Aircraft IT Operations v2 4

V2.4 • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

WHERE NEXT FOR TABLETS

Now that they’re here, what more can they do?

CLEVER AIRCRAFT

Getting value from them

FUEL EFFICIENCY SURVEY

The results and conclusions

White Papers: Conduce Software, InfoTrust Group and SITA Survey: Aircraft IT Fuel Efficiency Survey sponsored by ETS Aviation Vendor Flight Log: Sheorey Digital Systems (SDS) Column: Paul Saunders PLUS: The latest News, Webinars, Operations Software Directory…

TopWings. Scalable networked solutions to help make the right decisions.

Maximum IT security?

Turnkey EFB solution?

An ultra-secure Electronic Flight Bag solution based on Thales’ expertise in protected networks

Customised full integration of hardware, software, communication and third party applications

Greener airlines?

Optimised operations, paperless cockpit and reduced CO2 emissions

Operational cost savings?

© Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc

Significant savings on time, fuel and maintenance

Running an airline successfully demands a very high level of operational efficiency. TopWings® by Thales, is a brand new Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solution which integrates hardware and software seamlessly, streamlines operational efficiency and significantly reduces operational costs. It is a global solution that delivers the right information to the right people at the right time, transforming the aircraft into a communication node of the airline’s information system. Thales takes on the overall responsibility of implementing the EFB programme too – making it hassle-free for airlines and allowing a fast return on their investment. Best in class, TopWings is a customisable, modular solution that helps key decision makers master complexity and make timely decisions for better outcomes.

To learn more about our Electronic Flight Bag solution, scan the QR code or email topwings@thalesgroup.com or visit thalesgroup.com

Improved flight safety?

Real-time information reducing errors and enhancing crew awareness

04 LATEST NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

With aircraft so busy these days, the IT to operate them grows ever more complex. To keep up with developments, experts use www.aircraftit.com/operations and AircraftIT Operations e-journal to stay abreast of the latest news.

Editor’s comment

14 WHITE PAPER: TABLET STRATEGY: THE NEXT GENERATION

Aircraft IT Operations: where the challenges and opportunities of commercial flying meet the people who have to make things happen.

From time to time, one or two issues will dominate their sphere of activity. Aviation is not immune to that but two issues have consistently exercised airlines and operators; running aircraft profitably and extracting the best value from fuel… they are not unrelated.

The digital or IT enabled aircraft is a relatively new phenomenon but, with B787 Dreamliner deliveries proceeding apace, Bombardier CSeries deliveries scheduled for 2014 and the A350 due to start deliveries in 2015, that will not be the case for long. Digital aircraft will bring opportunities and challenges in equal measure for airlines and operators: they will generate and capture unprecedented volumes of data which should add enormously to the operational intelligence but only if effective ways can be found to use that data. They will raise expectations about the experience of air travel among users who increasingly wish to make phone calls, surf the web, exchange emails…

The other big issue is fuel. It’s expensive and it generates emissions; so there are good reasons in those two factors alone to manage fuel and strive for efficiency. But there are other benefits; not least is the ability for a fuel efficient aircraft to fly longer distances without the need to land. This could transform the economics of some routes and of accessing some parts of the world.

In this issue we have an article on the tremendous opportunities from and challenges of ‘smart’ aircraft plus another on how that technological and increasingly essential adjunct to operations, the tablet or iPad, can evolve in the future.

We also have an article on the evolution of content formats that can leverage the best returns from all this technology and how the latest standards will increasingly be literally ‘built-in’ as aircraft are built. And there are the results from with some analysis of the Aircraft IT 2013 Fuel Efficiency Survey sponsored by ETS Aviation. Even our upcoming live demonstration webinars, allowing readers to research software packages appropriate for their needs, will be focusing on fuel efficiency and, as always, future and past webinars can be accessed by every reader who registers.

Rounding off your knowledge feast, Vivek Sheorey shares his Vendor Flight Log to tell us what makes Sheorey Digital Systems work and Paul Saunders offers his usual personal insight into the world according to IT. Aircraft IT Operations: the information you need in a place and at a time when you can use it.

Ed Haskey Editor

Paul Saunders, Operations Director for Conduce Software and Conduce Consulting Tablets are pretty much key elements in the aviation IT pantheon of devices but now they’re here, users want more from them. How can developers meet that demand?

19 AIRCRAFT IT FUEL EFFICIENCY SURVEY 2013 SPONSORED BY ETS AVIATION

Fuel is the largest single cost of operating aircraft and is also the source of airlines’ controversial emissions. So how are airlines and operators approaching the problem?

22 WHITE PAPER: SMART CONTENT TAKES TABLETS AND TO THE NEXT LEVEL

John Badger, Director, Customer Engagement and Mobility Program Owner and Ed Kase, product manager for Flight Operations and Mobility Solutions, InfoTrust Group Easily accessible, accurate documentation is fundamental to operating an airline. Employing technology such as tablets and iPads delivers that and improved efficiencies.

25 COLUMN: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO IT & ME!

The rise of the Phablets, Paul Saunders From once easily distinguishable mobile ‘phones and tablets there’s a trend towards larger phones and smaller tablets… less distinguishable. What challenges do ‘Phablets’ pose?

26 U PCOMING WEBINARS: YOUR CHANCE TO ATTEND CONVENIENT AND FREE LIVE OPERATIONS SOFTWARE DEMONSTRATION WEBINARS.

Previews of live software demonstration Webinars from Aviaso on 26th September, and OSyS on 10th October.

29 VENDOR FLIGHT LOG: SHEOREY DIGITAL SYSTEMS

Vivek Sheorey is justifiably proud of the business that bears his name and he tells us why Sheorey Digital Systems has grown and thrived In the latest of our Q&A pieces, Vivek Sheorey, founder, CEO and Managing Director of Sheorey Digital Systems lets Aircraft IT readers see the company’s flight log.

30 WHITE PAPER: A DIGITAL AIRCRAFT FUTURE

Mario Sabourin, Sr. Product Manager, EFB at SITA The advent of digitally-equipped ‘smart’ aircraft offers airlines a number of opportunities but also poses challenges as to how best to exploit the new capability and how to integrate it into the airline’s processes.

34 PAST WEBINARS: KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND ACCESS FOR INDUSTRY EXPERTS CLICK HERE: Send your feedback and suggestions to AircraftIT OPS AircraftIT OPS is published bi-monthly and is an affiliate of Aircraft Commerce and part of the AviationNextGen Ltd group. The entire contents within this publication © Copyright 2013 AviationNextGen Ltd an independent publication and not affiliated with any of the IT vendors or suppliers. Content may not be reproduced without the strict written agreement of the publisher.

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of their companies or of the publisher. The publisher does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.

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Publisher/Editor:

E-mail:

Telephone:

Website: Copy Editor/Contributor: Magazine Production:

E-mail:

Ed Haskey ed.haskey@aircraftit.com +44 1273 648317 www.aircraftIT.com John Hancock Dean Cook deancook@magazineproduction.com

View Recordings of Past Operations Software Demonstration Webinars See full information and view video recordings of past Operations Software Demonstrations, including: Navtech, Evoke Systems, Ovidius and Sheorey Digital Systems (SDS).

36 UPLOAD TENDER

Whatever software solution you are looking for, this Tender upload feature will allow you to reach out to all the major Vendors at once.

37 YOUR NEXT CAREER STEP

Find out about current and future vacancies for people like you in the sector where your experience and skills are valued.

38 OPERATIONS SOFTWARE DIRECTORY

A detailed look at the world’s leading Operations IT systems.

4 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

CEO: another eEnablement solution from aircore systems

COMMUNICATION EFFICIENCY FOR EFB AND MORE

AIRCORE systems GmbH announced the launch of its Communication Efficiency Optimizer (CEO) in late August 2013.

In creating this module, the systems developer had in mind a matter that needs to be addressed in preparation for any eEnabled process: hugely un-optimized data flows where data are transmitted not according to their most appropriate criticality (time, operational relevance…) and/or via unnecessarily expensive channels (ACARS, SATCom…).

Announcing the new module, aircore systems Chief Executive, Michael Rosenkranz said, “To reduce the cost and efficiency impact of sub-optimal data transmissions for airlines, we have developed the CEO module as a part of our EFBSolution, but it also can be used as a stand-alone module. Like any good CEO it manages the various company resources CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

and communication channels intelligently and dynamically to achieve the most effective and efficient data transmission infrastructure for airline users.”

Amongst the optimization engines offered by aircore’s CEO are those for bi-directional Least Cost Routing, Data Transfer Scheduling and Data Priority Management. The results for users are substantially lower communication costs, higher relevant data availability and more automated processes within Flight Ops and between the aircraft and the back-end.

The module is able to run as a stand-alone function in several different technical environments and operating systems, i.e. not only be as part of aircore’s EFB applications but also with others. Mr Rosenkranz concluded, “CEO offers an easy-touse solution for a complex problem. And it is something like a meta-application in the EFB-world.”

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 5

Boeing launches developments in navigation for efficiency and in secure communications

BOEING GAINS FAA APPROVAL TO FLY ADVANCED NAVIGATION PROCEDURES ON 787

BOEING received FAA approval towards the end of June 2013 to fly Required Navigation Performance — Authorization Required (RNP AR) procedures on the 787 fleet. Operators that fly RNP AR procedures significantly reduce fuel burn, emissions and airport congestion by flying precisely along a predefined route using advanced on-board navigation systems together with GPS-based global navigation satellite systems. As an FAA-approved RNP application service provider, Boeing can now offer 787 customers full support as they apply for approval to use RNP AR procedures on their fleets.

“This approval enables us to help Boeing customers realize the full potential of their 787s,” said Mike Caflisch, director, Airspace Programs, Boeing Digital Aviation, Commercial Aviation Services. “Our extensive experience in obtaining RNP AR operational approvals allows us to help customers move through the rigorous RNP AR operational approval process more efficiently, giving them a competitive advantage in the marketplace. In the long run, all industry stakeholders benefit as more airlines derive fuel and operating efficiencies via RNP, the overall efficiency of global air traffic improves and the environmental footprint is reduced.”

