Aviation News In Brief 14 June 2022

NAVBLUE, Rusada, Kale Logistics, Vietjet, Thales, Collins Aerospace, Iraqi Airways, Ramco Aviation, Airport Dimensions, Sparc Technology, Servy, Burrana, S. S. White Technologies, Awery Aviation Software, IBS, Antonov Airlines, Flydocs, Conduce Group, Wamos Air, Moment, Etihad Cargo, Air Astana, ADB SAFEGATE

Eight airlines opt for NAVBLUE’s Electronic Flight Assistant: Eight airlines from the Americas, Asia, Europe and Middle East have subscribed to Mission+ by NAVBLUE. National Airlines, Air Transat, Peach Aviation, flyadeal, Jazeera Airways, Cyprus Airways, Air Malta and Airbus Transport International (ATI), turn to Electronic Flight Assistant have all signed on. Officially launched by Airbus last November, Mission+ was created by NAVBLUE combining its flight operations expertise, the technical experience of Airbus pilots and the feedback from airlines worldwide. Gathering all the information pilots need in one single application on a globe-centric display, Mission+ integrates mission management data and documentation, cockpit checklist, navigation charts and airport maps, real-time weather conditions, aircraft performance data – usually only available to pilots via multiple sources. A true Electronic Flight Assistant, Mission+ reduces pilot workload and streamlines the flow of information between ground and onboard systems.

Software provider Rusada rebrands: Aviation software specialist Rusada has launched its new company branding following a sustained period of success for the company. Since June 2020 the company has undergone significant internal transformation to better serve the needs of the industry. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic Rusada hired over 60 new employees, delivered 10 major releases of its ENVISION software along with three new apps, and signed up over 15 new customers. Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada, said “The initial months of the pandemic were filled with uncertainty and caution as the world stopped flying. Fortunately, due to our diverse customer base of well-managed organisations we were able to regroup and begin to plan for a post-pandemic industry. We reorganised our development teams to better exploit the collective talents of our staff and used our increased capacity to further increase the performance and functionality of our software.” To capitalise on this period of success and adapt for a new chapter in the aviation industry, Rusada has refreshed its brand to better reflect the company’s identity and its offering. This includes a new logo, new imagery, new colour scheme, and a new website.

Kale Logistics hits 100 air stations: Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale), trusted IT partner to the global logistics industry, has signed an agreement with its 100th airport cargo station, GMR Cargo Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL). Kale will be transforming air cargo processes at GHIAL with a unique air cargo solution that is a combination of its flagship Cargo Community System and Cargo Management System, GALAXY. The solution encompasses courier, international, and domestic cargo operations for the airport. “We are very proud to have been associated with 100 air cargo stations globally,” said Amar More, co-founder and CEO, Kale Logistics Solutions. Kale has been a pioneer in designing and implementing air cargo tech solutions for the last 11 years. These solutions connect over 3,000 cargo agents, more than 125 airlines, processing over three million annual payments and exchanging more than ten million EDI messages globally. With around 85 percent of India’s air cargo running on Kale’s systems, the IT provider’s Cargo Community Systems command a leadership position in the global logistics industry, having received several global accolades, including a United Nations award. Kale also announced it won the International IT Systems Provider of the Year Award at the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo, in recognition of its digital transformation efforts delivered to the global air cargo community.

Vietjet launches first direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Mumbai: Vietjet has officially inaugurated the direct flights connecting Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Mumbai, India’s largest city. Vietjet Vice President Do Xuan Quang said “Following our launch of New Delhi – Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi services, we are delighted to launch two more direct routes between Vietnam and Mumbai. We believe that the two services from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Mumbai as well as the coming Phu Quoc – Mumbai route will strengthen the on-going relationship of Vietnam’s two biggest cities with Mumbai. The services launched between Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi and Mumbai operate four and thrice weekly flights respectively and we expect to increase the frequency in coming time to meet customer’s demand.”

