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News : Air Pacific plans improvements of in-flight offering for 2013 relaunch

Air Pacific plans improvements of in-flight offering for 2013 relaunch


In preparation for its scheduled relaunch in June 2013, Fiji’s national carrier, Air Pacific, has formed three strategic partnerships with the aim to enhance the passengers in-flight experience.

Following news that Air Pacific will also be rebranding by returning to its original name, ‘Fiji Airways’, the strategic partners include Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), Zodiac company Weber Aircraft, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) who will all contribute to assist cabin modifications for the airline’s new fleet of Airbus 330-200 aircraft.
 
“Air Pacific is delighted to announce a number of new partnerships that will allow us to provide passengers travelling to the South Pacific even more reasons to fly with us,” commented Air Pacific’s Managing Director and CEO, David Pflieger. “We’re working with Panasonic, Weber/Zodiac, and SIAEC and as part of our commitment to providing a world-class flying experience for our customers onboard the new A330-200s in 2013 and we’re confident they will be impressed.”
 
In-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) provider, Panasonic, will install their eX2 IFE system which will offer on-demand audio/video, games, communications and applications that will be available in both Economy and Business Class.
 
Weber Aircraft has been selected to provide the seats for both Economy and Business Class. The models have a number of design features for passengers in terms of space, ease of movement, and cushioning. Incorporating the Panasonic IFE system, each seat will also have a USB and power outlet for computers, iPads, iPods, and similar devices.
 
SIAEC will design the A330 interiors and do the specifications and quality inspections of the aircraft prior to their entry into service.
 
“The relaunch of Air Pacific in 2013 as ‘Fiji Airways’ marks an exciting new chapter for us,” added Mr Pflieger. “We will have an enhanced offering that will complement the gracious Fijian service that has won Air Pacific several awards.”
 
Deliveries of the new Airbus aircraft are expected in March 2013, flying to Fiji from Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles.
 
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News : Scoot announces inflight product details

Scoot announces inflight product details


Scoot has announced details of its inflight service product  including the inflight entertainment (IFE) and food and beverage options that will be available onboard its flights, which begin on 4 June, to Sydney, followed by the Gold Coast on 12 June.

Campbell Wilson, Scoot’s CEO explained that the airline’s service philosophy is underpinned by the belief that customers should not subsidise the choices of other passengers and lets them select only the frills they really value.

Scoot’s hot meal selections include biryani rice (Indian spiced Basmati rice served with chicken), soya sauce chicken rice, and beef lasagne. All meals on board Scoot flights are suitable for Muslim passengers and vegetarian options are also available. Gourmet sandwiches, cup noodles, snacks, hot and cold drinks will also available for sale on board as well as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Scoot’s IFE will be via Apple iPads preloaded with a selection of popular films and television shows alongside favourite classics, music, games and more. This is to be augmented, later in the year, by an onboard wireless system which will allow guests to access streaming content from an onboard library via their own personal devices.

iPads will be available for rent onboard and, once available, wireless access will be on a pay-per-flight basis. This wireless access will be included in the ScootBiz fare and, in the interim, ScootBiz guests will be provided iPads free of charge.

Meanwhile, Scoot has changed its flight designator code to TZ. This replaces the previously-assigned code, OQ. The change comes at the request of IATA, which controls the assignment of airline flight designator codes, after IATA encountered unforeseen technicalities with the previously-assigned code.
 

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News : EBACE 2012: AVIATOR to introduce Inmarsat Multi-Voice service

EBACE 2012: AVIATOR to introduce Inmarsat Multi-Voice service


Thrane & Thrane’s AVIATOR SwiftBroadband range will be upgraded to offer the new Inmarsat Multi-Voice service, supporting several simultaneous voice calls during flight.

The new Multi-Voice service is compatible with Thrane & Thrane’s AVIATOR Wireless Handset. Passengers and crew can also use their own Wi-Fi enabled smartphones to access SwiftBroadband voice calling on AVIATOR.
 
In addition to making calls from the handset, the Inmarsat Multi-Voice service can provide each handset with its own number, making it possible to dial into a specific handset from outside the cabin.
 
“Although we have been able to offer multiple voice lines on AVIATOR 700 for some time, we had to use the legacy H+ system along with a single SwiftBroadband line,” commented Vice President, Aeronautical Business Unit, Thrane & Thrane, Kim Gram. “With the introduction of Multi-Voice, we can now use multiple dedicated SwiftBroadband lines, enabling the flexibility of several voice lines on board but with enhanced call quality and lower calling costs.”
 
