Frontier Airlines selects CAE for flight operations software: CAE announced that it has signed a 10-year agreement to equip Frontier Airlines with CAE’s next generation of flight operations solutions. With implementation scheduled to begin later this year, CAE’s cloud-based Operations Control, Crew Management and Flight Management solutions will support Frontier with the latest and most feature-rich operations software available today. Frontier Airlines becomes the latest airline in North America to move to CAE’s portfolio of next-generation solutions – the first since the acquisition of the Sabre AirCentre business in February 2022. CAE’s solutions will enable Frontier to take advantage of the latest-available technology, driving step-change improvements in performance over legacy software in the optimisation of flight plans, aircraft usage, and crew communication and engagement.
ADB SAFEGATE equips India’s new Navi Mumbai International Airport: Adani Group, the developer and operator of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), through the EPC Contractor Larsen & Toubro has partnered with ADB SAFEGATE to utilise Airfield 4.0 technology ensuring advanced future capability as it continues development on the first phase of construction. The cutting-edge airfield lighting solution readies the greenfield airfield for Level 4 Advanced Surface Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) integration, which will allow advanced routing and guidance along with Follow the Greens technology in the future. Expected to complete construction of Phase 1 by the end of next year, the airport plans to service 20 million annual passengers and alleviate congestion from the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), which ranks as one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world. Airfield 4.0 represents the future of air travel, and takes advantage of smart lighting technologies, powerful cloud computing and automation tools, and digitizes the airfield with new communication platforms. The airport’s new AXON EQ intelligent LED lights communicate via LINC 360, the next generation of powerline communication that allows secure and reliable bidirectional interaction. Having the absolute latest in smart LED driven airfield ground lighting systems and technologies allows NMIA to highlight future service and maintenance needs and allow real-time data-driven decision making on an intelligent platform.
Satair, SR Technics Malta sign deal for A320 MRO: Satair, an Airbus Services company, and SR Technics have signed a multi-year contract for Satair’s Integrated Material Services (IMS) solution; an integrated supply chain service to support SR Technics’ base maintenance activities on Airbus A320 aircraft. The service covers an initial expendable parts scope of thousands of part numbers comprising Airbus Proprietary Parts, Standard Hardware and Vendor Parts and is effective from April 2023. Satair’s IMS service offers an end-to-end supply chain solution that includes planning, sourcing, purchasing and logistics for covered expendables required in the aircraft maintenance lifecycle. IMS was introduced by Satair as a strategic initiative to respond to customers growing requirements for an integrated expendable inventory. This enables customers to focus on their core activities of operating and/or maintaining the aircraft. IMS is a flexible and customisable solution that is developed in close collaboration with the airline to create a true partnership. With IMS, Satair is directly involved in supporting aircraft availability, which goes well beyond a traditional customer-supplier relationship.
Avolon delivers 15 Airbus aircraft to IndiGo: Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announces it has completed the delivery of 15 A320neo family aircraft to IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline. Delivery of the aircraft commenced in September 2022 and was completed in February 2023. The sale and leaseback transaction comprised a mix of six A320neo aircraft and nine A321neo aircraft. Avolon now has a total of 21 aircraft on lease with IndiGo. Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “We are proud to support IndiGo through this sale and leaseback of fifteen fuel efficient Airbus neo aircraft. We look forward to playing a central role with IndiGo as they continue to build on their position as a leading carrier in the Indian market.” Riyaz Peermohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer, IndiGo commented: “We are pleased to have completed this deal with Avolon, which is part of IndiGo’s broader expansion plans and the upgrading of our fleet. In 2023 we are committed to enhancing connectivity both within India and internationally.”
Aerolineas Argentinas signs deal with AFI KLM E&M: AFI KLM E&M and Aerolineas Argentinas are extending their longstanding maintenance relationship via the conclusion of two dedicated support contracts, for the Argentine airline’s CFM56-7B and CF6-80E1 engines. The maintenance solutions involved will cover a fleet of 37 aircraft/74 engines for the CFM56-7B and eight aircraft/16 engines for the CF6-80E1, including repair services and the performance of shop visits. With its extensive experience on the CFM56-7B and CF6-80E1 as an airline-MRO, AFI KLM E&M has developed in-depth technical and operational knowledge of these products. This dual expertise ensures that Aerolineas Argentinas will benefit from reliable, high-performance solutions that take into account the operational constraints and challenges faced by airlines. Moreover, the Argentine airline knows and appreciates the high standards and quality of service applied by AFI KLM E&M, having engaged these services on multiple occasions in the past. The two operators have forged a close partnership defined by mutual trust and responsiveness; a relationship that is now being extended via these new contracts.