Thales launches HELIXVIEW airport scanner: Thales has developed a new scanner named HELIXVIEW, which it claims could revolutionise the airport experience for both passengers and airlines companies. HELIXVIEW, based on Thales’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity, is a stationary, compact, and lightweight EDS CB C3-compliant scanner (the next standard applied to the certification for EDS CB) that combines X-ray nanotechnology-based electronic scanning and 3D imaging reconstruction. With this solution installed in checkpoints, passengers will no longer need to remove their items from luggage. The technology is fine-tuned to detect all forms of prohibited items, whether explosives, knives, or even weapons that have been dismantled and positioned in separate parts across several bags. Artificial Intelligence capabilities are leveraged to detect and interpret threats. The system then instantly provides the operator with a threat/no threat instruction for the bag. Security airport concerns remain as present as ever for airport staff and airlines, who need to be able to ensure precise and failsafe threat detection.

Collins Aerospace selected to design new spacesuit: Collins Aerospace along with teammates ILC Dover and Oceaneering, have been selected to produce NASA’s next-generation spacesuit, which astronauts could wear when working outside the International Space Station and – within the next decade – on the moon. The new suits were designed by astronauts for astronauts and offer enhanced mobility and weigh less than the current generation spacesuits, allowing for increased mission times. The suits are also designed to accommodate nearly every astronaut body type and can rapidly incorporate new technologies. “Astronauts returning to the moon and venturing beyond need a spacesuit that’s as modern as their new missions,” said Dan Burbank, senior technical fellow at Collins Aerospace and former NASA astronaut. “The next-gen spacesuit is lighter, more modular, a better fit and easily adaptable, which means that wherever the journey into space may lead, our crew will be ready.” Collins Aerospace designed the first spacesuit that allowed astronauts to walk on the moon, as well as the suit NASA astronauts currently use when operating outside the International Space Station.

Iraqi Airways goes live on Ramco Aviation: Global aviation software provider Ramco Systems announced that it has successfully gone live at Iraqi Airways, the national carrier of Iraq with its Aviation M&E MRO Suite V5.9, completely digitalising all core business processes in the company. Ramco’s next-gen digital platform offers Iraqi Airways real-time data availability ensuring 100 percent aircraft airworthiness on the release. With modules for CAMO, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Flight Operations, bundled with Core HR, Ramco Aviation Software automates all business processes at Iraqi Airways. The solution will also automate regulatory reports. Hayder Qahtan, Technical Director of Iraqi Airways, said, “With deep domain expertise and rich functionalities, Ramco is a respected and established brand among the international airlines. As the airline industry witnesses permanent fundamental changes, we at Iraqi Airways are excited to have embarked on our tech transformation journey with Ramco. The software’s user-friendliness bundled with intuitive features together with a qualified and experienced team, we look forward to reaching greater heights.”

Airport Dimensions partners with Sparc Technology: Airport Dimensions has teamed up with technology and digital media provider Sparc Technology to enhance and personalise the in-lounge experience with Connecta, the one stop e-commerce and traveller loyalty platform. Called Connecta In-Lounge, the new platform draws on the unrivalled expertise of both industry leaders and reflects Airport Dimensions’ commitment to expanding and enhancing the digital airport experience, while increasing airports’ ability to drive revenue growth. Fully customisable, Connecta In-Lounge can be tailored to any specific range of services available at each airport location. Accessible via a single QR code the platform allows guests to seamlessly order food and beverages, book services such as showers and business pods, share feedback and access a selection of online media, including newspapers, magazines and podcasts curated for each location. Connecta In-Lounge will be rolled out across Airport Dimension’s own Club lounges, partner locations and can be white labelled and customised as part of the airport’s own branded traveller experience.

Servy wins contract with O’Hare: Servy, the enterprise self-service platform for hospitality, continues to grow its Grab Airport Marketplace product in global travel hubs with the award of a contract to launch a contactless and convenient mobile ordering and delivery platform at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The City of Chicago recently selected the Grab Chicago joint venture, a collaboration between Servy, Chicago-based, minority-owned Hyde Park Hospitality, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports (URW Airports), to enable O’Hare customers to easily search, browse, order, and pay for food, beverages, and retail products from their phones for pick-up or delivery. The Grab Chicago partnership combines Servy’s industry leading platform with the local operational expertise of Hyde Park Hospitality, integrated digital and physical marketing led by URW Airports, and in-terminal delivery via AtYourGate for a holistic, customer-centric digital platform at O’Hare.

