Warning: Implement custom ui for this post type.

Unmanned Imaging: UTC Aerospace Systems Unveils New TASE250 Optical Payload For Small UAS Commercial And Military Applications

• TASE250 offers longwave infrared (LWIR) and visible imaging capabilities, full-motion video collection and small size, weight and power (SwaP)
• At just 5.5 inches in diameter, the TASE250 is ideal for smaller unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in use by military and high-end civilian applications

DENVER, April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced the release of its new TASE250 optical payload system for small UAS (unmanned aerial system) applications. The TASE250 is part of the company’s existing TASE family of payloads that are operationally proven, having flown hundreds of thousands of hours in the harshest of unmanned military environments.

At just 5.5 inches in diameter, the TASE250 meets the smaller SWaP (size, weight and power) requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and foreign militaries, as well as those of high-end civilian UAS customers. This lightweight, high-performance camera is designed for the DoD Group 1 (up to 20 lbs.) and Group 2 (21-55 lbs.) unmanned segments. The TASE250 provides both longwave infrared (LWIR) and visible imaging solutions, giving operators improved situational awareness in day and night, an all-digital imaging chain for maximized processing capability and an optimized lens design for enhanced object recognition. 

Integrated into this system is on-board video processing with image stabilization, overlays, picture in picture (PIP) and enhancement capability. An on-board GPS/INS with integrated geo pointing and ViewPoint tactical PED (processing, exploitation and dissemination) provides operators the ability to multitask, record and disseminate critical data for use at their fingertips. The TASE250 also includes an optional laser pointer.

“Evolving mission needs require evolving payloads. With the TASE250, military and civilian users now have field-proven imaging capabilities in the smaller size and weight demanded by the new missions,” said Kevin Raftery, vice president and GM of UTC Aerospace Systems’ Airborne ISR business. “Smaller size and weight means these systems can be deployed at lower altitudes and from a variety of platforms.”

The TASE250 will be showcased at AUVSI’s Xponential April 30 – May 3, 2018. For more information, stop by the UTC Aerospace Systems booth #3815 or visit http://www.cloudcaptech.com/products/tase-imaging-payloads/. 

ForeFlight Mobile to Feature Jeppesen Visual Flight Rules Data, Expands Presence in Europe
Data-driven Visual Flight Rules (VFR) charting information will be dynamically rendered on ForeFlight Mobile maps, enhancing situational awareness and flight safety 

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany, April 19, 2018 — Boeing [NYSE: BA], through its subsidiary Jeppesen, today announced with ForeFlight — an innovative provider of mobile and web aviation applications — that interactive Jeppesen European visual flight rules information will be available within the ForeFlight Mobile iOS-based app for general and business aviation flying.

“After announcing our strategic alliance with ForeFlight last year, embedding Jeppesen European VFR data furthers our shared dedication to providing the right data at the right time for the general and business aviation market, in both IFR and VFR conditions,” said William Ampofo, vice president, Business & General Aviation, Boeing Global Services. “This data integration continues to leverage the strengths of both companies to deliver world class flight data through industry-leading mobile technology on a global scale.”

Jeppesen VFR Manual information will be available this summer for use within ForeFlight Mobile, included with any regional European ForeFlight subscription tier. Jeppesen VFR Manual data provides the most comprehensive European VFR flight information available, covering more than 2200 airports in 29 countries. Jeppesen VFR chart data will be rendered as an overlay on the ForeFlight Mobile map, customized and filtered per pilot preference.

“Through our strategic partnership with Jeppesen, ForeFlight will offer digital VFR data and IFR chart coverages to supplement Jeppesen’s high quality global aeronautical data,” said Tyson Weihs, co-founder and chief executive officer, ForeFlight. “It enables us to offer a broad suite of navigation and safety features in one application to deliver a uniquely powerful and affordable integrated flight application for VFR and IFR flying.”

Jeppesen and ForeFlight had previously introduced Jeppesen’s global IFR enroute database and NavData, along with Terrain and Obstacle data for use with ForeFlight Mobile. Jeppesen IFR data is available today within ForeFlight Mobile, including European coverages.

For more information and details on how to purchase combined Jeppesen and ForeFlight products, please see www.jeppesen.com/foreflight and www.foreflight.com/jeppesen.

