GKN Aerospace Eyes Boeing’s Next Gen 737 for its ADS-B Out Programme
ADS-B Out (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) is a common system onboard many aircraft that automatically broadcasts relevant data from the aircraft towards air traffic management organisations. ADS-B Out data includes the identity of the aircraft, the GPS location and direction of flight. A new Version 2 (DO260B), ADS-B Out system will become mandatory in 2020 in Europe, US, UAE and various other countries. The new ADS-B Out mandate involves an upgrade or replacement of two major cockpit systems: the ATC Transponder and GPS Receiver. This will enable optimisation of the airspace and minimise the use of ground radar stations. In the next decade, most of the airspace throughout the globe will be using ADS-B as the primary means of surveillance, replacing radar. This will include the oceanic environment (Satellite ADS-B).
After obtaining EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Bombardier Q400 and the Airbus A320 Family, GKN Fokker Services is extending its ADS-B Out programme to other aircraft types. These include the Boeing 737 Classic, 747, 757 and 767 as well as the Bombardier Dash 8 Classic. GKN Fokker Services will also apply for STCs from the FAA and other airworthiness authorities
Product manager, ADS-B Out, GKN Fokker Services states, Erik Lous commented, “We are once again pleased with our new STC for ADS-B Out, this time for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Our ADS-B Out modification will allow our customers to modify their aircraft very cost-effectively and with a minimum of downtime, typically during just one or two overnight checks. Furthermore, with our STC, the customer has the option to replace the existing transponders with transponders from different vendors.”
ICONIC 2018 Weighted on Present and Future of Tourism and Aviation in India
Aviation and Travel & Tourism are two important components of the increasingly globalised world economy. While the travel and tourism sector accounted for around 9.6 per cent of the country’s GDP in 2016, India is also expected to become the third largest aviation market in the world by 2020. Technology, in general, has acted as an enabler for both these industries and improved operational on-ground efficiencies up to a great extent in recent times.
Highlighting the cross-sectional perspectives from the Aviation, Tourism, and IT & Technology sectors of the nation, a one-of-its-kind conference, ICONIC 2018, was held recently at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi. The forum was hosted and curated by Red Hat Communications, a company specialised in high-level events and networking across multiple segments.
Chairman, Indian Railway Board, Ashwani Lohani who was present as the Guest of Honour, mentioned that the Indian Railways is investing hugely in “technology for passenger security and convenience” by introducing new-age automatic door closers, fire sensors, entertainment systems inside trains, smart card ticketing, etc. “While the ‘personal touch’ cannot be ushered by technology, it can be used as a tool for passengers to enhance their experience,” added Lohani.
Delivering the welcome speech on the occasion, honorary secretary general, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), and the organiser of ICONIC Forum Jyoti Mayal said, “We at TAAI, as an industry association, wish to work closely with the ministry of civil aviation and other stakeholders to draft the guidelines for better policies and governance for the future. In terms of GST implementation, we want a proper document draft to set the right processes in place. We also request the government to give us a deemed export industry status for foreign exchange earnings from travel trade, and demand exemption of GST for an outbound tour and travels services from India.”
Joint secretary, ministry of tourism, Suman Billa commented, “In India, there is probably no other sector that is getting as much impacted as the tourism sector due to the proliferation of technology. It is important for government stakeholders to adapt and become sensitive towards these changes.”
Economic advisor, ministry of civil aviation, Vandana Aggarwal emphasised that the ministry is committed to make the general passenger experience smoother and robust, while constantly adding value to capacity building and profitability of airline companies. “We are making the passenger experience easier by removing regulations and/ or associated costs attached with any of the regulations,” said Aggarwal.
Chief strategy & commercial officer, Vistara, Sanjiv Kapoor noted, “In recent times, we have a growing temptation to regulate the airline business much more than any other. I am in favour of regulation as it is a constant to safety and security of passengers. At the same time, if we need to build truly global aviation hubs and attract more domestic flyers, we must add massively to existing airport infrastructure and capabilities.”