Boeing can now offer a complete, end-to-end RNP solution by combining its expertise in RNP AR application development and approved training with its experience in the design and implementation of new RNP flight procedures, navigation database validation and RNP availability prediction.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

Achieving regulatory approval requires an airplane operator to demonstrate that they have: • Airplanes equipped to fly narrow, GPS-guided RNP AR flight procedures, requiring accuracy down to as little as one-tenth of a nautical mile; • Training in place for flight crews and dispatchers; • The ability to ensure sufficient GPS coverage for the planned route at the planned date and time (RNP availability prediction); • Flight crew operating procedures; • The ability to ensure that RNP navigation charts and databases are accurate and current (navigation database validation); • Flight procedures designed and in place.

Boeing RNP AR application services are already available to operators of Next-Generation 737s, Boeing Business Jets and 777s.

BOEING, PANASONIC LOOK TO OFFER EXCONNECT IN-FLIGHT BROADBAND TO GOVERNMENT CUSTOMERS

Boeing and Panasonic Avionics Corp. are preparing to open a new market for Panasonic’s secure, satellite-based, in-flight broadband service known as eXConnect. Under a new agreement announced in mid-July 2013, Boeing will offer eXConnect service to government customers within and outside the United States.

Panasonic eXConnect is the industry leader in commercial, worldwide broadband for in-flight connectivity. While final terms are still being negotiated, the companies have agreed on a framework for Boeing to offer the eXConnect service and sell aeronautical terminals to the government market, including the Panasonic eXConnect terminal being deployed commercially today.

“This alliance will expand Boeing’s ability to offer in-flight broadband to government aircraft operators, many of whom operate Boeing aircraft, with a competitively priced service,” said Paul Geery, vice president of C3 Solutions for Boeing Electronic & Information Solutions. “The eXConnect service will augment other Boeing C4ISR capabilities, providing customers with seamless situational awareness.

By combining the strengths of our global Ku-band aeronautical network with Boeing’s extensive experience working with secure network customers such as the U.S. government, we will together be able to provide significantly improved service to this important industry,” said Paul Margis, president and CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corp. “We look forward to working with Boeing to offer in-flight connectivity to this exciting market.

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6 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

TUI TRAVEL GROUP ENHANCES FUEL EFFICIENCY WITH POWERFUL SOFTWARE SYSTEM THOMSON Airways, Corsair, TUIfly Nordic and Arkefly, members of the TUI Travel Group, announced at the beginning of July 2013 that they have selected Aviation FuelSaver™ to power their fuel efficiency programme.

Developed by aviation software and consultancy specialists ETS Aviation Ltd, Aviation FuelSaver™ enables airlines to benchmark their current operational fuel efficiency and locate potential efficiencies plus track the cost savings.

Captain Jörn Mahringer, Team Leader, TUI Airlines Fuel Efficiency Group said: “Our group is always looking for ways to improve operational efficiency. We found that the ETS Aviation team had developed a unique programme that combined technical expertise and experience with a powerful piece of software. It means we get a common platform for all the operators within the group and the potential for running an extremely effective fuel efficiency programme from which we will all benefit. The potential savings and environmental gains are unquestionably one of the airline industry’s major win/win activities.”

David Carlisle, CEO of ETS Aviation Ltd, said: “TUI Travel have an enviable environment programme and we are pleased to be supporting them towards further enhancing their operational fuel efficiency. We have seen a marked upturn in recent months of airlines selecting Aviation FuelSaver™. This is because we have created a unique blend of fuel efficiency expertise coupled with easy to use software, which is packed with useful functionality. We wrap the entire programme into a low cost annual subscription, which represents incredible value.”

Ian Britchford, Director of Fuel Saving at ETS Aviation, said: “Aviation experts specify the design of our software so the functions are perfectly aligned to fulfill the required role within the airline. Our specialty is to take complex data management tasks and turn them into software platforms with easy to use interfaces.

We support the software tools with fuel efficiency consultancy based on extensive airline experience and work as a close unit with our IT experts to provide a perfect solution for all sizes of airline.”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

KLM Cityhopper selects fuel efficiency software from Aviaso AT the end of August 2013, KLM Cityhopper signed an agreement with Aviaso for the deployment of comprehensive fuel conservation software to support KLM Cityhopper in achieving further fuel savings.

“We started a thorough evaluation process including all major providers of fuel efficiency software. Our objective was to find the best provider in terms of software and fuel efficiency know-how fitting our requirements”, says Peter Derickx, ATM Pilot and responsible for Fuel Efficiency at KLM Cityhopper. “After the review of all presentations in our long list we picked two companies for our short list. In order to find the best software, the two providers had to work with our own data and prove that they could handle our setup: then, to evaluate their fuel efficiency know-how, the companies had to provide a report containing an in-depth analysis of our fuel consumption and an overview of further fuel savings opportunities. We are very glad to say that Aviaso met our requirements and also showed an outstanding way of supporting us with documentation for training. Last but not least, they have provided us with a tool that can create not only the basic and standard analyses, but also gives us the freedom to do our own research. The ‘proof is in the pudding’ as we start execution right now. The whole investment shows once more KLM Cityhopper’s continuous commitment to safety, efficiency, and reducing our environmental impact.”

The fuel efficiency software from Aviaso includes more than 100 ready-made analysis reports. These reports allow an airline to thoroughly understand the fuel consumption and to identify potential fuel savings. Furthermore, the Aviaso solution not only identifies the fuel savings, but also helps in really achieving these savings by rigorously monitoring the various fuel savings initiatives for each and every flight.

“After we had started the evaluation process it was immediately clear that KLM Cityhopper is already on a very high level with its fuel conservation initiatives”, says Rudolf Christen, CEO of Aviaso. “Therefore, it was particularly challenging and inspiring for us to see if it is possible to identify further fuel savings. We were using our software and applying our standard consulting process, and we are very glad that it was possible to identify several areas with additional savings potential.”

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 7

Flight Focus marks step change progress in the cabin and on the flight deck ALTRAN AND MICROSOFT PRESENT FLIGHT FOCUS’ INNOVATIVE EFB SOLUTION FOR AIRCRAFT CONNECTIVITY

ON the occasion of the 2013 Paris Air Show from 17 to 23 June, Altran and Microsoft Corporation highlighted their strategic partnership in IT and Business Intelligence with a first innovation in the domain of Aircraft connectivity. Altran, Microsoft and Flight Focus will present ‘NavigaSuite’, the first suite of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications designed

by Altran and integrated by Flight Focus on the Windows 8 platform.

Repositioned as an open platform provider with total independence regarding EFB application providers, the company Flight Focus, which recently installed and certified their Cabin Inflight WiFi platform for Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFE&C) on Air China’s A330s, demonstrates a fully Integrated Tablet Management solution with this prototype. By integrating the ‘NavigaSuite’, the Flight Focus open avionics platform offers a seamlessly integrated, customised and secure connected flight deck solution that optimizes flight operations and simplifies pilot mission.

Everything the pilot needs is integrated in a seamless environment: pre-flight check in, workflow for missions, manuals and charts, as well as the possibility of selecting the data sets they require in a clipboard, and sending messages to flight operations, all in a seamless environment. The Mail App is automatically installed in Windows 8 and used as the official messaging tool for pilots and flight operations.

“Built on the Windows 8 platform, the Connected EFB for the Airline industry is a mission-critical, enterprise-class solution designed to manage pre-flight, flight and file operations for the cockpit. The new prototype allows pilots to perform their tasks in a simple yet immersive way, while providing the high level of security required by the flight deck.” said Jean-Philippe Courtois, the President of Microsoft International.

“For this project, Microsoft and Altran have pooled their expertise to deliver the architecture, specifications, development and tests for the ‘NavigaSuite’. We collaborated with Flight Focus to enable Windows 8 connectivity and support aircraft interfacing (drivers and security). Altran can fast-track any software application development with its Altran Mobile Factory, design tailored connected apps and solutions for airlines and operators, and is the best equipped partner for a custom-made, connected EFB project leveraging Flight Focus technology.” said Sebastien Renouard, Altran’s Executive Director – Aerospace, Defence and Railways.

“With this demonstrator, airlines can now implement their Connected EFB project using the Flight Focus open avionics platform for cockpit and cabin, either by using the

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

new, ready-to-use ‘NavigaSuite’ of EFB apps from PT Naviga Tech powered by Windows 8 tablets, or by designing their own solutions based on the Flight Focus platform”, said Ralf Cabos, Managing Director of Flight Focus.

FLIGHT FOCUS DELIVERS THE FIRST CABIN INFLIGHT WIFI PLATFORM FOR IFE&C

FLIGHT Focus successfully installed and certified on Air China’s A330 wide-body fleet the world’s first 100% takeup rate Cabin Inflight WiFi platform solution enabling all airlines or service providers to build their own IFE&C system.

Built as an open avionics computing and communications platform, the Cabin Inflight WiFi fulfills cabin-wide HD video streaming in wide-body aircraft with more than 300 passengers, which marks its leading position in the international aviation industry.

By performing the world’s first live on-aircraft performance test with nearly 300 passengers, Flight Focus and Air China have thoroughly proven and guaranteed the real performance of the Cabin Inflight WiFi platform delivering a true 100% passenger concurrency with HD video streaming.

Making the mid-June 2013 announcement, Ralf Cabos, managing director of Flight Focus, said, “You need to be sure that you’re installing the right technology in the aircraft that can be low cost and scaled up to the top and proven for 100% take-up rate. For an IFE system, all it takes is one smart server box that both hosts content as well as manages the way passenger devices connect, coupled with a high power access point. You can run an entire plane; you can serve dynamic content, provide connectivity services, or sell products and services. You don’t need more than that. As an enabler providing Cabin platforms for IFE & Connectivity, we are helping you to get it fast and approved into the airplane, and we make sure that it’s secure to use and that you can make money.”

“Based on Flight Focus super light, powerful and secure Cabin Inflight WiFi platform, we are building our own IFE, and we are now able to provide richer entertainment contents to passengers, fulfill the need for cabin-wide HD video streaming, and deliver smoother user experience.