JEPPESEN AND BLACKSHAPE EXTEND LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FOR MULTIPLE, INTEGRATED SERVICES

Companies exploring mutual areas of interest, including distribution of spares for Blackshape’s products, extension of Jeppesen NavData bundle agreement & cooperation in field of training software

AERO FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY, April 18, 2018 – Jeppesen, a Boeing Company, and Blackshape, the Italian manufacturer of high performance general aviation aircraft, today announced they will extend their cooperation through a long-term agreement. The agreement will include the distribution of spare parts for Blackshape aircraft, a new 10-year agreement for bundled Jeppesen navigation data to be installed at every new Blackshape aircraft delivery and the exploration of integrated pilot training. 

The announcement builds upon the companies’ current agreement and also involves a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore other business areas of interest, providing additional value with new aircraft delivery, including spare parts distribution from Aviall, Boeing eAircraft training software to help familiarize pilots with operating Blackshape aircraft, and researching opportunities related to pilot training software programs.

“We are excited to start this relationship with Boeing, which empowers our vision in the field of training of military and civil pilots,” said Luciano Belviso, CEO, Blackshape S.p.A. “This strategic partnership will enable a broad turn-key approach with the most advanced technology and platforms to answer the growing needs of pilots through highly effective initial and recurrent training solutions.”

The signed MOU between Boeing and Blackshape calls for continued discussion and strategic engagement around various Boeing Global Services products and services leveraging both companies’ latest training and learning technology.  

“We are proud of our relationship with Blackshape and look forward to offering our integrated bundled solutions into the global market for its high performing aircraft trainers,” said William Ampofo, vice president, Business & General Aviation, Boeing Global Services. “Our expanded relationship further establishes Boeing Global Services as a comprehensive solutions provider for original equipment manufacturers, with a tailored, single solution available for flight operations training and technical operations in the business and general aviation segment.”

JIANGSU JET SIGNS AGREEMENT FOR JEPPESEN OPERATOR PLATFORM

Next generation operation system improves functionality and efficiency

ASIAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONVENTION & EXHIBITION (ABACE), SHANGHAI, April 18, 2018 – Jeppesen, a Boeing Company, today announced the signing of a three-year agreement with Jiangsu Jet to provide the China-based business aviation operator with Jeppesen Operator, an online business aviation platform.

The deal for the next-generation platform strengthens Jeppesen’s services commitment in the region and will assist Jiangsu Jet with enhancing operational efficiency by integrating key business aviation needs, including overall flight planning, runway performance and crew & fleet scheduling and management in a ‘one stop shop,’ self-service environment.

“We are very glad to achieve cooperation for the flight operation system with Jeppesen,” said Li Xing Hua, flight operations center director, Jiangsu Jet. “We believe that our cooperation will definitely increase our flight operation efficiency and safety. It will provide more competitive advantages for Jiangsu Jet and will allow us to further explore the charter market in China and abroad.”

A new Personal Assistant app has recently been added as a new Operator feature to increase productivity, providing essential flight information in a quick reference format enhancing real-time communications between pilots and operations personnel. Personal Assistant is fully integrated with Operator and will automatically display flight information, once trip data is entered into the system.

“We greatly value our relationship with Jiangsu Jet and our expanded agreement highlights Global Services’ focus on providing innovative offerings that deliver improved integration and efficiencies for business aviation operators across the globe,” said William Ampofo, vice president, Business & General Aviation, Boeing Global Services. “With Jeppesen Operator, Jiangsu Jet will continue to utilize our single source software solution and proven technology to better optimize its resources and make flight operation as efficient as possible.”

For further detail on the industry-leading navigation, operations, training and optimization solutions provided by Jeppesen, please visit www.jeppesen.com.

HONEYWELL CONNECTED AIRCRAFT SERVICES EMPOWER OJETS WITH HIGH-SPEED IN-FLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

SHANGHAI, April 18, 2018 – Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has been selected as the in-flight connectivity services provider by OJets, a private luxury jet service provider headquartered in Singapore, for its global fleet of business aircraft. Services include complete GoDirect® Datalink functionality as well as in-flight connectivity, enabled by Honeywell’s JetWave hardware that powers Jet ConneX, Inmarsat’s Ka-band network for business jets.