The Multi-Voice capability is expected to be available on all new system installations from Q3 2012, while existing AVIATOR users can upgrade to the new service.
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News : Venue CMS is selected for Global Express

Venue CMS is selected for Global Express


The Venue cabin management and HD entertainment system developed by Rockwell Collins is to be equipped for the first time on a Bombardier Global Express XRS aircraft.

Installation of the Venue system will be conducted by Jet Aviation St. Louis with the work expected to be completed during a major overhaul event.
 
“This aircraft will undergo its 8C inspection and the client has elected to refurbish the interior, paint the aircraft and have the Venue system installed in conjunction with the inspection,” commented avionics sales manager, Jet Aviation St. Louis, David Loso. “A significant maintenance event like this is an ideal time for a Venue installation because it provides interior access and saves overall downtime.”
 
“Venue is the ideal solution to meet the high-end cabin requirement that a Global operator expects,” declared vice president and general manager, Cabin Systems for Rockwell Collins, Dave Austin. “Not only is high definition desired, but operators want a reliable cabin system that is built to meet today’s needs and architected to enable future insertion of new technologies.”
 
The Venue HD retrofit will include an intuitive 10.6” HD touch-screen displays in the cabin and galley, a 4” personal touch-screen programmable switch panel and a new audio video on demand (AVOD) system.
 
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News : Bombardier opts for nice offering on Learjets

Bombardier opts for nice offering on Learjets


Bombardier has selected Lufthansa Technik's nice high definition (HD) cabin management and in-flight entertainment (CMS / IFE) system for the manufacturer’s new Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft. 
 
Already equipped on the Challenger 300 jet and the Learjet 85 aircraft, Bombardier has extended the agreement for the nice HD system for both the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft. Features will include personal HD video at most seat locations via 7'' pop-up HD displays. A 10'' pop-up is set to be installed on the Learjet 85 aircraft.
 
The nice HD system includes a number of media interfaces (USB, Apple, HDMI) that will enable encoding and streaming on the Ethernet network. The Innovation Business Unit of Lufthansa Technik has also developed a multifunctional nice HD Media Center unit that includes a Blu-ray player with built-in storage and update software packages that transform it into a Media Server, an Audio Video on Demand (AVoD) Server, both wired and wireless, and a Map Server. One unit can host all the applications and simultaneously playback two applications at once in HD, all in a mechanical housing that is smaller than the current nice DVD player.
 
The digital nice HD system is based on a wired and wireless high-bandwidth Ethernet network. A third generation User Interface (UI) combines a scroll-wheel with a corresponding animated Graphical User Interface (GUI) – touchscreen control is also available – allowing the user the option to determine the best way to interact with and control the system. Users are also able to control all cabin functions via a wireless application on their iPhone or iPad.
 
In addition, the nice HD system meets the requirements for the legal streaming of HD content with integrated Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Hollywood-approved encryption.
 
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News : Republic picks up Colgan’s Q400 United Express work

Republic picks up Colgan’s Q400 United Express work


Republic Airways Holdings has announced that its Republic Airlines subsidiary has reached a tentative agreement to operate 32 Bombardier Q400s under the United Express brand, including 28 aircraft currently in operation at Colgan Air and four aircraft currently operated by Republic in its brand division (Frontier Airlines).

The Capacity Purchase Agreement (CPA) with United is expected to become effective in the third quarter of 2012 and continue for approximately eight years. The CPA is contingent on completing negotiations and reaching binding agreements with aircraft lessors and maintenance providers, which is expected to occur during the second quarter of 2012.

“We are confident our experience with the Q400 will translate to a level of service that will meet the high expectations of United and its customers,” remarked Republic chairman, president and CEO Bryan Bedford. “We look forward to working with United on this important project.”

“We are pleased to reach this agreement with Republic, which will allow United to deliver quality regional air service that our customers expect and deserve,” commented Alexandria Marren, senior vice-president for network operations and United Express.

Pinnacle Airlines Corporation subsidiary Colgan Air is ending its agreement with United as part of the restructuring of its parent, which is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
 

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News : Brit Air the recipient as StandardAero Winnipeg delivers 1000th GE engine

Brit Air the recipient as StandardAero Winnipeg delivers 1000th GE engine


StandardAero has completed work on the 1,000th GE engine – a CF34-3 engine for a Brit Air CRJ – to undergo MRO work at the company’s 162,000 sq ft facility in Winnipeg, Canada, which also supports the larger CFM56-7B engine used on Boeing 737NGs.

