Sandpiper Aviation selects Rusada’s ENVISION

NAIROBI, KENYA: Aerial Photography specialist Sandpiper Aviation has chosen Rusada’s ENVISION software to manage their Airworthiness, Maintenance, and Flight Operations.

Sandpiper Aviation provide aerial photography, ground surveying, and mapping services from their base in Nairobi, Kenya. To perform these activities, they operate and maintain a specialised fleet of 15 light aircraft. They also offer CAMO and Part 145 services for other operators in the region.

Sandpiper have signed up for six of ENVISION’s modules to manage their operations, including Fleet Management, Base & Line MRO, and Flight Operations. The implementation project has already begun with Rusada’s teams looking to get Sandpiper live later this year.

“We pride ourselves on offering premium, yet affordable mapping solutions to the region. To do this we must keep our operations cost-effective and running smoothly. ENVISION allows us to manage key elements of our business from one solution, and effectively plan our activities to keep costs at a minimum, savings which we can then pass on to our customers”
Michael Mutuku, Head of Quality at Sandpiper Aviation

“Sandpiper place great importance on their customer satisfaction, so it is easy to see why ENVISION appealed to them. Our solution will boost their ability to deliver high quality services on the aerial photography side, and their secondary offerings too.
“Our teams are already working hard to ensure we deliver on this goal, and we look forward to another successful go-live in the region later this year.”
Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada

About Rusada

Rusada is a leading provider of aviation software with over 35 years of experience in the industry. Its ENVISION software manages over 2,000 fixed and rotary wing aircraft for 150 operators, maintainers, and manufacturers in 45+ countries. With its headquarters in Switzerland and offices in the USA, UK, UAE, India, Singapore, and Australia, Rusada provides global support for a global industry.

Specialising in the management of airworthiness, maintenance, and flight operations, ENVISION is developed solely for aviation. Its modern, web-based platform features a suite of integrated modules, enhanced by a series of native mobile apps. ENVISION’s easy-to-use interface provides users with clear, actionable information, enabling processes to be carried out quickly and efficiently, and all without the need for paper or spreadsheets.

Media Contact

Chris Prior

Marketing Manager

chris.prior@rusada.com

+44 (0) 1295 231619

The Danish Armed Forces’ T-17 aircraft are being upgraded with new digital instruments

Since 1975, the Danish Armed Forces has used the SAAB T-17 Supporter aircraft for e.g. pilot training. Now is the time for a thorough update of the instrumentation of the aircraft - a task that Scandinavian Avionics has helped greatly along the way. The prototype, which has undergone an upgrade and subsequent test flight, was handed over yesterday at the Danish Air Show in Karup, Denmark.

The original analogue navigation and communication equipment has been dismantled and replaced by modern digital equipment. With its many in-house capabilities, Scandinavian Avionics has lifted the complex task of upgrading an older aircraft to become up-to-date.

In order to be able to solve the task, Scandinavian Avionics’ design specialists and engineers, in close collaboration with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, the Royal Danish Air Force, the Danish Armed Forces Maintenance Service and 2M Ståldesign ApS, have developed the necessary hardware and documentation incl. new layout of the instrument panel, diagrams, connections, wiring and placement of instruments.

The purpose of the prototype is to pave the way for a future proofing of the T-17 fleet, so that the type will be a relevant capacity for the Armed Forces on an ongoing basis. At the same time, up-to-date digital instrumentation means a more natural transition for new pilots to more complex platforms. Furthermore, maintenance is significantly reduced, just as a smaller weight saving on the upgrade will reduce fuel consumption.

Digital touch screens

The original analog equipment in the cockpit has been replaced with a much more modern set-up with digital touch screens and the option of wireless uploading of planning and relevant databases related to flight. The pilot’s old analog primary instruments have been replaced with a Garmin G500 TXi display, which provides a much better overview of primary flight data such as altitude and speed. This includes digital EIS (Engine Indication System), which makes, among other things, the original engine and fuel instruments redundant.

The new GTN750Xi GPS is the pilot’s tool for navigation and communication, and a battery-powered GI275 standby indicator is installed in case the aircraft loses its primary power source. LED indicators are installed in the panel, which use less power and reduce the need for maintenance, as well as an ADS-B out solution, ensuring that statutory data on the identification and position of the aircraft is transmitted. Overall, a thorough update of the old training aircraft, which really lifts the cockpit and instrumentation to a new level.