Burrana authorised to market in-seat power for AIRBUS linefit: Burrana announced that it has obtained Airbus’s approval to market its RISE In-Seat Power solution to multiple airlines on the A320 family of aircraft, following successful completion of the Airbus acceptance test in Hamburg. RISE Power will now be available for factory installation for aircraft deliveries starting in Q2 2023. Burrana has also secured an unidentified launch customer on the A320 and A321 aircraft types. Under the contract, Burrana will supply more than fifty aircraft with 3 Amp (15W) USB-A and -C combo jacks at every seat, as well as 110 VAC Power outlets in premium economy. The solution is a simple installation architecture with minimal components, consisting of a small, lightweight housing either double USB jacks or 110V plus USB outlets, compact seat power boxes, and harnesses. Burrana will also provide product support and manage spares globally.

S.S. White Technologies wins deal with Delta Airlines: S.S. White Technologies, a provider of flexible rotary shafts for the aerospace industry, has been named the supplier of flexible shafts that transmit power to the hydraulic activated Thrust Reverser Actuation Systems (TRAS) on the Pratt & Whitney GTF turbofan engines selected by Delta Airlines to power their first Airbus A321neo aircraft. Delta is committed to purchase a total of 155 Airbus A321neo platforms through 2027. S. S. White flexible rotary shafts deliver synchronised actuation power and play a key role in the successful and critical operation of the GTF TRAS. When the aircraft has landed, the TRAS is activated and redirects the engine thrust by exposing deflecting vanes along the sides of the engine nacelles. These deflectors force the jet thrust to exit forward working with the wheel braking system to help slow the ground speed of the aircraft. S.S. White provides a set of flexible rotary shafts per GTF TRAS that transfer power to synchronise the hydraulic actuators that open the thrust reverser units upon landing. These same flexible rotary shafts also help lock the TRAS system to prevent any inadvertent engagement during flight.

Awery Aviation Software partners with IBS: Awery Aviation Software is now able to deliver its CargoBooking and eMagic software platforms to IBS Software’s (IBS) iCargo customers following a new partnership agreement. The move is part of Awery’s ongoing strategy to drive digitisation across the sector with increased collaboration between all air cargo stakeholders. “IBS shares Awery’s vision of open access to our products to encourage cooperation that will lead to a truly lasting transformation in the air freight industry, which will benefit all stakeholders,” said Tristan Koch, chief commercial officer at Awery. “IBS iCargo customers will now be able to use Awery’s CargoBooking and eMagic solutions and this is to the advantage of all interested parties.” CargoBooking is an online booking portal that allows airlines and their GSAs to provide freight forwarders with real-time air cargo rate distribution and bookings between hundreds of airlines and forwarders. EMagic can read different types of content including email, text, and image, converting them into instant air cargo quotes using standard data formats such as JSON and IATA ONE Record.

Antonov Airlines flies power plant components: Antonov Airlines working with Chapman Freeborn Germany has successfully completed three AN-124-100 flights to transport a new mobile gas power plant generator and associated equipment from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Kano, Nigeria. The delivered cargo, including generator, turbine and additional equipment, weighed about 200 tonnes. The project has been a year in the making. “The entire Antonov team, from commercial to operational, route planning, and load planning, worked closely with our client and agents to ensure the safe delivery of this important cargo, which will support energy needs in Nigeria,” said Eugene Kiva, commercial executive, Antonov Airlines. Ukraine-owned Antonov continues to fly worldwide, prioritising flights for the Ukrainian government, the Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS), and humanitarian missions. Antonov Airlines, a world leader in heavy lift transportations, is also handling commercial flights using its fleet of five AN-124-100s. “We continue to operate despite the challenges we have faced after the Russian invasion and the damage they caused to our Gostomel home base and some of our aircraft,” said Levgen Gavrylov, acting director general of ANTONOV Company.