“OJets is redefining luxury travel by providing highly bespoke and optimized experiences for our clients from the conveniences of our private aircraft,” said Nick Houseman, CEO, OJets. “It is important that our clients are empowered with reliable and high-speed in-flight connectivity for work or entertainment, all while enjoying a safe flight experience. We chose Honeywell given its global footprint and strong, reliable service 24/7 worldwide.”

Honeywell’s JetWave is the exclusive hardware that enables business aviation aircraft to connect to Inmarsat’s Ka-band Jet ConneX, the first consistent high-speed broadband service to span the world. As a result, business jet operators and passengers can enjoy greatly improved productivity with in-flight Wi-Fi speeds up to 15 Mbps. Beyond providing high-speed in-flight cabin connectivity that will allow videoconferencing and TV on demand, OJets will also benefit from Honeywell’s GoDirect Flight Services to increase efficiency and safety for pilots and passengers. GoDirect Flight is part of Honeywell’s GoDirect family — the industry’s comprehensive collection of more than 50 value-adding aviation services and applications. This includes GoDirect Weather and GoDirect Flight Planning for pilots to enhance decision-making and increase connectivity in the cockpit. In addition, pilots can view frequently cleared and optimized routes for enhanced aircraft performance, and even make adjustments while in the air.

“As the aviation industry shifts into the age of digitalization, customers are looking for an integrated solution provider that can offer connectivity, hardware, software and services to increase flight efficiency and safety,” said Andy Gill, senior director, Business and General Aviation, Asia Pacific, Honeywell Aerospace. “By expanding the installations of JetWave, strengthening the capabilities of our GoDirect services, and investing in aftermarket customer support, Honeywell is becoming the go-to technology provider for all business aviation customer demands.”

As an airborne satellite communications pioneer and leading technology developer, Honeywell is in a position to continue to provide operators like OJets with comprehensive global connectivity solutions, providing passengers with best-in-class in-flight connectivity service now and in the future. ​ 

Expanded Service For Qantas B717 Nacelles: UTC Aerospace Systems Signs 8-Year Nacelle MRO Contract Extension

• UTC Aerospace Systems and Qantas Airlines have extended the flight-hour agreement for full nacelle asset support and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the airline’s fleet of Boeing B717 aircraft through 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced an 8-year contract extension with Qantas Airlines to provide BR715 engine nacelle asset support and repair services for the airline’s fleet of 20 Boeing B717-200 aircraft. The long-term agreement is through Prime Solutions®, which is customized to the airline’s specific support requirements.

Qantas Airways has been a Prime Solutions customer since 2000, and this new agreement represents an expansion of the existing support program as the airline has nearly doubled its fleet of B717-200 aircraft to meet increasing passenger demand. With easy access to spares and rotables, and fully customized support, the airline has been able to extend the operational life of its B717-200 fleet.  Support will be provided on-site at the customer’s locations in Perth and Canberra, Australia, and the UTC Aerospace Systems Aerostructures Service Center in Singapore.

“Our longstanding relationship with Qantas Airlines is a testament to the quality of service and capability of UTC Aerospace Systems,” said UTC Aerospace Systems Aerostructures President Marc Duvall. “As the original equipment manufacturer for many nacelle systems currently in service, including the B717 nacelle, our OEM knowledge and our fully customizable suite of nacelle services means customers around the world, such as Qantas Airways, can rely on us for all their unique nacelle requirements.” 

AVTECH announces conclusion of project in part financed by the Swedish Energy Agency 

The Board of Directors of AVTECH Sweden AB (publ) (“AVTECH” or “The Company”) today makes the 

following announcement: 

AVTECH Sweden AB announces conclusion of the project in part financed by the Swedish Energy Agency. 

As announced earlier, AVTECH has performed a project, in part financed by the Swedish Energy Agency, dedicated to test its Aventus product. 

The project has been in progress for 6 months and has been performed in a cooperation with Norwegian Air Shuttle. Aventus has been thoroughly tested with the purpose to define positive benefits of AVTECH’s 

products. 