All it takes for our passengers is to bring their own tablets or laptops on board. The flexible and intelligent ground synchronization system enables Air China to update IFE content easily and in-time, while the short installation time should help us to quickly complete modification of the entire fleet allowing passengers to enjoy the service as soon as possible.” commented Air China E-project Office.

Air China has become the first Chinese carrier that operates flights with on-board WiFi system. Air China will soon provide the Cabin Inflight WiFi platform on all its A330 widebody airliners as a complete upgrade of the current system.

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Greenwich Aerogroup launches LiveAero dealer network GREENWICH AeroGroup announced at the beginning of August 2013 that it is in the process of forming a dealer network for the installation and certification of LiveAero systems.

LiveAero, developed by LiveTV, LLC of Melbourne, Fla., is the only fixed wing and rotorcraft data broadband solution that works everywhere in the world, including remote, oceanic and polar regions, for passengers requiring smartphone, tablet or laptop connectivity. Based upon the Iridium OpenPort™ broadband technology, the system has Wi-Fi enabled, bi-directional data speed of 134 Kbps, but with network optimization, effective speeds of up to 300 kbps can be realized. The system also includes three separate voice lines for calls to be placed anywhere in the world. Connectivity is available in the air or on the ground.

Dealers currently signed include Greenwich AeroGroup’s Atlantic Aero in Greensboro, N.C.; Summit Aviation in Middletown, Del.; and Western Aircraft in Boise, Idaho.

Additional dealers include Banyan Air Service in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Spirit Avionics in Columbus, Ohio; and Temple Electronics in Houston, Texas. Jet Aviation has also signed on for its locations in Basel, Switzerland; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Singapore.

“We are delighted to have these reputable companies join our dealer network,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Greenwich AeroGroup Daniel Lafrance.

“These companies will significantly increase our reach while adding major convenience for operators that opt to install the only pole-to-pole cabin voice and Wi-Fi system in the world for rotor and fixed wing aircraft.”

LiveAero certification has already been completed on the Bombardier Challenger 601 3A/3R, 604 and 605 aircraft with additional Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) in process, including the AW-139 and S-76 helicopters. Lafrance added that the LiveAero system will be upgradeable to the Iridium NEXT system currently scheduled to be launched in years 2015 thru 2017.

Navtech iCharts passes EASA evaluation NAVTECH Inc. was pleased to announce in early July 2013 that they have successfully passed a review from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Operations Evaluation Board (OEB). While several Navtech customers have been granted operational approval to use iCharts by their national authorities, this successful review of the app by EASA should simplify future efforts by airlines and their governing authorities. The latest app version, Navtech iCharts 12.7, is available on the App Store.

The report summarizes, “The OEB evaluation found that the Navtech iCharts satisfy the guidelines of JAA TGL 36 and AMC 20-25...The EASAOEB sees no technical objections to the grant by the National Authorities of an operational approval for the use of Navtech iCharts software application...”

Airlines ready to make the transition to electronic charts will be pleased to realize fuel savings that crew-based mobile platforms enable because of the reduction of paper flight materials during all stages of flight from Navtech iCharts. National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) can now grant operators approval to use Navtech iCharts in a more straightforward manner because of this successful EASA evaluation.

“We are pleased with the result of the EASA review for Navtech and for European airlines,” said Mr. Heath Bowden, Director Product Management — Charts & EFB at Navtech. “The knowledgeable team at EASA made the review process very manageable and they shared valuable feedback which made prioritizing product quality and process improvements seamless.

Our teams are very excited about

the future of electronic charts and we are encouraging and supporting customers and other airlines to execute their digital charts transition plans. Navtech has many activities underway, including development efforts which will further evolve Navtech iCharts and support other platforms in the future.”

Navtech customers seeking EASAbased approvals for Navtech iCharts are encouraged to contact Navtech for assistance.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 9

NEW TECHNICAL INFORMATION SOLUTION TO MATCH NEW GENERATION AIRCRAFT AND A CHANGE OF NAME – INFOTRUST BECOMES FLATIRON SOLUTIONS

TECHSIGHT/X® SUITE OF PRODUCTS NOW SUPPORTS NEW-GENERATION AIRCRAFT PROGRAMS

INFOTRUST Group took another step in its mission to provide independent, technical information management solutions for airline operators and aerospace OEMs with the latest release of its TechSight/X suite of products in mid-July 2013. This release supports requirements for new-generation aircraft programs, including the Airbus A350, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, and Bombardier’s CSeries, that require technical information in the S1000D information exchange standard.

With this release of the TechSight/X suite, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can manage technical information for existing aircraft programs and meet airframe manufacturers’ requirements for the A350, Boeing 787, and Bombardier CSeries using a single system. Airline operators also can use the TechSight/X suite of products to manage technical information for their existing fleets as well as for orders of new-generation aircraft without having to deploy a separate system.

As Airbus, Boeing, and Bombardier introduce new-generation aircraft, they are requiring their supply chain partners and airline customers to support the S1000D information exchange standard. Using S1000D allows for the creation, sharing, and use of more accurate technical information required for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of commercial aircraft. As the ramp up in production of new-generation aircraft accelerates, OEMs and operators must be able to support both new and legacy program specifications for

existing aircraft that have been in use for decades in parallel.

“With the introduction of new-generation aircraft and the adoption of S1000D, the entire civil aviation ecosystem is facing the greatest challenge in the day-to-day management of technical information since the adoption of SGML and XML more than two decades ago,” said JD Sillion, vice president of products and solutions at InfoTrust Group. “By specializing in technical information standards and technology, we aim to help keep OEMs on track in the manufacturing process for all of the programs they support and reduce the pressures of technical information management airlines face in order to operate safe and timely flights every day.”

InfoTrust Group is an active member in the ATA e-Business Steering Group and participates in both the Civil Aviation Working Group and the S1000D Steering Committee, representing aerospace companies and helping to ensure that the specification evolves in ways that are responsive to industry needs.

INFOTRUST GROUP TAKES FLATIRONS SOLUTIONS NAME

AT the end of August 2013, InfoTrust Group announced today that the company is entering a new phase of growth with recently acquired Flatirons Solutions and is taking the name Flatirons Solutions, Inc. The decision to adopt a single corporate brand under Flatirons Solutions reflects the synergies of both organizations’ cultures and their complementary missions to help customers identify and implement content management solutions to support their business goals. It also is based on Flatirons Solutions’

strong name recognition among its ecosystems of partners. Moving forward, the combined companies will continue to grow these partnerships and expand their solutions set leveraging partners’ technologies, including Alfresco, EMC, Mark Logic, SDL, and others.

“Joining forces with Flatirons Solutions a couple of months ago reflected InfoTrust Group’s continued pursuit of the best and brightest experts in XML and content management with a proven track record of helping leaders in their markets and government agencies address the way they manage information as a strategic business asset and the underlying technology that supports it,” said Geoffrey Godet, president and CEO of the new Flatirons Solutions. “After only a couple of months working together, we immediately recognized that we can broaden the benefits both organizations offer our customers and that our paths for growth across multiple markets are more easily pursued under a single corporate brand.”

While Flatirons Solutions is serving several industries and has a growing set of expertise, as demonstrated on the new company’s corporate website at www.flatironssolutions.com, it also remains dedicated to serving the unique requirements of the aerospace and airlines industry more than ever. To that intent, earlier in August the company announced the launch of www.techsightx.com, a website dedicated to the aerospace community with specific information on how the TechSight/X® suite of products and its newest releases respond to new-generation aircraft, mobility, and evolving compliance requirements.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

10 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

OSyS visiumAQD™ adopted by far East and European carriers GARUDA INDONESIA LIVE WITH visiumAQD™

project involved migrating historical safety data from the legacy system. The data migration brought all recorded safety incidents, along with their classifications and subsequent follow-up findings and actions, into visiumAQD™, allowing combined analysis of data recorded in the legacy system with new data entered into visiumAQD™. This avoids any cutover issues in reporting and analysis.

CHINA AIRLINES PURCHASES visiumAQD™ OPTIMIZED Systems and Solutions, Inc. (OSyS) announced at the end of July 2013 that Garuda Indonesia had gone live with visiumAQD™, an integrated safety and risk management solution that combines quality assurance audits with flight, cabin, maintenance and ground safety occurrence reporting.

The implementation of the system is in line with the airline’s strategic expansion program and forms part of its commitment to constantly improve its safety quality.

The software is a comprehensive set of tools that integrates risk-related activities across organisations; from safety, quality and security management to occupational safety, environmental management and beyond. visiumAQD™ covers all functions from accident/ incident reporting, risk assessment, compliance, analysis and investigation through to auditing and corrective action tracking. It has been developed by aviation software specialists and is backed by over 20 years’ experience in delivering aviation software solutions to regulatory authorities, airlines and other aviation-related organisations.

Novijanto Herupratomo, Executive Vice President (EVP) Operations of Garuda Indonesia, said that the airline’s choice to go with visiumAQD™ as its Safety Management System (SMS) is part of its effort to improve its safety quality. “In line with our long-term expansion program, and due to the fact that traffic volumes continue to increase, we are always committed to constantly improving our safety and complying with global flight safety standards.” Mr. Herupratomo said.

Mr. Herupratomo also said that visiumAQD™ is widely used and recognised as a high quality product, and that as the program moves towards being completely browser-based, this will enable their staff right across the organisation to report incidents and be assigned corrective actions.

Garuda Indonesia currently uses visiumAQD™ Audit, Safety and Risk modules. Part of the implementation

OPTIMIZED Systems and Solutions Inc. (OSyS), wholly owned subsidiary Superstructure Group was delighted at the beginning of August 2013 to welcome China Airlines to the visiumAQD™ family. Since 2007, China Airlines have been actively implementing a Safety Management System (SMS), which incorporates safety practices into organisational management and utilises various safety management tools to enhance safety. China Airlines were looking for SMS software to support this which was easy to access and which allowed them to connect with data from other airlines.