Flydocs signs MOU with Conduce Group for Electronic Log Book: Flydocs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Conduce Group under which flydocs will support with an interface of the eTechLog8, with the intention of allowing common clients the ability to keep a central repository for their e-signed tech log pages. The MOU reflects a shared commitment between flydocs and Conduce Group to focus on high standards of operational efficiency and innovation in the aviation sector. John Bowell, chief commercial officer, flydocs, said; “Conduce provides several integrated cross-platform companion applications using their latest mobile technologies and this MOU strengthens our partnership and accelerates our ambitions for achieving our common goals. This is a great moment for us as this MOU will further drive our commitment to creating a seamless exchange of data between our products to bring additional value to our clients, jointly.”

Wamos Air adds W-IFE aboard its aircraft with Moment: Moment announced the deployment of the Flymingo Box, its W-iFE system, aboard Wamos Air aircraft. The airline currently has a fleet of nine aircraft. The installation of the solution, planned for June 2022, initially targets two A330, providing passengers with a range of digital services that meet their appetite for entertainment content. The Spanish private airline based at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport was established in 2003 and has become the third-largest long-haul airline in the country. It belongs to the Wamos Group, one of the leaders in the provision of tourist services in southern Europe. Wamos Air operates regular flights as well as leasing its aircraft from various companies, such as Royal Air Maroc, Finnair, Air Algérie, Corsair, Air Austral, Air Caraïbes or Air France, as part of charter contracts. The diversified business model allows Wamos Air to provide nearly 3 million seats each year. Focused on vacation destinations like the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic or Mexico, the airline is attentive to the customer experience and services that can lead to a positive customer relationship.

Etihad Cargo to increase summer frequencies: Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, will provide additional capacity to key destinations in the summer months across Asia, Africa and Europe. From July, Etihad Cargo will continue to operate its Boeing 777 freighter network with flights across Chicago, Dhaka, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kenya, Milan, Riyadh, Saigon and Shanghai. The carrier will also benefit from additional passenger flights on its Boeing 787 and Airbus 350 with 35 direct flights to London Heathrow, seven direct flights to Bangkok and five flights to Bangkok via Phuket. Etihad will offer daily flights to Dublin, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, more weekly flights to Barcelona, Brussels, Johannesburg, Madrid, Tokyo and Vienna have been added to the carrier’s summer schedule. More passenger flights will also be offered from mid-June, with seasonal routes to Greece, France, Spain and Tanzania being introduced to the network.

Air Astana wins APEX Award: The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), together with the top-rated travel app Triplt, honoured Air Astana with an award in the category ‘Best Entertainment System and Inflight Food & Beverage in Central Asia’. The Triplt App collected independent passenger feedback from more than 1 million flights on 600 airlines worldwide. Passengers rated carriers on a one-to-five-star scale covering five parameters: seat comfort, in-flight service, food and beverages, entertainment system and wi-fi service. Yelena Obukhova, vice president of Inflight Service of Air Astana: “Receiving this prestigious APEX award is a testimony to Ai Astana’s commitment to continuous service improvement and development. The independence of passenger assessments adds value to the award, and we are grateful for their positive feedback.”

ADB SAFEGATE develops new modular Safedock FleX: ADB SAFEGATE’s latest A-VDGS product, Safedock FleX, introduces a new, flexible approach that gives users complete control over desired A-VDGS functionality to match their unique needs and budgets. Customers choose from proven Safedock A-VDGS advancements, making this modular product a cost-effective and exciting addition. With more than 12,000 Safedock A-VDGS on six continents, ADB SAFEGATE has continued their legacy of intelligent docking solutions with the new Safedock FleX. Safedock FleX is a network integrated A-VDGS that originates from the familiar Safedock X platform and uses the same infrared laser and 3D scanning technology. The new A-VDGS are compatible with previous SafeControl Apron Management (SAM) software versions and offer integration capacities for real-time gate and apron management. Safedock FleX uses the 3D laser scan to capture and track incoming aircraft to ensure gate compatibility and safely guide pilots to the precise stop position, regardless of operating conditions or gate layout. Automated docking is possible thanks to network integration between Safedock FleX and SAM. Its intelligent design allows faster aircraft parking, which in turn reduces fuel burn and emissions.

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Pratt engine selected for D328eco turboprop - Asian Aviation