SASS, Heron AirBridge and CWT Aerospace collaborate on maritime drone operations: The Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers and Services (SASS), Heron AirBridge and CWT Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to streamline current workflows and develop dedicated infrastructure to exploit the true value of maritime drone deliveries. “The ship supply and service industry are constantly under pressure to deliver more cost-effective solutions to our customers. Drone logistics delivery holds tremendous potential to transform how our members serve the shipping industry,” Danny Lien, president of the Singapore Association of Shipsuppliers and Services, said. “This collaboration with Heron and CWT Aerospace, market leaders in the Singapore aviation and logistics industries, will enable us to develop system-wide end-to-end solutions to make efficient drone deliveries possible.” Capitalising on Singapore’s global maritime hub status, the new partnership seeks to highlight the vast benefits of maritime drone operations, such as shorter lead time, an alternative delivery method in case boats are not allowed in poor sea states, sustainability and the increased technology profile of the marine sector. The new alliance will bring together the three companies’ expertise and resources to tackle the challenges facing the industry. Under the terms of the MOU, they will collaborate to: Streamline workflows and processes that will facilitate drone deliveries between land, vessels and offshore platforms; Improve the digital infrastructure for drone mission planning, vertiport and flight operations, authority oversight and aviation/marine regulatory compliance; Enhance the vertiport infrastructure for logistics processing, customs clearance, aircraft maintenance and storage dedicated to maritime drone support.
Smiths Detection launches compact CT checkpoint X-ray: Smiths Detection announced that it has launched the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S, a smaller footprint version of its successful, security operator preferred, Computed Tomography (CT) passenger checkpoint scanner. This new model, which is 20cm narrower and 350kg lighter than the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, can be easily integrated into existing and new airport or critical infrastructure checkpoints. Both models of the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX feature industry leading image quality and low levels of energy consumption, a belt speed of 0.2m/s, which is 30 percent higher than other CT X-ray scanners, alongside low noise levels and zero vibration, improving the checkpoint experience for both passengers and security operators. The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S harnesses the power of CT X-ray scanning eliminating the need to remove electronic devices, liquids and gels from hand luggage by producing 3D volumetric images, reducing the number of trays and speeding up the security screening process. The new Model S also features the original model’s award-winning operator interface. The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S can be seamlessly integrated alongside both Smiths Detection and third-party technology, supporting the development of open architecture solutions. It can be further enhanced with Smiths Detection’s iCMORE automated object recognition software which allows for automated detection of an ever-expanding list of prohibited items, improving security outcomes and efficiency. While the latest data security features and controls ensure customer data and assets are well protected from cyber-attacks.
Universal Avionics receives TSO certification of Aperture visual data management system: Universal Avionics (UA) has obtained Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorisation of the first Aperture visual data management solution as it initiates serial production for a major avionics OEM and is seeing strong interest from aircraft manufacturers and operators. The authorization clears the way for initial delivery of the system for enhancing safety and improving decision-making for flight crews and mission specialists. Introduced to the market at NBAA-BACE 2021, this authorisation from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows delivery of the unit to an OEM for use in their flight deck offering on new aircraft. In this instance, Aperture can process eight video inputs and support four video outputs with near-zero latency, at the highest level of integrity in commercial aviation (Design Assurance Level A). Imagery from an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) camera and other sensors is presented to the flight crew, enhancing situational awareness. Developments of Aperture currently underway will expand capabilities to include additional video/sensor channels, low latency video aggregation and manipulation, and the generation of symbology and synthetic imagery. Further developments will enable pilots to take advantage of real-time content analysis and augmented reality, such as visual positioning, obstacle detection, taxi guidance, and traffic awareness, leveraging Universal’s extensive competencies in vision systems.
SSP adds restaurant chain NamNam to Changi International Airport: SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has partnered with Les Amis Group to bring exciting Vietnamese concept, NamNam to Changi International Airport (SIN), Singapore. NamNam, founded in 2012 by visionary Chef, Nam Q Nguyen – and present in four locations across Singapore – has earned its place as one of the most popular quick service Vietnamese restaurants in the country. The new airport unit brings Chef Nam’s trendy dishes to Changi’s visitors. The menu puts a modern spin on classic Vietnamese street favourites, including pho that is enhanced with a flavourful slow-cooked broth, speciality noodles and banh mi with light and crispy baguettes. There are food options for all day parts, including a breakfast menu, which was specially developed for the airport and has proven popular with the airport community as well as travellers. It features a variety of local-favourites such as Kaya Toast, Alvis Banana & Peanut Butter and Luncheon Meat with Salted Egg Mayo Toast.