"This is a significant milestone and one that we are very proud to celebrate," remarked Jeff Wood, senior vice-president, airlines & fleets, StandardAero. "One thousand engines is a significant achievement and given the longstanding relationship we’ve had with Brit Air, it’s only fitting that this milestone engine was theirs. Brit Air was our first CF34 customer outside North America and our long term partnership with them has strengthened our presence in the European market, as well as extended our global MRO footprint."

"We are pleased to receive StandardAero’s 1,000th GE engine," noted Marc Lamidey, CEO, Brit Air. "StandardAero became our CF34 MRO support provider in 2007 and we have been very pleased with their work. Their flexibility and customer focus are what makes them an attractive choice for us and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them."

In 2009, StandardAero entered the CFM56 market to expand its current product portfolio and solidify its market position as a comprehensive MRO provider in the commercial aircraft market. To date, more than 60 CFM56-7B shop visits have been completed as the volume continues to increase to include international customers. 

“StandardAero’s continued focus on the customer is reflected in everything they do," said Paul McElhinney, president and CEO of GE Aviation’s services operation. "GE Aviation looks forward to our continued partnership and remains fully committed to StandardAero’s world-class MRO business."

StandardAero recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as a GE Authorized CF34 Provider and has been a GE Designated Fulfillment Center for the CFM56-7B engine since 2009. Long-term customers include Brit Air, GoJet, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (now ExpressJet), Embraer, Cimber Air, Alitalia, WestJet, and SkyWest Airlines.
 

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News : Wizz Air adds Brussels and London routes from Ljubljana

Wizz Air adds Brussels and London routes from Ljubljana


Wizz Air will add two new routes from Ljubljana – to Brussels Charleroi and London Luton – from October 2012 and expects the routes to deliver more than 70,000 passengers in the first year and create up to 70 jobs in Ljubljana.

These new routes signal the return of Wizz Air to the Slovenian market six years after its first flight to Ljubljana. The Brussels Charleroi service starts on 29 October, with flights to London Luton beginning on 30 October.

“Wizz Air is delighted to be launching these two new routes to Brussels and London. Over the last four years Slovenian passengers have travelled to airports in neighbouring countries to access low-fare flights,” explained József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air. “Wizz Air returns to Slovenia with increased efficiency and low costs and will offer Slovenian passengers and visitors really low fares. We expect these low fares on our five weekly flights to be very popular and hope to invest further in Slovenian tourism and job growth in the future.”

Zmago Skobir, CEO of Ljubljana Airport, commented, “We are excited about Wizz Air’s return, which in the current recession really is something to celebrate. We’re focused on delivering value for money flights for the passengers at Ljubljana Airport and our relationship with Wizz Air means that travellers can take advantage of low fares to new exciting destinations.”
 

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News : JetBlue wins slots for Washington Reagan–San Juan service

JetBlue wins slots for Washington Reagan–San Juan service


JetBlue Airways has been granted a beyond-perimeter slot exemption from the United States Department of Transportation which will enable it to launch new nonstop service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with flights expected to begin in the final quarter of 2012.

JetBlue's new flights will be the first nonstop service between Washington Reagan and the capital of Puerto Rico, which is among the 10 largest markets without nonstop air service to Reagan National. In San Juan, customers can travel onward with JetBlue to more capital cities – St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

"It's a great day for JetBlue as we further expand our low fare presence in two of our most rapidly growing cities, Washington, DC, and San Juan, with new capital-to-capital service," declared Rob Land, senior vice-president of government affairs and associate general counsel at JetBlue. "Today's award by the Department of Transportation further underscores that despite being a small player at Reagan National, JetBlue has quickly been able to stimulate traffic, lower fares, and garner significant support in the capital region for our unique brand of customer service."

JetBlue launched service from Reagan National in November 2010, after more than a decade of attempting to enter the tightly restricted market. Most recently, it obtained eight slot pairs at an auction held by the Department of Transportation which allowed the airline to increase its total slot holdings to 34.
 

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News : SSJ100 crash: flight recorders located

SSJ100 crash: flight recorders located


The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) which crashed in Indonesia on Wednesday 9 May have been located according to the Russian Embassy in Indonesia and the rescue teams are now trying to retrieve them from the bottom of a deep ravine.