Founder, IXIGO, Aloke Bajpai, also spoke about the urgent need for better airport infrastructure development and facilities like ‘valet parking’ at the country’s urban airports. Other aviation industry stalwarts stressed on the aspects of manpower and in-house infrastructure in order to better serve passenger needs and maintain profitability of airlines. Two enlightening panel discussions were held on the day successively on ‘Technology and Tourism: Boon or Bane’ and ‘Aviation: Challenges for Growth or Decline’.
Among other noted personalities who spoke were Director South Asia & Middle East, CAPA Centre For Aviation, Kapil Kaul, managining director, Agnitia Consulting, Ashish Kumar, managing director, Travel Corporation India Ltd, Dipak Deva, VP-sales, Jet Airways India Ltd, Gilbert George, Director- South Asia, Lufthansa German Airlines, Wolfgang Will and former chief commercial officer, IndiGo, Sanjay Kumar.
ICONIC 2018 acted as a melting pot of ideas, deliberating on the myriad operational, technology integration, and governance-related challenges for the tourism and aviation sectors of India. The way forward for better functioning and uninterrupted growth of these industry sectors was highlighted through the dialogue.
Gulfstream Assigns Prestige Jet as Sales Representative in Benelux Region
Gulfstream Aerospace has expanded its relationship with Prestige Jet, its independent sales representative in France, Italy and Switzerland, by adding the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) region to the company’s sales responsibilities.
“We have seen significant growth in Europe, especially in Benelux,” said senior vice president, worldwide sales, Gulfstream, Scott Neal. “The expansion of Prestige Jet’s role continues Gulfstream’s investments in Europe and helps us address increasing interest from the region for the full range of Gulfstream aircraft.”
Switzerland-based Prestige Jet sells new and pre-owned aircraft, placing importance on confidentiality and safety while providing first-class service. The company has solidified its reputation as a reliable aviation partner capable of contributing country-specific expertise, which will advance sales efforts in the Benelux region.
CEO, Prestige Jet, Thierry Le Tourneur will work closely with regional vice president, sales, Northern Europe, Gulfstream, Brian Jones and regional senior vice president, international sales for Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Gulfstream, Trevor Esling.
Turkish Airlines Launches New LEGO Inflight Safety Video
Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries and international destinations than any other airline, launched a new animated safety video, complete with familiar LEGO mini-figures in surprising new roles. The custom-animated safety video for Turkish Airlines was created by the teams who assembled The LEGO Movie, The LEGO Batman Movie, The LEGO NINJAGO Movie and the highly anticipated sequel The LEGO Movie 2 due in cinemas beginning February 2019, which reunites the heroes of the first film in an all new action-packed adventure. In partnership with Warner Bros. and featuring the popular characters from LEGO Movie franchise, the safety video will be shown on all flights and will also debut online.
The safety video, which is the first LEGO safety video ever made, demonstrates step-by-step safety procedures to passengers in a fun, unique style – complete with sensible airline-approved humour, celebrity cameos and an unforgettable song and dance number. Turkish Airlines is proud to have one of the youngest fleets in the world and strives to achieve the best in aviation safety standards. Whether frequent travellers or first-time fliers, the video aims to inform and entertain passengers, alongside an extensive selection of movies, TV shows, music and games available in different languages on the in-flight entertainment system.
The safety video will kick off the ‘biggest partnership with the smallest cast ever assembled’, hinting there is much more to come from the Turkish Airlines and The LEGO Movie franchise alliance. Leading up to the worldwide release of The LEGO Movie 2, Turkish Airlines will roll-out a global TV campaign, film themed wrapped aeroplanes, in-flight and in-airport activations and even a second safety video. A partnership sure to entertain and delight!
Chairman of the board and the executive committee, Turkish Airlines, M. İlker Aycı commented, “As a leading global airline with an emphasis on safety, we are excited to partner with Warner Bros. and The LEGO Movie franchise for this video. We are both brands that are enjoyed around the world, bringing together generations and cultures everywhere. We hope that our passengers can enjoy this new video, which has something for everyone.”
President, worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures Group and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Blair Rich commented, “We are thrilled to be working with Turkish Airlines again and ‘widening their world’ to include that of our colourful The LEGO Movie universe. The partnership showcases the best of two different brands converging in a clever and imaginative way, connecting to consumers and entertaining them.”