Development of the prototype

Scandinavian Avionics’ total delivery to The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation also includes specification and documentation of the prototype, which will form the basis for a forthcoming EU tender for modification of the Armed Forces’ T-17 fleet.

“The collaboration with Scandinavian Avionics, as the main supplier of the prototype, has emphasized the value of a close collaboration with the danish defense industry. Scandinavian Avionics’ many years of experience in the field of aircraft avionics, together with their accommodating approach and immediate understanding of the needs of the Armed Forces, have in a short time ensured an excellent technical and future-proof operational solution. What Scandinavian Avionics has professionally delivered will also form the foundation for modification of the T-17 aircraft, which will ensure the continued relevance of the capacity for the Armed Forces for many years to come”,
Jens Vinther, Major, Capacity Manager T-17, The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation.

In conjunction with the delivery of the prototype, Scandinavian Avionics has prepared a training program that will equip the military’s T-17 technicians to understand maintenance of the new systems. This training program is organized and performed by AEROTEAM Training Solutions, which like Scandinavian Avionics is part of The SA Group.

“In “The SA Group” we deliver, among other things, turn-key solutions to our customers, and this project is a perfect example, where we together with the Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation have defined an optimal solution in terms of finances and functionality, designed the profound technical documentation, performed the actual installation and configuration, made the final test program and will in addition provide training of defense personnel. It has been a pleasure to work with the Armed Forces’ skilled employees and develop an optimal solution – the result speaks for itself”
says Hardy B. Truelsen, T-17 Project Manager, Founder & Chairman, Scandinavian Avionics A/S.

As mentioned, pilots and technicians from the Royal Danish Air Force have been involved during the process and are happy to receive the aircraft.

“The project has been characterized by a fantastic effort by everyone – including a flexible and professional “go minded” attitude. The prototype is a pleasure to fly in, and I am really looking forward to use the aircraft into properly and becoming even wiser about the systems – both on the pilot and the technician side. It is and will be an exciting time that we approach”, says Ole Torp (POL), Major, MSc, Test Pilot, Air Command Denmark.

The test flight of the finished prototype has now been carried out to everyone’s satisfaction, and the official handover of the aircraft to the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation took place during the Danish Air Show 2022 in Karup on Sunday 19 June 2022.

The Danish Air Force has a total of 27 T-17 aircraft, with room for 2 (3) men on board. The T-17 aircraft are used primarily as training aircraft for pilot training, but also for observation flights, connecting flights, maintenance of skills and much more.

The SA Group

The SA Group offers everyone, including complete turn-key, solutions within avionics, electronics, special mission, SAR, training and interior, to the military and civil aviation industry. Incl. sales, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), certification, design & engineering, installation, product development, production, training and consulting services.

The SA Group is represented in 9 countries, at 14 locations in Europe, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Scandinavian Avionics A/S, which is the headquarters of The SA Group, was established in 1978 and is located in Billund, Denmark.

For further information:

Hardy B. Truelsen, T-17 Project Manager, Founder & Chairman, Scandinavian Avionics A/S.
Phone: +45 7950 8001, HBT@scanav.com

Web Manuals speeds up compliance operations with Aerofoil

Mississauga, Canada; June 15, 2022: Web Manuals, the world leader in digitalizing manuals for the aviation industry, is announcing a partnership with Canada’s leading compliance expert, Aerofoil, shortening the lead time to get Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL) approved for its customers.

Available through the Web Manuals Store, Aerofoil will provide prepared MELs to existing Web Manuals users, developed using the appropriate original equipment manufacturer (OEM) data, Transport Canada documentation and regulatory guidance. Each MEL is designed for specific operators and only once approved, in line with the Canadian Aviation Regulations, can users apply control processes to ensure they remain compliant and operate equipment safely. This is often a lengthy process, delaying operational timelines.

Krister Genmark, Vice President of Sales U.S., Web Manuals, says: “The task of writing compliant MELs can be timely and mundane, and thorough approval processes often means that implementation is delayed. Our partnership with Aerofoil will provide significant time saving benefits for our growing Canadian corporate operator client base, promising a more streamlined approach to MEL management.

“The collaboration will also widen our offering to the Canadian private operation market, marking our continued worldwide growth to-date and placing us in a strengthened position to continue working throughout the Canadian aviation sector.”