Once retrieved, data from the two recorders will be examined, although there are conflicting reports as to where that process may be carried out. Some stories have suggested the avionics boxes will be taken to Russia, though others say the Indonesian authorities will perform the task as the investigation is of an accident in their country.

All 45 people on board the aircraft are presumed dead from the accident, which occurred during a demonstration flight being conducted for potential customers as part of the aircraft’s tour of Asia.


Photos of the wreckage of the aircraft taken by the Indonesian Air Force show how steep the mountainside of Mount Salak is, and search teams have only been able to reach the crash site on foot, some of the way being covered by thick undergrowth.

Superjet International, the global marketing, training and product support business, which also sells the SSJ100 into most Western nations, has added a link to its website leading to a story from The Voice of Russia website which speculates that the aircraft may have crashed when it was trying to go around dense cumulus clouds, according to an official with Indonesia’s transportation security agency. Mount Salak is renowned for such bad weather conditions.

Reports by Ria Novosti say that the engines and the landing gear have also been found. Several bodies have also been recovered.
 

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News : Rockwell Collins’ installs new CMS and HD entertainment system on Falcon 7X and Falcon 900LX

Rockwell Collins’ installs new CMS and HD entertainment system on Falcon 7X and Falcon 900LX


Rockwell Collins has installed a new cabin management and high definition (HD) entertainment system called FalconCabin HD+ on Dassault's Falcon 7X and Falcon 900 aircraft.

The system uses a fiber optic network to distribute data throughout the cabin and will offer capabilities such as audio video on demand (AVOD), the Rockwell Collins Airshow 3D Moving Map, a command and control system to manage the cabin’s environmental subsystems, and touch-screen programmable switch panels to control cabin features and entertainment content.
 
“FalconCabin HD+, a new custom cabin solution derived from our proven Venue cabin management system, takes the passenger experience to a new level through our family of intuitive touch-screen monitors and media equipment that deliver crisp, reliable HD content,” declared vice president and general manager, Cabin Systems for Rockwell Collins, Dave Austin. “Additionally, the system’s flexibility will allow for seamless adaption to changes in future technology and support for passenger carry-on devices.”
 
“We are very excited to introduce this new cabin system we developed with Rockwell Collins which provides leading edge technology for the Falcon 7X and Falcon 900LX,” commented vice president of programs at Dassault Aviation, Eric Monsel. “FalconCabin HD+ will not only deliver higher entertainment system performance, but more intuitive, user-friendly controls and convenience into the hands of passengers giving them total control of everything in the cabin in one easy-to-use solution.”
 
Deliveries of the new Falcon 7X and Falcon 900LX aircraft equipped with the FalconCabin HD+ system are expected later this year.
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News : EBACE 2012: Dassault Falcon is first to offer Airshow on iPad

EBACE 2012: Dassault Falcon is first to offer Airshow on iPad


Dassault has become the first business jet manufacturer to offer Rockwell Collins’ Airshow 3D moving map on an Apple iPad.

Dassault will offer Airshow for iPads in cabins equipped with FalconCabin HD+ with users now having the ability to access Airshow’s capabilities, plus experience new innovative features. The Airshow application will be available via the Apple iTunes App Store later this year.

Existing Rockwell Collins Airshow 4000 or Venue HD cabin management system users will be able to opt for the new app through a system upgrade. The new Airshow application leverages iPad technology, including its gyroscope and accelerometers, which can be tailored to each user. Highlights of the system include a panorama view that allows passengers to see a moving map of the outside world from any direction the iPad is pointed; intuitive touch-enabled interaction with multiple maps and information displays and the ability to control the Airshow ticker, which scrolls key information related to the flight such as estimated time of arrival; a 3D graphical depiction of world time zones from anywhere a passenger chooses.
 
“Putting this app in the hands of iPad users extends the market-leading capabilities of Airshow,” remarked vice president and general manager, Flight Information Solutions for Rockwell Collins, Steve Timm. “We’re providing passengers an unprecedented, intuitive user experience independent of the cabin display.”
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News : SR Technics selected by unnamed VIP customer for IFEC retrofit

SR Technics selected by unnamed VIP customer for IFEC retrofit


SR Technics has announced an agreement with an undisclosed Middle Eastern customer to offer a full cabin modification on a second VIP aircraft including upgrades to its in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.