Being largely browser-based, visiumAQD™ has a small installation footprint and can be accessed and used by thousands of users simultaneously. This will allow China Airlines’ staff across the organisation to voluntarily report safety issues, risk factors, and unsafe practices (one of the key objectives of China Airlines’ SMS). visiumAQD™ also facilitates the risk assessment of incidents which have already occurred or which may occur in the future, allowing the organisation to put together risk management plans to reduce risk, decreasing the likelihood and severity of further incidents.

The Project Leader of Corporate Safety Office on SMS says of visiumAQD™, “It is a good system which is easy to access. It allows you to customize your reports and provides a dashboard for easy management of tasks.

visiumAQD™ was chosen because of its potential to connect with data from other airlines, introducing the possibility of benchmarking. We believe that visiumAQD™ will reduce the hours spent collecting and classifying incident reports, freeing up staff to do more high-end work identifying risks and analysing risk trends.”

IBERIA SELECTS visiumAQD™ AS SAFETY MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

SUPERSTRUCTURE Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Optimized Systems and Solutions Inc. (OSyS), was also pleased to announce in early August 2013 that Iberia have selected visiumAQD™ as their new SMS. Iberia follows in the footsteps of their subsidiary Iberia Express, which has been using AQD for the past 15 months. Before ultimately choosing visiumAQD™, Iberia undertook a long selection process, during which they analysed all the safety and quality tools available on the market. visiumAQD™ met Iberia’s criteria as follows: • Browser-based; • Market leader; • Facilitates SMS compliance; • Capability to identify potential hazards and then analyse risk; • Integrates all existing activities into a single database; • Integrates all the safety and quality departments of all the operating areas of Iberia through use of a common tool.

José Ramón Fernández de la Morena, Head of Flight Safety, Flight Operations, explains, “As the market leader, visiumAQD™ is well-known and reliable, and used by many well-known airlines. It facilitates SMS compliance in a web-based environment, including the capability to identify potential hazards and then analyze risk.”

Changes at Smart4Aviation reflect the business’s growing strength and range of solutions SMART4AVIATION APPOINTS NEW CFO

SMART4AVIATION is a fast growing company in the technically challenging business of aviation IT. While growth is a clear indicator of success, for which the business is very proud, that same growth brings with it increased financial complexity and responsibility. So, in order to ensure that corporate capability matches the company’s standing now and for the future, it was decided to appoint Mr. Ivo Hop, an international tax lawyer, as the first CFO of the business and as an in-house professional who will manage the financial wellbeing of the company.

Ivo studied international tax law at the University of Maastricht and has worked at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and, more recently, at Meeuwsen Ten Hoopen. With a keen interest in finance, law, technology and aviation, as well as having a great deal of experience in an international setting, he is the ideal candidate to navigate Smart4Aviation through the many challenges and opportunities arising from further growth anticipated in the business. Mr. Hop took up his new responsibilities on 1 July 2013 and will be responsible for managing the finances of the rapidly growing company.

“Together with our CEO and a dedicated, tech savvy staff, we are confident of leading Smart4Aviation to even higher levels of achievement, customer satisfaction and business success”, said the new CFO.

SMART4AVIATION GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW COMPANY: SMART4AVIATION FLIGHT MANAGEMENT BV

LATER, towards trhe end of July 2013, Smart4Aviation Group announced the opening of its latest venture, Smart4Aviaion Flight Management, as part of the Group’s international growth plans and aspirations. The new company will support Smart4Aviation Group’s increased

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 11 presence on the aviation market, allowing the Group to offer a new range of products and services to a wider market.

With new nearly unlimited computer processing power, Smart4Aviation has begun researching the possibility and a detailed design of a new and updated flight management system, as a next logical step in the company’s future. The concept of an advanced flight management system has long been on former Smart4Aviation CEO Dirk-Jan Baas’s mind and the first steps had already been taken more than a year ago for the realization of this project. Mr. Baas will lead this new company and this initiative.

“The time has come to leave the drawing board and to take flight management to the next level. The industry needs a more dynamic, efficient and above all cost-effective solution to flight management”, said Baas. “There is a lot of enthusiasm for this product, and we will be working together with specialists in the industry to deliver a world class Flight Management System. I cannot wait to launch this product”, he concluded.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

SMART4AVIATION GROUP ANNOUNCES NEW SENIOR MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

EFB Management ALSO, at the end of July and as part of the overall corporate changes to put the business into the best position for the future, Michael Lewis, who currently serves as President and CEO of Smart4Aviation Technologies Americas and VP Global Sales, Marketing and Product Development for Smart4Aviation Technologies BV, will succeed Dirk-Jan Baas, the company’s founder and current CEO, as President and CEO of the Smart4Aviation Technologies Group of companies it was announced. Mr. Baas will now lead on the firm’s newest venture, Smart4Aviaion Flight Management, a company dedicated to improving the overall efficiency of Flight Operations.

Mr. Lewis has 25 years aviation and flying experience. He held a Canadian ATR pilot’s license and acted as flight crew on transport category and high performance aircraft. Michael was also Manager of IT for the Flight Operations Branch of Air Canada and was a certified Chief Duty Dispatcher.

Dirk-Jan Baas stepped down from the function of CEO in favor of leading the fledgling company in the Smart4Aviation Group, Smart4Aviation Flight Management. Mr. Baas expressed confidence in the board’s choice by stating, “Mike’s combination of experience, leadership skills, deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure makes him uniquely qualified to lead Smart4Aviation successfully into the future.”

“I am honored to accept this position and will ensure that the company remains focused on delivering the highest customer value through tight strategic relationships with our Airline partners”, said Michael Lewis, new CEO. “Our mission has always been produce innovative, relevant and insightful solutions enabling Airlines to reach the highest levels of efficiency and safety. We continue to expand on our solutions to provide new opportunities for our customers and Smart4Aviation Flight Management is the next natural evolution to our portfolio.”

With the appointment of the new CEO and CFO, the Smart4Aviation Group is focused on investing in innovative and cutting edge technologies which will bring direct value to its clients and the customers they serve. The launching of the new company, Smart4Aviaion Flight Management, testifies to this commitment and strategy.

AIR CANADA ROUGE CHOOSES SMART4AVIATION

RIGHT at the end of July 2013, Smart4Aviation announced that a new leisure carrier, Air Canada Rouge, has been using IT solutions from Smart4Aviation. Tools delivered by S4A improve airline’s communication, briefing and fuelling processes as well as perform take-off and landing computations while lowering costs and increasing revenues.

Air Canada Rouge is currently a subsidiary of its mainline parent – Air Canada. It enables Air Canada Rouge to benefit from more efficient Operations processes and lower the costs in the future.

“We are delighted that Air Canada Rouge is using a number of our products. I am convinced that our solutions will increase the flexibility and efficiency of its flight operations. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved together,” says Michael Lewis, CEO at Smart4Aviation.

MANAGEMENT PLATFORM

SOLUTION FEATURES

• Administration • Release Management • Compliance Reporting

• Document Management • Device Management • eReporting • EFB Appstore • Briefing

DEVICE OPTIONS

USAGE OPTIONS

• Class-I Laptop Devices Tablet Devices iPad • Class-II

• Pilots • Cabin • Maintenance

Database

Contact us: +49 2324 9258 570 or info@logipad.aero Am Walzwerk 1 • 45527 Hattingen • phone +49 2324 9258 0 • fax +49 2324 9258 433 • info@logipad.aero • www.logipad.aero

12 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

British Airways deploys Panasonic Toughpad tablets; first with NVable ETL

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

The NVable Appixo™ Electronic Techlog (ETL) raises the bar for speed, security, flexibility and analytics.

A full-function software solution to replace paper techlogs “Our Flight Crew and Engineers were already used to the concept of an ETL but from day one their feedback on the new Appixo™ ETL from NVable has been overwhelmingly positive and they see many advantages.”

Dave Cooper, Line Maintenance Manager BA CityFlyer

www.nvable.com contact@nvable.com +44 141 280 0050 NVable HPV 0413.indd 1

12/04/2013 15:36

AT the beginning of July 2013, British Airways subsidiary, BA CityFlyer, became the first UK airline to deploy Panasonic’s rugged Toughpad tablets for flights operating out of London City Airport. The Toughpad FZ-G1 tablets, with the latest generation Windows 8 Professional operating system, are being used by engineers and flight crew on each of the airline’s aircraft.

The Panasonic Toughpad acts as a Class 1 Electronic Technical Log, which does not require any hugely expensive aircraft modifications or technology infrastructure changes.

The device is used to record the aircraft flight details, technical data associated with each flight and provides the real time maintenance status of the aircraft. Flight and technical details are entered into the Toughpad using the touchscreen and the information is transmitted immediately to servers which feed into the BA CityFlyer maintenance system, eliminating the need for manual data inputting, while also providing optional pdf prints of the technical log pages. BA CityFlyer engineers and crew are able to access real time information on the aircraft status through a web based application as well as the BA CityFlyer maintenance system. More accurate

and efficient than traditional paper methods, the process speeds up the availability of information to the airline’s Maintenance Control and provides crew and engineers attending the aircraft, real time visibility of the aircraft’s technical status. This in turn can speed up aircraft turn-around times and facilitate more efficient maintenance planning. The ETL also provides the fuel data to produce reports for carbon emissions trading and other additional information such as deicing procedures in cold weather.

BA CityFlyer tested the new Panasonic Toughpad tablets with the latest ETL application from NVable.

The Panasonic Toughpad tablets have replaced the Panasonic CF-19 Toughbook notebooks that the airline had been using for the past four years.

“The BA CityFlyer team turned to the new Toughpad because of the amazing track record of performance and reliability they had experienced with our Toughbook devices – not a single device returned for repair in four years of service,” explained Kevin Tristram, General Manager, UK & Ireland Toughbook Group.

“The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 is perfect for this new deployment because it is 50% lighter than the

previous Toughbook computers but is still built to last in a testing aircraft and engineering environment.

The next generation Windows 8 Professional operating system also makes inputting data so much easier.

The unit is an improvement in both Health & Safety and flight deck ergonomics.”