“It has been a very comprehensive test and the results are very encouraging” says Soren Skog, Marketing director of AVTECH. “It has been a constructive cooperation with Norwegian and the results will be published shortly in accordance with the rules set forth by the Energy Agency. This study confirms our earlier findings of the benefit Aventus products bring an airline”, he concludes. 

The purpose of the project has been to reduce emissions and associated environmental impact (CO2 emissions) from airliners and AVTECH was granted financing (in part) from The Swedish Energy Agency in 2016. The project has run from October 2017 and April 2018. 

Norwegian has access to the available data and will make their own independent evaluation of a possible commercial implementation. 

MCAP switches to FLYdocs for fleet records management.

Global aircraft leasing company to enjoy the benefits of FLYdocs digital records

FLYdocs, the aviation data and records management software provider and global industry leader in managing the lease transfer of aircraft and assets, today announced that MCAP, a global aircraft leasing company, has switched to the FLYdocs platform to manage their complete fleet.

With a fleet of more than 70 aircraft owned and managed, MCAP were looking for a platform to improve their aircraft transition management functions. While they utilize multiple IT systems in their operations, they decided to focus on reorganizing their data and record management functions and switched to FLYdocs. They selected FLYdocs as it will bring them visibility and instant access to all records for their entire fleet of aircraft. This includes online physical inspection reports used in mid-term audits or during a transfer [photos and videos captured via FLYdocs mobile apps] and aircraft records.

The platform will also enable MCAP to easily identify what needs to be worked on, during mid-term audits or when aircraft are coming to the end of lease, to ensure an easy and smooth transaction for both their current and next operators.

Rich Poutier – Chief Technical Officer, MCAP comments:

“We decided to select FLYdocs, as the platform will bring much more versatility and control across the entire audit and transition process for the company. We not only see the value that FLYdocs can bring to our leasing division, but are excited by the improvements it will make to our aircraft remarketing and trading performance too.”

FLYdocs’ Director of Global Sales, John Bowell, comments:

“We’re delighted to welcome MCAP to the growing community of lessors, who are reducing the time and costs of their aircraft transitions with FLYdocs. FLYdocs offers a powerful proposition to lessors; when they manage their records in a completely paperless way, they additionally benefit by reducing the risk, and protecting the value, of their assets.”

Emirates hits major IFC milestone with 1 million SITAONAIR-enabled Wi-Fi sessions in March

Wednesday 11 April 2018 – The world’s largest international carrier, Emirates, has surpassed a staggering one million Wi-Fi sessions in March, powered by SITAONAIR’s connected aircraft expertize. It represents a major moment for inflight connectivity (IFC), highlighting passengers’ demand for services that enable them to seamlessly maintain their digital lives, by streaming, chatting, enjoying social media, shopping and surfing, as they fly.

Passengers travelling with Emirates consumed 1,037,016 SITAONAIR Internet ONAIR sessions between 1 and 31 March 2018, across its B777-300ER and A380 aircraft fleet. 

In partnership with SITAONAIR, Emirates offers onboard Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity to passengers across its six-continent network and on 98% of its fleet.

This is testament to inflight connectivity’s increasingly integral role in the modern passenger experience, meeting customers’ digital desires for seamless inflight connectivity, comparable with the at-home experience.

The reaching of this milestone follows last year’s extension of the SITAONAIR-Emirates partnership, and the rollout of personalized inflight connectivity for members of the airline’s award-winning loyalty program, Emirates Skywards, through SITAONAIR’s onboard Wi-Fi portal, Internet ONAIR.

A major contributor to the achievement has been SITAONAIR’s open cabin approach, which has enabled Emirates to roll out seamless Wi-Fi globally.

The airline’s passengers enjoy a consistent IFC user experience, regardless of the various satellite connections or pre-existing onboard technologies, and unconstrained by hardware suppliers’ refresh cycles.

David Lavorel, CEO, SITAONAIR, said: “We are delighted to share this major inflight connectivity milestone with Emirates. With 43% of global airlines perceiving an enhanced passenger experience as by far the connected aircraft’s biggest benefit, SITAONAIR and our long-standing customer is rising to the challenge of meeting passengers’ desire to stay connected.

