will produce between 40 and 50 A220 aircraft per year.
The A220 is the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market; it delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency and widebody passenger comfort in a single-aisle aircraft. The A220 brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. The A220 offers the performance of larger single-aisle aircraft. With an order book of 551 aircraft as of end of June 2019, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100-to-150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
OTHER NEWS
- We were a little surprised to find out the the airplane invention was only No. 15 in the scale developed innovations as chosen by a dozen scientists, historians, and technologists in a study put together by The Atlantic? The 50 Greatest Breakthroughs Since the Wheel – The Atlantic Perhaps, we are a little biased?
- No doubt, long range airplanes are appearing smaller as planemakers stretch the existing aircraft to “bleed” into the middle range market and expand range and capacity to shoot for the 5000 mi range with some 250 to 300 pax. To push their single aisle aircraft to replace planes link the Boeing 757, the Airbus folks have stretched their A321 to the A321 XLR to 4700 miles or 7400 kilometers. Cities like London to Delhi or Tokyo to Sidney are now doable. Airbus A321XLR: Extra-long range in a smaller aircraft | CNN Travel Not a new plane in the press readings (about 1 year old), with the negatives on competing planes, the market looks better for it and you will begin to hear more about the plane soon. Does American Airlines Airbus A321XLR Order Send A Secret Message To Boeing?
- OK, this is not airplanes but these moving shots of the Space X escape module just had to be shared! Space X escape module test – Album on Imgur
- The article by Matt Grant begins: “In the early hours of one morning in May of 1749, Gabrielle Emilie le Tonnelier de Breteuil, the Marquise du Châtelet, worked furiously at her desk in an ornate three-storied Parisian house. Piles of books on mathematics and scientific instruments littered her desktop and spilled over onto the floor, the bureau, the shelves. The marquise’s fingers were stained dark with ink, but she didn’t care. No one important was going to see her anytime soon. She had long given up the pleasures of society life.” Unable to join the French Academy of Sciences because they were mens domain, Emilie’s 3-part work began by explaining the summarized history of astronomy, next, the scope of Issac Newton’s proof of attraction, and, as Matt writes: “The third and final section of her commentary was the hardest. du Châtelet took the idiosyncratic mathematical proofs relating to the laws of attraction that had been most scrutinized by Newton’s critics and recast his geometrical equations into integral calculus.” This article is really new to us as we had not heard of this scientist. Perhaps, you had not either? The Pregnant Scientist Who Raced Against Death to Transform Physics
- Do you think there are too many plastics involved in aviation travel? SFO does! No fly zone: SFO bans sale of plastic water bottles – SFChronicle.com Watch for more airports to come on line with reduced plastics usage!
- One of the best security articles we have read is by a Tripwire author, Ben Schmerler, called “Moving to the Cloud and How You Shift Your Security Management Strategy.” We strongly suggest that you follow his 4 points in the article if you decide to move to the Cloud – Moving to the Cloud and How You Shift Your Security Management Strategy
- With retail sales (foot traffic vs online – Dealerscope CE Retail) dropping (-32%) this month, and more folks flying in August, it might be a good time to advertise your products online and inflight if you can! CE Retail Confidence Crashes in August – Dealerscope
- So your boss wants a report on 2018 airline efficiency to determine some future marketing effort? No problem, here is then IATA data: IATA – More Connectivity and Improved Efficiency -2018 Airline Industry Statistics Released
- Perhaps there is an AI-based solution to determine which movies to play on your airline? Artificial intelligence predicts which movies will succeed—and fail—simply from plot summaries | Science | AAAS And as a travel source, the airlines mighty be able to predict some hot events for pax using AI? Discover the best Events in your City and Book Tickets – Fever
- This one is not only interesting, it may help you with your home work (or office reading) – TLDR This – Free automatic text summary tool Basically, you enter a weblink or text of an article you are interested in and it gives you a couple of lines of summary. We know this is not necessarily aviation, so we entered an aviation article and here is what it told us:
- Boeing is working on new software for the 737 Max that will use a second flight control computer to make the system more reliable, solving a problem that surfaced in June with the grounded jet, two people briefed on the matter said Friday.
- That problem was with flight-control software called MCAS, which pushed the nose down based on faulty readings from one sensor.
- Boeing Co. spokesman Charles Bickers said only that the company is working with the FAA and other regulators on software to fix the problem that surfaced in June.
- Superconductor electric airplane motor using liquid hydrogen that is rated at 1 megawatt has been tested by Oswald Elektromotoren in Germany, and guess who is on their board – Airbus, Siemens and Rolls-Royce. Full Superconducting Motor Readied For Tests | Future of Aerospace content from Aviation Week
Melbourne, Florida | June 11, 2019–Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has completed the Bravo phase of expansion of its SD Data Center. The second stage of a four-part expansion has doubled the existing footprint to 10,000 square feet at the Melbourne, Florida headquarters. The extended facility has added capacity for a further 120+ server cabinets providing secure data storage for aviation and terrestrial clients of all sizes. As planned, the Bravo phase was initiated when the existing data center was close to reaching targeted capacity goals.
The Bravo phase mirrors the existing facility providing category five hurricane-proof construction and adheres to the same high compliance standards already in place. The SD Data Center enables the creation of private networks for clients when connected to SD hardware, software and satellite connectivity. Through the infrastructure available via the SD Data Center, existing compliance and security protocols can be applied to the aircraft network like any other corporate location. The installation of the infrastructure is already underway as customer server cages and cabinets are in process. Phase three expansion, Charlie, is now in the planning stage and will further support customized solutions for aviation clients when completed.
“The SD Data Center provides efficient and secure transport of data across a self-owned, fully redundant and highly-scalable network. It serves our own family of companies and allows us to provide robust cybersecurity monitoring and protection. The latest figures collated from our exsiting threat monitoring subscribers show that this is is becoming more and more necessary,” says Chris Moore, President Business Aviation, about the expansion. “We can now further leverage the capabilities of our Data Center to support current and future internal and customer-facing services which will result in more data management options for our aviation clients.”
SD hosted an open house on 22 May to mark the second phase completion. Attended by civic leaders, government officials, clients and employees, SD invited guests to tour the upgraded facility and discuss the importance of data security to business continuity.
The headset is the most critical part of any IFE system. It defines the quality of audio delivery and its look and feel defines the quality of the Airline. The headset is probably responsible for more passenger complaints, and IFE reliability issues than any other IFE component - so why do most airlines leave its procurement to the catering department?”