Dave Cooper, Line Maintenance Manager, BA CityFlyer, added: “The combination of the Panasonic Toughpad tablets and the ETL application from NVable is providing more accurate and up to date information and also helping our flight crew and engineers further improve the quality and speed of our turnaround times at airports, benefiting our business but more importantly improving the service we offer to our customers. It is no doubt a contributing factor to the airlines improvement in On-TimePerformance.”

Launched in January 2013, the Toughpad FZ-G1 is Panasonic’s first fully rugged Windows 8 Pro tablet, which has been designed for mobile workers who spend much of their time working outside or in vehicles.

The thin and lightweight device, weighing only 1.1kg, has been designed to take full advantage of the new functionality offered by the Windows 8 Pro operating system and offers two-way touch input with its capacitive 10-finger multi-touch screen and digitizer pen for tasks such as recording signatures.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 13

AIRBALTIC SIGN-UPS FOR ARMS®V2 OPS (OPERATIONS) SUITE

BY SHEOREY DIGITAL SYSTEMS LTD.

AVIATION InfoTech solutions provider, Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS), confirmed in mid-July 2013 that European carrier airBaltic has become the newest airline to sign-up for its popular ARMS®V2 OPS (Operations) suite incorporating the latest Operations Research based Optimizer solution. A phased implementation plan will see airBaltic deploy the ARMS®V2 CMSS (Crew Management Sub-System) application in the first phase and follow it up with the Flight Operations Sub-System in phase two.

Network Planning & Management Sub-System is under consideration for implementation in phase three.

The Latvian flag-carrier decided upon ARMS®V2 after a rigorous six-month due diligence process which saw ARMS® score high as a proven, cost-effective, cutting-edge technology solution offering ease of customization and therefore offering airBaltic a completely bespoke solution; a right fit to achieve the carrier’s business objectives. As a leading Airline in North Europe and operating in a highly competitive market, ARMS® will help airBaltic ensure high operational efficiency by maintaining tight control over resources, without compromising on quality and flight safety. airBaltic’s selection of ARMS®V2 OPS applications also includes Operations Research (OR) based Optimizers (a.k.a., ‘Solvers’), which through an affordable cloudcomputing model, employ advanced scientific analytical methods to improve the effectiveness of operations, by presenting optimum solutions for any given plan or schedule, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of resource planning and simplifying the handling of disruptions.

Managing Director & CEO of Sheorey Digital Systems, Vivek Sheorey, stated that he was delighted to welcome airBaltic as the newest ARMS®V2 customer and expressed great pleasure at this newfound association. He also stated that he was deeply gratified by airBaltic’s decision to go with ARMS®V2, adding that this selection was a clear reflection of the high-quality and competitiveness of our products. He further added that SDS was committed towards supporting airBaltic’s plans, as it continues to develop and grow its business in spite of a tough economic environment.

Who’s in the news: Vendors AIRCORE_SYSTEMS

aircore_systems develops software solutions which optimize the communication between cockpit and back office. The EFB solution AS-FlightBag II serves as a framework which embeds and manages all EFB components installed on board.

ALTRAN

Altran has been providing services for thirty years to key players in the Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare and Telecoms sectors; covering every stage of project development from strategic planning to manufacturing.

AVIASO

Aviaso is an international software company developing products exclusively for the aviation industry, focusing on complex, operational aviation topics such as Fuel Efficiency, EU-ETS, Aviation Reporting, and Crew Communication.

BOEING DEFENSE, SPACE & SECURITY

Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

THE BOEING EDGE

Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, solving real operational problems, enabling better decisions, maximizing efficiency and improving environmental performance.

ETS AVIATION

ETS Aviation has specialized in fuel‐efficiency programs and emissions data management since 2009. The firm created Aviation FuelSaver™ software and consultancy program having launched a software and consultancy solution, Aviation Footprinter™, for managing EU ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) requirements.

FLATIRONS SOLUTIONS

Flatirons Solutions is a system integrator specializing in full life-cycle strategic consulting, systems and software engineering, digital asset management, dynamic publishing, and enterprise architecture solutions for commercial and government clients.

FLIGHT FOCUS

Flight Focus delivers avionics platform solutions for Cockpit and Cabin, and is a certified system integrator for aircraft connectivity enabling airlines to build their own EFB or IFE… reducing costs, enhancing flight safety and creating new revenues.

GREENWICH AEROGROUP

Greenwich AeroGroup, Inc., owns and operates providers of aviation services including: maintenance, avionics and interior refurbishments; fixed base operations; manufacturing and engineering; parts distribution and financial services.

Who’s in the news: Airlines, Aircraft, Operators and OEMs AIRBALTIC

airBaltic, is the Latvian flag carrier airline and a low-cost carrier, with head office and main hub at Riga International Airport, and state owned since November 2011.

INFOTRUST GROUP

CHINA AIRLINES

MICROSOFT

China Airlines is the largest airline in Taiwan, headquartered at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and flying to Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.

InfoTrust Group delivers solutions to hundreds of companies, in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, automotive, high-tech, publishing and health care industries for their information processing, conversion, authoring, content and change management, publishing and distribution objectives.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft creates software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft has operated in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) since 1982.

NAVTECH, INC.

Navtech, Inc. provides flight operations solutions with products that can be configured as part of an EFB. Products include aeronautical and other charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance software (take-off/landing, weight and balance), and crew planning solutions

GARUDA INDONESIA

Garuda Indonesia serves 36 domestic and 19 international destinations in Southeast Asia with 194 aircraft having an average age of less than five years.

IBERIA

PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP.

Panasonic Avionics Corp. supplies in-flight entertainment and communication systems, supported by professional maintenance services to fully integrate with the cabin for improved-quality communication systems and solutions and less costs.

Iberia is the flag carrier of Spain operating an international network of services from its main bases of Madrid-Barajas Airport and Barcelona El Prat Airport.

SHEOREY DIGITAL SYSTEMS LTD.

KLM CITYHOPPER

Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS) is an InfoTech company specialising in Aviation and Information Management domains. The flagship product - ARMS® (Aviation Resource Management System) is an integrated, flexible and scalable enterprise‐class software solution, designed for the Air Transportation industry.

SMART4AVIATION

Smart4Aviation combines aviation and aeronautical expertise with experience and knowledge in both the aeronautical domain and software development. The company develops and delivers solutions for airlines and associated companies.

KLM Cityhopper is a 100% subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

With its Embraer 190 and Fokker 70 fleet, KLM Cityhopper flies to 52 destinations around Europe.

TUI TRAVEL GROUP

The eight European airlines owned by TUI Travel operate flights to more than 150 destinations worldwide from more than 60 airports in 9 European countries.

14 | WHITE PAPER: CONDUCE SOFTWARE | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

Tablet strategy: the next generation Paul Saunders, Operations Director for Conduce Software and Conduce Consulting wonders ‘what next?’ for these familiar and useful devices

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WHITE PAPER: CONDUCE SOFTWARE | 15 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

FINDING instead of searching

“First generation iPad app developers simply ported their existing software to the iOS platform or replaced paper content and forms with an iPad version of the same thing.

However, I believe that more astute users are expecting, and in some cases, crying out for a leap forward …”

T

HE LAUNCH OF the Apple iPad in the spring of 2010 triggered a wave of demand for consumer technology in business. Now, only three years later, many business users ask themselves what they ever did before the iPad’s radical new interpretation of the tablet computer was ever conceived. Certainly the iPad has changed information technology for flight operations, either directly through the availability of a cheap option for electronic flight bags and personal electronic devices; or indirectly by influencing the design of software and hardware alike. Today, the iPad is on the shortlist for any new mobile hardware implementation and iOS compatibility is expected to be a cost of doing business in the software development world.

Three years on from the launch of the iPad, we are anticipating yet another iteration of the iOS operating system; another batch of new iOS devices and the first

batch of early adopters are already embarking on device replacement programmes.

Furthermore, these same early adopters are looking at ways to roll out devices to other parts of their business. I spent those first three years advising operators on how to adopt iPads, now I am revisiting those same businesses to look at their next generation business cases. They want to know how to take their adoption to the next level. What new use cases are going to provide a similar level of business improvement? How can they improve their return on investment? How can other areas of the business (with pilot envy) also get in on the act?

Here, I’m going to explore some of those frequently asked questions and provide some observations on how operators, software vendors and content providers can take their adoption and support of iPads to the next level.

Intelligent electronic manuals Effectivity management Management of amendments Efficient access to required information Incremental updates

www.ovidius.com info@ovidius.com +49 304081895-0

16 | WHITE PAPER: CONDUCE SOFTWARE | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

HARDWARE

© Airbus

What’s occurring these days in the tablet market?

Despite seeing their market share dwindle from almost 100% in 2010 to around 52%, Apple’s iPad is still a force to be reckoned with and a benchmark for other tablets. Although Android, and of late Windows tablets are proving more and more popular, the iPad has a seemingly unassailable dominance in the flight operations sector. This is largely thanks to a broad choice of EFB apps, increasingly compelling case studies and regulatory acceptance. Many operators it seems are wary of breaking new ground with new devices entering the market when the iPad is tried and tested with proven hardware and software. Users and consumers are still finding the iPad to be the most attractive device when compared with the alternatives.

This is backed up by the most recent study which found that over 80% of tablet internet traffic is coming from iPads. This indicates to me, that there are a lot of older iPads still in circulation and once in the hands of users are frequently used. I personally have access to a variety of devices for testing and developing purposes, and my tablet of choice is my trusty iPad2 which is almost two years old now and still going strong.

Apple’s annual release of a new version of the iOS operating system helps to breathe new life into aging hardware and there is always a new generation of apps to promote user interest due to the thriving developer

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

Navtech realizes that each airline’s business case for EFB will require a unique combination of hardware, software, applications, back-office tools, and business process adjustment. With this in mind, Navtech partners with each customer and their EFB suppliers of choice to provide the best ROI possible. Discover more about Navtech TODC and Navtech Charts for EFB at www.navtech.aero.

Upcoming Events

AGIFORS Crew Management Group - June 2013 Frankfurt CAPA’s Australia Pacific Summit - August 2013 Sydney MAKS 2013 - August 2013 Moscow

community. In fact the pending release of iOS7 will support all but the first generation of iPads, so existing operator deployments of the iPad2 will see yet another year of hardware usage without enforced replacement.

