SITA adds low-touch systems to Bahrain International: Technology provider SITA has added low-touch systems to Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) newly opened Passenger Terminal. Using SITA’s Operations at Airports portfolio, the airport benefits from real-time insights, improved stakeholder collaboration, and increased agility to optimise operations. The solution includes SITA’s Flight Info Displays Systems (FIDS), providing a dynamic platform for communicating important information and managing the passenger flow. SITA is also providing Flex, its advanced cloud-based passenger processing solution. Flex allows airlines and the airport to develop new cloud-native applications for passengers and airport workers that transform the passenger experience and create new revenue opportunities. Flex will be delivered with SITA Smart Path kiosks enabling a low-touch mobile and biometric-enabled check-in experience that combats COVID-19 by reducing the passengers’ and staff’s risk of contracting the virus. The SITA solution also includes a baggage reconciliation system to help manage the delivery of passengers’ bags end to end.
GE Honda Aero Engines certified by Russia: GE Honda Aero Engines (GHAE) announced completion of the type certification validation for the HF120 turbofan engine with the Federal Air Transport Agency (FATA) of the Russian Federation. Since entry into service, the GE Honda HF120 fleet of engines has accumulated more than 126,000 flight hours with class-leading reliability. The fleet of more than 340 engines has been operating with industry-leading reliability across the world with a global support network. Russian certification validation adds to the many HF120 engine approvals worldwide, including the FAA in the United States, EASA in Europe, CAAC in China, Mexico’s DGAC, Brazil’s ANAC, India’s DGAC, Argentina’s ANAC, Japan’s JCAB and Transport Canada. The HF120 fleet is supported around the clock and around the world with an Authorised Service Providers (ASPs) network comprised of select service centres from the industry, including Rheinland Air Service (RAS) for HondaJet Europe. GHAE’s ASPs are equipped to perform line maintenance, engine installation and removal, and support of rental engine logistics for HF120 shop visits. The ASP network is further supported by a 24/7 GE Honda Operations Center and a team of dedicated Field Technical Managers (FTMs) and Customer Team Managers (CTMs).
Air New Zealand extends international fare flexibility: Air New Zealand is continuing to adjust its fare flexibility policy due to ongoing uncertainty around international border restrictions. The airline announced it is extending fare flexibility for customers booked to travel on its international services and for those who currently have fares in credit. Customers who hold an existing credit with the airline will now have until 30 June 2022 to make a new booking using their credit, and until 30 June 2023 to take the travel. This applies to both domestic and international credits. Customers who book or currently hold tickets for international flights scheduled to depart up until 11.59pm on 30 June 2021 will now be able to: Hold the value of their fare in credit for rebooking until 30 June 2022; or Amend the date of their flight with change fees waived (normal fare difference may still apply).
Aerologic implements SITA eWAS: AeroLogic has become the first European cargo airline to implement the SITA eWAS Pilot weather monitoring solution, minimising the associated cost of weather-related flight disruption. Weather phenomena are a significant cause of flight delays, which cost airlines billions of dollars annually, according to research from data group Cirium. Adverse weather, such as icing conditions, can also cause up to US$500k in damage to a modern aircraft engine. eWAS Pilot, used by 50,000 pilots worldwide, provides accurate 4D weather forecasts and real-time updates from various sources to warn about weather hazards such as thunderstorms, lightning, clear air turbulence, strong winds, icing, and even volcanic ash. AeroLogic, a joint venture between DHL and Lufthansa Cargo, operates around 12,000 international flights a year. The eWAS technology was rolled out in just four weeks to the airline’s 17-strong ultramodern and low-emission B777F fleet.
Leonardo’s technology chosen for Italian airport systems: Leonardo has signed contracts with SEA and SACBO, the respective management companies for Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo airports. Malpensa and Bergamo are the second and third-busiest airports in Italy. At Milan Malpensa, Leonardo will replace most of the existing baggage handling infrastructure with a high-tech new system. This will bring the Terminal 1 baggage handling system in line with the new European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) ‘Standard 3’, which requires baggage to be subject to rigorous security checks prior to being loaded onto the aircraft. Components of the system will be replaced gradually in order to ensure continuity of services for passengers. Once fully operational, the system will comprise two MBHS (Multisorting Baggage Handling System) cross-belt sorters, approximately two and a half kilometres of belts and associated equipment. The new technology will seamlessly interface with the existing system, ensuring that baggage is identified and tracked right from the collection phase at check in and transfers, through to delivery to the final sorting system. In another new contract, Leonardo’s technology has also been chosen by management company SACBO to bring the baggage handling system at Milan Bergamo airport in line with ECAC ‘Standard 3’. This new system will include a Leonardo MBHS cross-belt sorting machine, providing for the smooth and accurate handling of baggage.
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