Web Manuals’ online store allows customers to buy additional products and services to help support their compliance needs in a seamless, intuitive way. By introducing hassle-free MEL management, Web Manuals and Aerofoil are speeding up the compliance process to produce a more efficient safety operation.

For more information visit the Web Manuals Store.

Iraq’s national carrier and Middle East’s second oldest airline company, Iraqi Airways GOES LIVE on Ramco Aviation

Baghdad, IRAQ / Chennai, INDIA – June 09, 2022 – 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, thereby completely digitalizing all core business processes in the company. Ramco’s next-gen digital platform offers Iraqi Airways real-time data availability ensuring 100% 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 amongst 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.”

Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems, said, “The future of the aviation industry is going high tech post pandemic. It is during these times that Ramco is supporting airline operators like Iraqi Airways with a comprehensive and enhanced platform with latest tech tools to transform businesses. We are happy to offer the company a platform that will give them a technological edge over their competition.”

Ramco Aviation, Aerospace & Defense is trusted by 24,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. Accessible on cloud and mobile, Ramco Aviation & Defense Software continues to innovate with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly reducing transaction time both during aircraft-on-ground (AOG) conditions and critical aircraft turnarounds. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence based solutions, powered by cool new features such as digital task cards, offline capability, chatbots, mail bots, HUBs and cognitive solutions. With 80+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for top heli-operators, leading defense companies, space launch vehicles, UAS/Drones, eVTOL and multiple MROs around the world.

About Iraqi Airways:

Iraqi Airways Company, operating as Iraqi Airways, is the national carrier of Iraq, and It is the largest airline in Iraq and is a member of the Arab Air Transport Association, It is the second oldest airline in the Middle East, Iraqi Airways was founded in 1945, headquartered on the grounds of Baghdad International Airport in Baghdad, Iraqi Airways operates from its main base in Baghdad International Airport to 37 destinations of current fleet size of 29 aircrafts and future deliveries 10 B787 and 16 B737 MAX.

Kathmandu airport implements new RNP AR procedures designed by NAVBLUE, for enhanced efficiency and reduced risks in a challenging environment

Toulouse, France, 2nd June 2022

⎯ Improved airport accessibility for enhanced safety and fly-ability

⎯ Optimised airspace for a reduced fuel consumption

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has published an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) amendment for the entry into service of new RNP AR approaches and departures developed by NAVBLUE for Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA: KTM, ICAO: VNKT), the main airport serving Kathmandu, surrounded by mountains with a very challenging operating environment.

Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required (RNP AR), a Performance Based Navigation (PBN) navigation specification, is the ideal solution for this type of airport. RNP AR allows navigation accuracy down to 0.3NM and below, and performing turns after the final approach point: trajectories can fit better in the obstacle landscape, reducing minimas whilst maintaining safety.

NAVBLUE had already developed RNP AR procedures in 2012 for Runway 02 at Kathmandu Airport, which includes Radius to Fix (RF) turns in the final segment to allow a curved approach around the mountains, as opposed to the straight-in VOR approach (VHF omnidirectional range) usually required to go over a mountain. These RNP AR procedures allow a comfortable glide slope of 2.8 degree compared to the VOR glide slope of 5.3 degree.

The new RNP AR APCH procedures designed by NAVBLUE in 2021 for Runway 20 at Kathmandu airport offer an IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) alternative to the current VFR (Visual Flight Rules) / circling approaches. RNP AR departure procedures for both runway ends have also been developed thanks to NAVBLUE’s unique expertise, providing full benefits to operators equipped with this capability.

Thanks to these new RNP AR procedures, airlines flying to and from Kathmandu airport will benefit
from:
●Improved airport accessibility thanks to a lower approach minima and less weather
related diversion;
●An approach fully guided in lateral and vertical (using flight director and/or autopilot);
●Improved safety and fly-ability thanks to procedures that can be flown with fully managed guidance;
●An optimised airspace thanks to fully repeatable and predictable trajectories;
●Reduced fuel consumption due to shorter procedures compared to the conventional ones, and optimised vertical paths of the trajectories.