Windows 8 has finally started to make an impact on the EFB market, with early promise somewhat hampered by the confusion over Windows RT versus the fully featured Windows 8 Professional. However the relatively straight forward translation of existing Windows software, coupled with the launch of business-friendly hardware, such as the Panasonic ToughPad, and the usual contenders, from the likes of Lenovo, Asus and Acer, has led to Windows 8 being considered a viable option for use in the cockpit once again. All that remains now is for some of the legacy Windows software to be redesigned with a more consumer friendly and touch optimised interface.

SOFTWARE

It never ceases to amaze me how tolerant most users are of mediocre software. Any software that is presented on an iPad with a lick of the iOS paint brushes seems to be manna from heaven for flight crew when compared to some of the legacy rubbish their desk bound colleagues have to put up with. The impact of intuitive software on our industry is phenomenal. The promise of slashed internal support and training costs have been realised by early adopters of the iPad, not to

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WHITE PAPER: CONDUCE SOFTWARE | 17 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ASG WEBSITE

“…that content providers should work harder to provide content that is tailored especially for tablets and users need to learn to expect some trade-offs in capability or scope of usage.” mention the intangible benefits reaped though usage efficiencies and through human factor improvements.

However I don’t believe that software developers have gone far enough to truly embrace the consumer experience that the iPad brings, nor have they gone nearly far enough with the adoption of innovative touch and gesture based interface design. With iOS7, Apple have set a benchmark with the exploration of gesture based user interface design borrowing heavily from the best apps like Clear (http://www.realmacsoftware.com/ clear) or Mailbox (http://www.mailboxapp.com/) and by abandoning their heavy utilisation of ‘skeuomorphism’ (the practise of designing user interface that resembled real-life items).

First generation iPad app developers simply ported their existing software to the iOS platform or replaced paper content and forms with an iPad version of the same thing. However, I believe that more astute users are expecting, and in some cases, crying out for a leap forward in software design for flight operations.

Just because you’ve put your software onto an iPad, it doesn’t automatically make it any good. The explosion of consumer software in the past few years has amplified the demands and requirements of user goals alongside business and technical goals when it comes to software design for business. These requirements cannot be ignored going forward, because in a crowded market place, the user experience is increasingly becoming a differentiator for vendors with buyers choosing one vendor over another in the same way as they currently choose media content based on personal preference and not on necessarily on features or functions.

CONTEXT

Talking of content, isn’t it about time that content providers twigged that iPads and devices like the iPad are here to stay in the cockpit and that they changed the way they provided content accordingly? It seems to me that there has been almost no change in the way content is generated since the days of delivering data in paper format by hand. Even today the content being consumed on devices like the iPad are formatted and styled as if it is a facsimile of the paper format.

How many pilots are reading on their devices flight manuals formatted into A4 or US Legal dimensions?

How many pilots are being forced to synchronise an entire library’s worth of digital media? The latest generation of iPads have a 2048 by 1536 pixels screen, yet whilst app developers, web designers and media providers are producing responsive content designed specifically for this medium I don’t know any content providers going to the same lengths in our sector. Even seemingly mundane features, like search and document annotations are not being designed specifically for the technical and contextual constraints of the unique use case that an iPad’s usage in the cockpit presents. When will software developers realise that features that have been devised for use on a PC or a server will not work in quite the same way on a mobile device and that compromises or functional redesigns need to be made?

Context for mobile devices comes in two flavours: qualitative and quantitative. App developers hopefully consider the qualitative context of content when designing their solutions, meaning that they consider the end user and their exact use case. We are beginning to see simple and more intuitive designs creeping into mobile software (as I said before, any steps forward here are welcome) where the user environment and capabilities are being properly considered. However I do not yet see the quantitative context being fully evaluated by content providers. Quantitative context includes such factors as screen size, connectivity constraints, device capabilities and processing power. As tablet hardware specifications improve over the years, some of these constraints will be less of a factor, but in the mean time I believe that content providers should work harder to provide content that is tailored especially for tablets and users need to learn to expect some trade-offs in capability or scope of usage.

US PATENT 82131081

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INTEGRATION

There are three types of integration worth considering when designing a mobile or tablet solution. These are: • Tablet to Server – integrating your tablet with central enterprise systems; • App to App – connecting two apps on the same device; • Tablet to Tablet – connecting apps on different devices.

Tablet to server integration is simple in theory, but in

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18 | WHITE PAPER: CONDUCE CONSULTING | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

“…if you build your app for iOS, it isn’t necessarily double the cost to re-platform the app for Android as you will continue to use the same back end applications.” practise is way more complicated than it should be. For one thing our industry is awash with data standards, but nobody seems to use them. Connectivity should be straight forward these days, but reliable networks are not as ubiquitous as you might imagine. Public facing web services, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and Software Development Kits (SDKs) are the norm in social media and consumer technology, but are still an alien concept for many aviation software providers. Add all of these factors to the overly strict

policies of airline IT regimes and you have a perfect storm of circumstances that result in many integration projects simply failing. I instigated a project some time ago with a UK based airline to integrate flight schedule data with engineering data for a mobile application. It took over six months for the approval from IT to access the necessary information. By this time the project was finished and the requirement had been forgotten and abandoned.

If anyone tells you that it is not possible to integrate between two apps on the same iPad, they are either ignorant or a liar. The iOS custom URL scheme is very well documented in the Apple iOS software development kit and has been personally tried and tested. It works by declaring a custom URL scheme within the code of your app. This URL scheme can be called from a different app on the same device, launch the app and carry out particular functions. It is a simple feature to implement and, if the custom URL scheme is known to a third party developer, can be used to pass data back and forth with ease. Unfortunately, for this feature to be utilised it requires vendors to read the manual and to talk to each other, both of which may be somewhat akin to getting blood out of a stone.

A tablet to tablet level of integration is something of particular interest to flight crews whereby data or content could be prepared or researched by a co-pilot and then sent to the Captain’s device by a swipe or a gesture. In the past I have used inter-connected devices for consumer specific applications, like using my iPhone as a remote control for apps on my iPad such as iTunes or for presentation slides; so we know the technology is available and straight forward. For this kind of application you need some sort of connection medium, such as cable, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. There are of course issues with implementing wireless comms in the cockpit and you may have a task on your hands to overcome the security concerns of the feds, but I’m sure it won’t be long before we see such applications in common usage.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DEVELOP AN APP?

This is a question I’ve been asked dozens of times and there is only one simple answer…It depends! There are so many variables to consider whenever pricing any app development project. The most fundamental question is ‘what does your app need to do?’

Without a detailed description of the features and functions of a proposed app there is no way to possibly price any software development project. The more information the better!

• Which devices and operating systems need to be supported?

• Is the app a standalone utility or does it integrate with other systems?

• How many users will be using it?

• How are you going to deploy the app?

• …and so on, and so on.

Generally speaking with mobile application development, as with other software development, the cost of the project is directly proportional to the amount of time and effort required; which is directly linked to the complexity and sophistication of an app.

However, asking a developer to produce an app which is a clone of an app they have already developed is a much simpler task than completely reinventing an app from scratch. My advice is to seek out developers who have already worked on similar applications to what you have in mind. It may be they have already developed a framework that will allow for the rapid rebranding and deployment of an identical application in a much shorter timeframe and for a much cheaper cost. One word of caution though; in such cases, developers need to ensure they do not break the terms and conditions of their Apple Enterprise Developer License.

More complex, enterprise level applications only expose a small percentage of the total application solution to the end-user. Many mobile and tablet apps integrate with other business systems or require management applications behind them to distribute content and synchronise with other systems. The bulk of the cost can lie in the development and hosting of these systems.

However the cost of these integration and management layers are not duplicated if you wish to use the same app on other platforms. Therefore, if you build your app for iOS, it isn’t necessarily double the cost to re-platform the app for Android as you will continue to use the same back end applications.

SO THE; HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DEVELOP AN APP?

As an extremely rough guide here’s what you can expect to get for your money: LESS THAN $20,000 Not much! Less than £10,000 will only buy a limited standalone utility app. An app in this price bracket will possibly only support a single operating system or device. There will be limited design effort using standard operating system user interfaces. $20,000-$100,000 This will buy you a basic enterprise grade application.

It may also be possible to buy an app with a preexisting application frame work with simple content management or integration capability. Don’t expect to get multiple device or operating system support for this much. Consideration must be taken for the on-going support and hosting of any management layer that applications in this bracket rely on.

MORE THAN $100,000 This buys you a more complex bespoke application with potentially unique features developed especially for your

requirements. Expect multiple device and operating system support or complex integration, distribution and management applications for this money. For applications of this level you should be also budgeting for software support, software assurance and other hosting and management fees. With almost limitless funds you are now in the realms of the most complex and sophisticated apps with cutting edge technology, bespoke design, multiple platform and device support and potentially mission critical and large enterprise level integration.

My advice to anyone embarking on an app design and development project is to not over complicate. Start small and do one thing flawlessly, then iterate. My final advice, as I always give with any information systems project, is to ensure that you KISSASS… ‘Keep it Simple, Stable, Available, Scalable and Secure!’ n

CONDUCE SOFTWARE

Since being established in its current form in 2009, Conduce has striven to make business IT simple by aligning the latest and greatest information management system technologies with business strategy. They believe that if you make business IT simple, elegant and pleasing to use, then workers will be happier and therefore will be more productive. The group’s Software and Consulting subsidiaries are focused on delivering best of breed, yet affordable solutions that really work.

PAUL SAUNDERS

Paul has spent the past 15 years working in aerospace IT within MROs, OEMs and software companies in the UK and the Middle East. Today he is Operations Director for Conduce Software and Conduce Consulting, leading a small team on the design, development, delivery and support of mobile applications in both the MRO and Flight Operations sectors. This article is an abstract from the presentation he gave at the Airline and Aerospace MRO and Operations IT Conference at Heathrow in June 2013.

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | FUEL MANAGEMENT SURVEY | 19 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

Aircraft IT 2013 Fuel Efficiency Survey sponsored by ETS Aviation What priority do operators give to fuel efficiency initiatives and what motivates their position?