“As the industry champions of an ‘open platforms’ approach, we believe all airlines can be empowered to achieve their inflight connectivity ambitions, whatever their fleet or pre-existing avionics. This moment illustrates the success of this strategy, and SITAONAIR’s ability to support airlines of all sizes to achieve integrated nose-to-tail connectivity, no matter their technological starting point. This milestone, achieved across the diverse Emirates fleet, validates our approach.”

For more information and to discover the full SITAONAIR connected aircraft portfolio, visit www.sitaonair.aero. 

Kuwait Airways to activate next-gen inflight connectivity services on new Airbus fleet

Tuesday 10 April 2018 – Kuwait Airways (KUW) is forging ahead with its commitment to bringing next-generation high-speed inflight broadband connectivity to passengers, by extending its partnership with trusted connected service expert SITAONAIR.

SITAONAIR is to deploy its award-winning Internet ONAIR portal and Mobile ONAIR services – powered by Link ONAIR, over Inmarsat’s high-speed GX Aviation network, across the airline’s new A320 and A321 Neo aircraft fleet.

With service activation on commercial flights planned for early 2019, Kuwait Airways will be the Middle East’s first airline to offer inflight connectivity services over GX Aviation in a single aisle aircraft fleet.

Kuwait’s national airline is the latest big name enlisting SITAONAIR’s end-to-end inflight connectivity innovations. It marks the evolution of SITAONAIR and Kuwait Airways’ long-running partnership to deliver SwiftBroadband to its A330 and A320 fleets.

It is also testament to SITAONAIR’s expertise as the only Value-Added Reseller of GX Aviation’s high-speed broadband network offering both Wi-Fi and mobile services.

Internet ONAIR, SITAONAIR’s award-winning inflight connectivity portal, enables passengers to seamlessly maintain their digital lives as they fly – to stream, surf, message, consume digital content, shop, and stay connected with loved ones.

Further passenger benefits of the latest version Internet ONAIR include:

• An augmented ‘look and feel’ for mobile users, with over 90% of all Wi-Fi sessions used on mobile devices
• A new, ergonomic website design, with improved navigation and user interface
• Faster speeds for registering, validating credit cards and starting Wi-Fi sessions
• A powerful in-built ad server tool that harmonizes various advertising formats without spoiling the passenger experience

Internet ONAIR can also be expertly integrated within airlines’ existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems, linking the service to a vast source of passenger profile data. This enables airlines to promote tailored Internet ONAIR price plans for specific passengers, depending on where they’re seated, or offers online content, based on passenger budget, search histories, or shopping preferences.

With Mobile ONAIR, meanwhile, passengers will be able to enjoy an ‘at-home’ mobile connectivity experience. Mobile ONAIR’s seamless, secure and reliable inflight mobile connection is a key contributor to why 43% of frequent fliers prefer cellular connectivity, and more than 20 million passengers accessed Mobile ONAIR for voice, SMS and data transmissions in 2017.

Kuwait Airways’ high-speed connectivity-activated A320/A321 Neo fleet will operate routes throughout the Middle East, India, Europe and Africa.

Stephan Egli, SITAONAIR Commercial VP of the Middle East, Africa and Europe (CREDIT: SITAONAIR) 

Dr. Maria-Angelika Hanne, Chief Commercial Officer, Kuwait Airways, says: “Being able to adopt the latest inflight technologies and high-speed capabilities is integral to the quality inflight experience our airline offers. We are proud to be expanding our long-standing relationship with SITAONAIR to activate high-speed inflight connectivity with Internet ONAIR and Mobile ONAIR over GX Aviation.”

Stephan Egli, SITAONAIR Regional Vice President of the Middle East, Africa and Europe, says: “This is a fantastic moment for SITAONAIR, as we deliver our rich, value-added inflight connectivity services, and the promise of the connected aircraft experience, to our valued customer, Kuwait Airways. With our leading Internet ONAIR and Mobile ONAIR solutions, harnessing the power of GX Aviation, passengers will have access to the latest connectivity technologies, so their digital lives continue uninterrupted in the air, just as on the ground.”

Speak to your local SITAONAIR contact, submit an enquiry form, or discover SITAONAIR’s full inflight connectivity portfolio online at www.sitaonair.aero.