“NAVBLUE is proud that Kathmandu airport will now benefit from new RNP AR procedures, which should generate significant benefits for airlines flying into Nepal. For Runway 20 it even allows for instrument flight procedures where none existed before. These fully managed RNP AR procedures reduce the risk of unstabilized approaches and
involve fewer go-arounds, bringing operational benefits for the airport, both in terms of efficiency and safety.”
Fabrice HAMEL, CEO of NAVBLUE

NAVBLUE has already supported many airlines in their Ops Approvals, Flight Ops Safety Assessment (FOSA), RAIM predictions and navigation database validation for their RNP AR operations into Kathmandu, in order to enhance the regularity and safety of their operations in their flights to Kathmandu.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has already chosen NAVBLUE and Airbus’s RNP AR modification to upgrade some of its latest A320 aircraft and to obtain RNP AR approvals to take advantage of the new procedures. Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal, connecting the country to over 40 destinations in 17 countries, and a hub for two international airlines, the flag carrier Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines, along with several other domestic and regional carriers.

About NAVBLUE: NAVBLUE is an Airbus Services company, wholly owned by Airbus, and dedicated to Flight
Operations & Air Traffic Management Solutions. NAVBLUE provides products and services, and supports both civil and
military environments, on the ground and onboard any aircraft and offers expertise in a range of areas, including digital cockpit operations, Operations Control Centre (OCC) systems, Flight Ops Engineering, Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Air Traffic Management (ATM). NAVBLUE employs 465 employees spread across the world, with offices in Canada, France, Sweden, Thailand, UK and US and representatives in several other countries across the globe.

8 airlines enter the era of Electronic Flight Assistant with NAVBLUE’s brand new Mission+

Toulouse, France, 1st June 2022

⎯ Already 8 airlines from the Americas, Asia, Europe and Middle East have subscribed to Mission+

⎯ National Airlines, Air Transat, Peach Aviation, flyadeal, Jazeera Airways, Cyprus Airways, Air Malta and Airbus Transport International (ATI), turn to Electronic Flight Assistant

Officially launched by Airbus last November at Dubai Airshow, Mission+, the first Electronic Flight Assistant, has already been selected by 8 operators. The Mission+ community includes National Airlines, Air Transat, Peach Aviation, flyadeal, Jazeera Airways, Cyprus Airways, Air Malta and Airbus Transport International (ATI).

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 check-list, 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. Pilots’ journey is optimized from preparation to closure of a flight. Mission+ also increases efficiency by reducing manual entries and therefore risks of errors.

The solution ensures a flexible platform with optional modules that can be customized to airline specific requirements.
National Airlines, Air Transat, Peach Aviation, flyadeal and Air Malta will use the mission management module (electronic flight folder), while Jazeera Airways, Cyprus Airways, Airbus Transport International (ATI) have selected Mission+ for both charting and mission management modules.

“With NAVBLUE and Mission+, we aim to improve our airline’s operational efficiency, with a new generation EFB integrating all the information our pilots need, before, during and after flight, on an easily accessible and fully integrated platform.”
Captain Ali Bourahla, Chief Pilot at Jazeera Airways

“With over 30 years of experience in charting and paperless cockpit operations, we offer the first Electronic Assistant that enhances the pilot’s journey experience and the airline’s operational efficiency. We are proud to already count 8 airlines joining the Mission+ community”.
Fabrice HAMEL, CEO of NAVBLUE

About NAVBLUE:
NAVBLUE is an Airbus Services company, wholly owned by Airbus, and dedicated to Flight Operations & Air
Traffic Management Solutions. NAVBLUE provides products and services, and supports both civil and military environments, on the ground and onboard any aircraft and offers expertise in a range of areas, including digital cockpit operations, Operations Control Centre (OCC) systems, Flight Ops Engineering, Performance Based Navigation (PBN) and Air Traffic Management (ATM). NAVBLUE employs 465 employees spread across the world, with offices in Canada, France, Sweden, Thailand, UK and US and representatives in several other countries across the globe.

More info at: www.navblue.aero

Rusada Rebrands After Successful Two-Year Period

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: 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.

“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.”
Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada

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.

Stourton continues “We felt that our previous branding didn’t properly convey the dynamic company we have become, or the sophistication of our software. This new brand perfectly demonstrates our focus on modern technologies, streamlined solutions, and a user-friendly approach.”

“The industry’s attitude towards maintenance software is much changed since the beginning of pandemic. The benefits a modern solution can bring to operations are now much more appreciated, and the increases to profitability are more visible and tangible than ever.

“We are now better placed than at any point before to support aircraft operators and maintainers in their quest for maximum efficiency.”