I

N THE LAST issue we invited readers to participate in the Aircraft IT 2013 Fuel Efficiency Survey sponsored by ETS Aviation. 150 airlines and operators responded to create a valuable overview of how the industry deals with its largest operating expense. So first of all, thanks to all those who took the time to share their experience with us and who have added significantly to the industry’s knowledge on this very important topic.

Now to the heart of the matter‌ what were the results of the survey and what could be read into those results?

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Fuel Efficiency Survey conducted in July 2013 revealed some surprising results. For more than 50% of operators, running a fuel-efficiency programme at all was either a completely new departure or had only been embarked upon in the last three years. We had expected all operators to have a programme of some kind in place, in view of the

A ground-breaking software and consultancy service designed to maximise fuel efficiencies and save operators $$$ millions.

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20 | FUEL MANAGEMENT SURVEY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

fact that fuel has accounted for such a major part of everyone’s costs for so long (although even we were astonished to learn that a third of those who participated in the survey spend over 40% of their total costs on fuel).

When asked what they thought were the major barriers to implementing a fuel-efficiency programme, the leading culprit wasn’t cost, as one might have expected, but issues about ‘gathering and processing’ data. This didn’t surprise us. More surprising was that in second place came ‘lack of priority by senior management’ – a response that appeared to contradict a statement further on in the survey where respondents told us that fuelefficiency ranked second only to safety in their company’s priorities. Maybe the real issue is that senior management needs a better understanding of the data they already have in order to convince them of its potential to unlock some significant cost efficiencies.

This view is reinforced by the 65% of the companies who told us they have access to data sources that would enable them to implement a dedicated fuel- efficiency management tool, while 40% are taking management decisions based on what they themselves describe as ‘unreliable’ data. This might be due to the fact that 49% rely on in-house software or Excel based systems. Whatever the reason, 40% are not satisfied with the results.

We listed eleven operational areas to illustrate where fuel-efficiency gains might be made. As expected, in terms of importance, our operators told us the top four in their experience were all ground-based. Which leaves us thinking: they might be very pleasantly surprised at the hundreds of possibilities that dedicated fuel-efficiency software can open up. To find them, all that is needed is the data – and the management in support.

THE ANSWERS TO THE INDIVIDUAL QUESTIONS WERE…

We asked respondents what is their fuel spend as a percentage of their total operating costs? By far the largest group at 30% reported that fuel represents between 31 and 40 per cent of their total costs but some 19% find fuel accounts for 40-50% of those costs while 14% actually have fuel costs eating up more than 50% of total costs. At the other end of the scale, 11% have fuel costs accounting for 10% or less of their total costs. Of course, all sorts of factors will be at play here but it does suggest that, for many airlines and operators, fuel spend is a cost area where significant savings could be realized.

We also asked respondents to tell us how mature is their Company’s fuel saving program? Roughly equal numbers of those who had a program had been running it for less than or more than three years and together they accounted for about two thirds of the respondents. More than one sixth were working on new programs while just under a sixth reported that fuel

efficiency programs were not a company focus: again, various factors might be at play here but that last number does, at first sight, seem worrying.

Where a company has a fuel saving program of any sort, we asked how the results were reported and, if the company did not operate a program, what major barriers prevented them from implementing one. By far the largest group at 46 respondents (34%) reported that issues in gathering and processing data were the main barrier while 32 respondents (13%) said that it not being a priority for senior management was the main barrier in their businesses and another 17 (12.5%) told us that the main barrier for them was that there was

no fuel efficiency or environmental culture established in the business. Given the critical nature of both issues, we found this quite a surprising response as also was the 10 respondent businesses (7%) who cited insufficient in-house fuel efficiency expertise. The very small numbers who cited either insufficient data gathering and analysis expertise or cost might well be attributable to other factors.

One interesting response was when respondents indicated the fuel saving initiatives currently being actioned within their Company and which of those was regarded as the most important in terms of percentage savings.

Interestingly, solutions that can be implemented before the aircraft leaves the ground (use of ground power unit and reduction of auxiliary power unit fuel burn) came out way ahead of the others while the quite complex calculation of take-off weight and payload accuracy came out as least important in the estimation of respondents. This seems to suggest a perceived difficulty in a software based approach.

With regard to the same operational areas, we asked how effective respondents’ companies were at tracking efficiency, asking them to indicate how reliable they regard the data that is available to them. It seems that the most information is available around the areas of fuel management – reduction in carriage of additional fuel; tankering; contingency fuel reduction and actual uplift versus over-fuelling. At the other end of the scale, very few respondents felt they have useful information about flight plan taxi out fuel accuracy and not many more feel well served with data on airframe drag reduction.

When we asked whether respondents were satisfied with the overall results that they’re receiving from their fuel saving program, only just over half reported themselves satisfied while nearly half are not satisfied with those results. It seems there might be some way to go in meeting expectations.

When we asked respondents, if they were choosing a fuel efficiency software solution now, what would be their key selection criteria to choosing a fuel saving management tool, a pretty convincing 86% selected software functionality as the highest priority while a puzzlingly low number rated

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | FUEL MANAGEMENT SURVEY | 21

accuracy of the analysis as an important priority. It was also interesting how few people regard data availability on handheld devices as being important although web-based 24/7 access was rated second most important priority.

When it comes to which data sources are available to companies, flight plans seem the most prevalent with nearly 90% of respondents’ companies while FOQA/FDM/FDR (Flight Operations Quality Assurance / Flight Data Monitoring / Flight Data Recording), flight management systems, ACARS and electronic load sheets are all regarded as main data sources by around 60% of respondents. At just 20%, electronic tech logs do not yet seem to figure much as data sources for respondents.

IN CONCLUSION

It seems, judging from how they approach it, that senior management do not have a very high appreciation of the value in fuel management programs with an outlook that can best be described as inconsistent.

As we said at the outset, nearly all respondents placed fuel efficiency as second only to safety in their organisations’ priorities and yet lack of senior management support was identified as a major barrier to the implementation of a fuel efficiency program.

This is not a subject that will go away and is likely to become ever more important to regulatory authorities and to bodies charged with global environmental concerns… which means that, like it or not, it will also become ever more important to airlines and operators. At the same time, with the economic downturn and the likelihood that fuel prices will not be going down, companies are looking into managing their businesses more effectively. In the long term, new aircraft will be more efficient, but you cannot replace a fleet overnight. You can implement a fuel efficiency program, if not overnight then certainly within a couple of months and at considerably less cost than the purchase price of a new aircraft. And even new aircraft, with increasingly higher levels of fuel efficiency can be ’operated’ at less than their potential efficiency so will still need to be accurately tracked.

We’d like to thank ETS Aviation for their considerable support in sponsoring this survey and those readers who took the time to respond. n

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Congratulations to all those who participated in the survey were entered into a draw to win an iPad and the winner of that very topical prize was Shawn Blair, Manager Fuel at UPS. Well done Shawn and we wish you many happy hours with your new device.

KEY FINDINGS!

These were the ‘stand-out’ results from the survey.

• Over half of all operators spend more than 30% of their total costs on fuel and almost a third spends over 40%.

• Fuel efficiency is second only to safety for 98% of respondents.

• While most operators now run some kind of fuel-efficiency programme, almost half are disappointed with the results.

• The top four fuel-efficiency initiatives are all groundbased.

• Half of existing fuel-efficiency programmes are run in-house without the benefit of outside specialists or dedicated software.

• The biggest barrier to implementing an effective fuel-efficiency programme is the issue of extracting and processing reliable data. Surprisingly, not being a priority for Senior Management comes in second place.

• Functionality is regarded as being twice as important as cost in evaluating a fuelefficiency software tool.

• Accuracy of results is regarded as being twice as important as Return on Investment in a programme’s deliverables.

• In half the operational areas where fuel-efficiencies are sought, operators are taking business decisions based on poor or low data reliability.

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22 | INFOTRUST GROUP | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

“Electronic access to content removes the weight of all of this paper from the aircraft, thus saving fuel and related costs. Finally, in addition to these efficiencies, pilots now have faster, easier access to essential and up to date information, thus improving safety.”

W

HEN AMERICAN AIRLINES became the first commercial airline to receive FAA approval to use iPads in the cockpit, and United Airlines gave 11,000 iPads to their pilots, they did more than just eliminate reams of paper manuals in favor of an electronic device. These industry leaders took the first step toward delivering smart content to their pilots. And that is more significant than, and will probably outlast, the attractively packaged, usefully functional devices on which that content is delivered.

In this White Paper we will to review early uses of the tablet and iPad for Flight Operations, describe the shortcomings of traditional PDF-based content models that most airlines are currently using, and explain how the use of smart content more fully realizes the greater potential for an entirely new digital experience that can help pilots access the right information more quickly, reduce IT costs, and facilitate regulatory compliance for airlines.

QUICK WINS WITH TABLETS AND iPADS

Smart content takes tablets and iPads to the next level There are a host of reasons, say Capt. John Badger and Ed Kase at InfoTrust Group, why smart content and XML can significantly improve document production, delivery and usability.

Launched as consumer products, but with early adopters including a lot of ‘gadget’ people like pilots and IT staff, these devices very quickly became assets in corporate mobile IT infrastructures.

The early adopters saw immediate potential for tablets and iPads. For an airline, iPad adoption achieves a number of benefits from the outset. This adoption eliminates paper manuals from the information distribution system. Back office staff no longer need to produce, ship, and track massive amounts of paper.

Pilots are no longer required to spend excessive time updating manuals with revised content. Electronic access to content removes the weight of all of this paper from the aircraft, thus saving fuel and related costs.

Finally, in addition to these efficiencies, pilots now have faster, easier access to essential and up to date information, thus improving safety.

FIRST STEPS WITH DIGITAL CONTENT

A number of airlines have adopted tablets and/or iPads to date including: • Alaska Airlines which deployed iPads June 2011 and uses PDF content; • Sri Lankan Airlines which was the first Asian airline to gain iPad approval in August 2012; • American Airlines which was the first airline authorized to use the iPad in all Phases of flight from September 2012; • Air France which started equipping all of its pilots with iPads from September 2012.