The full systems modification will enhance the IFE offering as well as the satellite communications system with an on-board GSM installation, replacing current equipment with the latest technologies and high definition monitors.
 
“We are delighted to be building a solid reputation in the industry as a reliable, knowledgeable and trusted partner,” stated President of SR Technics, André Wall. “We relish the opportunity to further showcase our expertise in the VIP arena by returning a timeworn aircraft into one with a state-of-the-art, elegant and comfortable interior.”
 
“Our underlying aim and passion is to listen to our customers and really get to understand their lifestyle, business and aviation needs to create an aircraft interior that truly reflects and supports personal and operational needs,” commented Head of VIP Interior Design for SR Technics, Eric Jan. “Customer feedback during the design phase of this project demonstrates this, where our experienced interior design and engineering teams came together to intertwine the new technology requirements with luxurious finishes and realize our customer’s vision.”
 
Also under the agreement, a concurrent heavy maintenance C-Check is planned, and as part of the cabin refresh and refurbishment, multiple materials will be exchanged including new carpeting and flooring as well as the reupholstering of seats. New furniture and cabinets will be added and hand-crafted to improve and optimize in-flight cabin space and functionality.
 
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News : EBACE 2012: Jet Aviation obtains EASA STC for AVIATOR 200 on Falcon 2000LX

EBACE 2012: Jet Aviation obtains EASA STC for AVIATOR 200 on Falcon 2000LX


Jet Aviation AG Basel, a member of Aircell’s global dealer network, has received a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the AVIATOR 200 system aboard the Falcon 2000LX aircraft.

The AVIATOR 200 service uses Inmarsat’s satellite-based SwiftBroadband service powered by Thrane & Thrane. Passengers and crew can access e-mail, web browsing, corporate VPN and more, using their own Wi-Fi-enabled devices. They can also place and receive voice calls using integrated cabin handsets. Customers can use the system’s voice and data functions simultaneously. The system uses a small, low-gain antenna, which serves to ease overall certification requirements and reduces installation complexity. 

Jet Aviation is making the new STC available to other service facilities for a nominal fee. The STC was specifically designed for maximum applicability to other Falcon 2000 models and the most common avionics configurations in the field.
 
“We had noted strong customer demand for affordable communications and connectivity services, particularly for e-mail, and recognized the cost-saving benefits to our customers in not having to wait for EASA certification,” commented Jet Aviation’s Director of Sales and Revenue Management, Tobias Franke. “With our new STC, passengers and crews are able to use their own Wi-Fi devices to stay productive as they travel.”
 
“With light Internet, e-mail and voice capabilities in a single, affordable equipment package, we believe the AVIATOR 200 is an extraordinary value,” remarked  Aircell’s executive vice president and general manager, John Wade.
 
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News : Wizz Air to move to Budapest T2 as T1 closes

Wizz Air to move to Budapest T2 as T1 closes


Wizz Air has confirmed that all its flights from Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport will shift from Terminal 1 (which closes on 29 May), to Terminal 2, from where services will begin on 30 May.

Wizz Air is advising all passengers travelling on a Wizz Air flight to/from Budapest to ensure they are familiar with the location and access routes to Terminal 2. Details can be found on the airport’s website, www.bud.hu.
 

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Previous Headlines

AirAsia strengthens in Singapore with new Country Head

May 10, 2012

AirAsia has appointed Logan Velaitham as Singapore Country Head, responsible for expanding AirAsia’s...READ MORE

Vueling cuts first quarter net loss

May 10, 2012

Vueling has announced its first quarter 2012 financial results, reporting a net loss of €16.5 million,...READ MORE

bmi Regional finds a buyer

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International Airlines Group (IAG) has signed a binding agreement to sell bmi Regional to Sector Aviation...READ MORE

Row 44 and Wireless G announce new in-flight Wi-Fi service

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Row 44 has teamed up with South African broadband provider, Wireless G, and its partners Mango and Vodacom,...READ MORE

SSJ100 lost on demo flight in Indonesia

May 9, 2012

A Sukhoi Superjet 100 has disappeared from radar over Indonesia while conducting a flight as part of...READ MORE

Manx2 begins Isle of Man–London Oxford–Jersey service

May 9, 2012

Daily flights by Manx2.com between the Isle of Man, London Oxford Airport and Jersey have started, with...READ MORE

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