Korean Air gets approval from U.K. on Asiana merger: The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced its approval of Korean Air’s business combination with Asiana Airlines on 1 March. Korean Air now awaits the business competition approvals from the E.U., Japan and the U.S. The CMA announced on 28 November last year that it accepted remedies submitted by Korean Air and would listen to market opinions before approving the business combination. Later, the CMA notified the airline on 26 January, that it needed more time to review the remedies and would extend its review until 23 March. The CMA’s approval is evidence that the proposed remedies submitted by the airline have resolved competition restriction concerns. As part of the remediation effort, Korean Air will enter into a cooperative partnership with Virgin Atlantic’s operation on the London Heathrow – Seoul Incheon route. Korean Air will continue to fully cooperate with all authorities to receive approvals at the earliest opportunity. From January 2021, Korean Air has reported its business combination to a total of 14 competition authorities. Eleven countries including the U.K., have either approved the combination or have concluded the review on the grounds that the business combination was not subject to review or report.
Western Sydney International (WSI) secures code: Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has provisionally secured its three-letter code more than three years ahead of opening, with the code WSI ensuring that the airport will take Western Sydney to the world. “In securing WSI, the new airport has joined the ranks of other airports with iconic codes such as LAX, JFK, LHR and HKG,” said Western Sydney International Airport Chair Paul O’Sullivan. “Bag tags, booking websites and airline apps around the world will now feature WSI, as the airport continues to act as a driving force in the region’s renaissance, now with a code that puts Western Sydney on the global stage.” The code, which is usually provided to airports within 12 months of the start of operations, was designated early by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reflecting the confidence the international airline industry peak body has in the airport’s progress and its importance to Australia’s aviation landscape.
Barfield signs contract with Dedienne Aerospace: Barfield Inc., a subsidiary of Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) in the Americas, has entered into a partnership agreement with Dedienne Aerospace to distribute and service its Ground Support Test Equipment (GSTE). Hervé Page, Chief Executive Officer of Barfield, said “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Dedienne Aerospace. It will allow us to continue our strategy of expanding our distribution network and better service our customers globally. The ground support equipment market is filled with innovation and customization, and we have been at the forefront of those transformations. We exist in a global market where getting closer to customers and offering them more options is imperative, and we could not have found a better partner…”
AirAsia X resumes services to Shanghai: AirAsia X (AAX) has resumed its services to Shanghai, China with four weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur. The inaugural post-pandemic flight from Kuala Lumpur departed with an encouraging passenger load, while the return flight from Shanghai earlier today, took flight almost 100 percent full with 373 guests, signalling significant outbound travel demand from the Chinese market. Amid encouraging demand and the easing of inbound travel restrictions to China, AAX plans to ramp up capacity and increase the frequency of services to Shanghai with 11 weekly flights by the second quarter this year, akin to its pre-pandemic frequency. AirAsia X Malaysia CEO, Benyamin Ismail, said: “Our first inaugural flight to Shanghai was a decade ago and today, we are thrilled to be back in China and celebrate the resumption of this historically very popular destination. In addition, we have also restarted our weekly flight to/from Hangzhou recently with 97 percent passenger load to Kuala Lumpur. China is one of the world’s major economies and the reopening of flights to China is a positive sign for AAX and the tourism industry in general. As China has only just started to reopen, this is only the beginning of the recovery process. We remain optimistic that travel demand to China will quickly return to pre-pandemic levels in the near future.”
IATA says airlines challenging mandatory flight cuts at Schiphol Airport: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and airlines are mounting a legal challenge to the Dutch government’s sudden decision to reduce Schiphol airport’s capacity. Schiphol Airport is already restricted to 500,000 flights annually. The government’s decree would renege on that agreement, reducing Schiphol connectivity to 460,000 flights from November 2023. IATA and the global airline community believe that this political decision by the Dutch government contravenes EU Regulation 598/2014 on noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports. It also disregards the Chicago Convention, a binding international agreement to which the Netherlands is a signatory. Annex 16 of the Convention contains provisions for The Balanced Approach to Aircraft Noise Management which states are obligated to follow when taking measures to managing the noise impacts of aviation. Flight reductions are being imposed as a first resort, rather than as a last resort, IATA said. The need to restore the economic damage to the aviation industry of the Netherlands is not being addressed. Pre-pandemic, aviation supported some 330,000 jobs and $30 billion of economic activity in the Netherlands.
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