Airlines around the world are adopting tablets, mostly iPads, for Flight Operations. However, initially many are focusing on PDF-only content and, in those cases, the tablet or iPad has simply become a PDF reader.

These devices are capable of providing a much richer user experience, so the next logical step is to more fully realize the potential of a tablet or iPad. To understand the benefits of smart content, it’s necessary to understand where PDF content falls short.

A manual delivered as a PDF document is like a book; navigation still relies on a Table of Contents (ToC) or an index. Bookmarks are tied to specific pages so that, if a revision causes a manual to repaginate, the bookmarks become wrong, useless or disappear entirely and the user is forced to recreate these bookmarks.

Content is locked to the document, limiting the potential for content reuse. Authors have to create (or copy/paste) content everywhere that content is needed, which is time consuming and error prone, resulting in inconsistent information across manuals. Updating content on the tablet or iPad has to be ‘all or nothing’, which entails high transfer costs because complete manuals have to be delivered every time there is a revision, even if only a small amount of content has changed… gigabytes of information result in high data transfer costs and these large file transfers can also be

“Navigation relies on hyperlinks to the exact content that is needed, not simply to the general subject area or start of chapter (as from a PDF ‘ToC’ page) and can even link across manuals…”

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | INFOTRUST GROUP | 23

very time consuming. Also, there is limited end user functionality available in a PDF, which means only a basic search can be made; and no effectivity filtering can be applied, so everyone gets the same information rather than information specific to the aircraft they are currently operating. In a similar vein, there is little to no interactive capability which can hinder or delay pilots’ ability to access information. Finally, end user customizations are not persistent; in other words, one size has to fit all, meaning that all pilots get the same information and there is no flexibility to give pilots only the information they need.

different formats. XML content is automatically assembled, which reduces or eliminates human error, and these content ‘chunks’ can be reused anywhere that the same information is required, whether in a different manual or in a different context such as content for a training program.

The relevant content can simply be referenced from the manual and reused wherever else it is needed. Not only will information be delivered more quickly but also with improved consistency and accuracy. Content can now be delivered to pilots according to what they specifically need.

REACHING THE NEXT LEVEL

There is a perception that XML is ‘hard’ to use and understand, but that reality has changed. In the early years, XML would not have been regarded as user friendly by the standards of today but, at the time, it was considered a significant step forward in managing and delivering content.

Smart Content is the way forward. Some airlines might choose to get there more quickly than others, but the benefits for everyone are clear.

Using smart content leverages more of the capabilities of these tablets and iPads. XML content consists of individual content components, or ‘chunks’ of information. To deliver revised XML content you don’t need to download a whole monolithic book (or to download a potentially very large PDF document) in order to get the information that’s relevant to what you want to know now. Navigation relies on hyperlinks to the exact content that is needed, not simply to the general subject area or start of chapter (as from a PDF ‘ToC’ page) and can even link across manuals to allow users to check related content and context where relevant. Also, where bookmarks or annotations are made by the user, they are not page dependent but reference the specific piece of information, wherever it is and these personalizations will move with that content if it moves: so bookmarks and annotations, once made, will always be functional and correct. Smart content, such as XML is format independent and therefore is not tied to any particular layout (PDF, web page, etc.). This means that it can be viewed on a tablet, through a web browser, or in any number of

From the beginning, based on the design of XML, it has been possible to create content once, then deliver it multiple times. Manuals or other forms of assembled content could be delivered as incremental updates. Reuse enabled improved information consistency and accuracy. It was possible to deliver content in the proper context, in much the same way that we’re proposing to deliver information to pilots according to what they need.

Today, with improved authoring tools, XML has evolved, conforming to the popular paradigm, WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)…

IS THERE A DARK SIDE TO XML?

© InfoTrust Group

Fig 1: XML…the early years

© InfoTrust Group

Fig 2: XML user-friendly appearance … and yet XML still retains all of the advantages from those early days plus a modern, user-friendly appearance and functionality. Further, OEMs have adopted delivering manuals in XML format and forward thinking airlines receiving that content have been developing processes to leverage CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

GO MOBILE! Use Smart Content to Get the Greatest Benefit from Your iPad® Deployment

Deliver Information to Pilots and Technicians at the Point of Performance on iOS® and Android™ Devices Optimize Tablet Devices to Help Technicians Return Aircraft to Service Quicker than Ever Before

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24 | INFOTRUST GROUP | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

smart content. Smart content delivers expanded end user functionality and it enables revisions to be made incrementally. It allows content to be shared between manuals and even to be shared between applications while, because of the ‘create once, use many times’ capability, that content (and any revisions) remains absolutely consistent wherever it is used.

REALIZING THE POTENTIAL OF TABLETS AND iPADS

We deliberately say tablets and iPads because the market is changing and XML-based smart content will work on any platform. But, given the functions in which these devices are used, it is critical for safety and consistency that all material is exactly the same as to content and structure on the tablet or iPad as it is on any other device employed by the airline.

But there are many other reasons for using smart content and an XML capable tablet or iPad solution. For a start, you’ll immediately enjoy improved end user usability, resulting in safer operations. You’ll be able to deliver the most current information through incremental updates, delivering the right information to each user because content delivery can be filtered by individual, group, aircraft type, individual aircraft, etc.

Users will be able to drill down directly to the content needed (through metadata) and use hyperlinks to navigate to related information, even across manuals. User customizations such as bookmarks and annotations are persistent.

For both large airlines with thousands of pilots or smaller carriers with hundreds or fewer, the airlines need to manage users of its systems. When choosing a solution airlines need to consider user management. Can you limit users to certain content, for example, pilots only load the manuals for the aircraft they operate that day, based on effectivity? Can you group users, for example, so that pilots of a certain type of aircraft only get manuals for that type of aircraft? This minimizes distractions and reduces bandwidth requirements.

CAPT. JOHN BADGER

WHAT ELSE SHOULD AIRLINES EXPECT FROM TABLET AND IPAD SOLUTIONS?

The right solution can deliver more benefit to airlines when other usage scenarios are considered.

To comply with aviation regulatory statutes, pilots need to acknowledge that they have reviewed and incorporated revised content. The right solution will offer pilot acknowledgment of updates and provide functionality to allow an airline to verify, audit, and report on pilot compliance.

In a single view, pilots can quickly see their documents, new revisions that require their acknowledgement, and documents they have flagged as favorites.

Any pilot application should take into account context. Where does the pilot need the information? Under what conditions? The application running on the tablet or iPad should be designed by pilots for pilots. Any buttons and other user interface controls should be big and easy to operate in adverse conditions, such as extreme turbulence. Similarly, day/night screen contrast for presenting information is an advantage as well. Black text on white background is recommended for day use, and white text on black background for flying at night will keep pilots’ eyes from adjusting in different lighting conditions. And finally, unlike consumer apps that often maximize the use of vibrant colors, tablet apps for pilots—for which color can signify alerts—should minimize the use of color for instances in which it enhances usability.

CONCLUSION

Pilots are prompted to acknowledge revised information directly from the app, which is automatically tracked for immediate compliance reporting.

INFOTRUST GROUP

InfoTrust Group provides information management solutions and services for global organizations and Fortune 500 companies in the aerospace, defense, high-tech, and other industries. For more than 25 years, InfoTrust Group has helped operators, OEMs, and MROs meet their technical information management requirements for maintenance, engineering, and flight operations. The company’s TechSight/X® suite of products is in production at many of the largest airlines around the world, and both OEMs and carriers rely on InfoTrust Group services to increase the efficiency of authoring, managing, and processing their data to keep it timely, accurate, and industry-compliant.

Tablets and iPads offer more than just the opportunity to go paperless on the flight deck. Take a step back and consider the way you create, manage, and deliver Flight Operations content—starting with the limitations of a document-centric approach versus the benefits of a content-centric approach. You likely will uncover multiple opportunities to gain greater benefit out of an iPad deployment to hundreds or thousands of pilots.

When you look beyond the immediate benefits of tablets and iPads on the flight deck, a smart content-centric approach complemented by regulatory compliance capabilities, flexible user management, and an optimized user interface provide the next level of tablet and iPad performance in the cockpit of the 21st century.

In short, when an airline decides to switch its manuals from PDF to smart content, it isn’t only the content that’s smart. n

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND MOBILITY PROGRAM OWNER, INFOTRUST GROUP John W. Badger has more than 20 years of experience in the aviation and aerospace industries having held positions in operations, training, aircraft acquisition, IT implementation and program management. He also has more than 10,000 hours of flight time worldwide as an Airline Captain and has been the Chief Pilot for two airlines as well as serving part of the certification team for three airline certificates and led the effort for one of the first Class 2 EFB programs in North America.

ED KASE

PRODUCT MANAGER FOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND MOBILITY SOLUTIONS, INFOTRUST GROUP Ed Kase has more than 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry having held positions in marketing, sales, and engineering, focused in technical data analysis for engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals. His focus has been in applying technology to solving problems, supporting manufacturing, aerospace, and defense customers. Prior to joining the TechSight/X team, Ed was a mechanical engineer designing aircraft engines and has worked in various organizations delivering software for better understanding aerospace data.

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The World according to IT

...and me!

The Rise of the Phablets

Is it a phone? Is it a tablet? If you can’t tell the difference then is must be a PHABLET. Words: Paul Saunders

“In a recent report by OpenSignal there are now 11,868 different Android devices and 8 different versions of the Linux based mobile operating system in current use.”

N

O seriously, mini tablets and oversized phones are taking the consumer market by storm and are about to make an impact in our sector whether we like it or not.

The good news for users is that these devices are just another form factor to get used to.

Phablets work in the same way as your existing phones and tablets. An oversized phone is great if you have extra-large sausage fingers like me and an undersized tablet is great if a ten inch tablet is just too big for your tiny little paws.

The bad news for app designers and software developers like myself is that the introduction of these devices means a whole load a new screen sizes and even more device fragmentation to worry about. In a recent report

by OpenSignal there are now 11,868 different Android devices and 8 different versions of the Linux based mobile operating system in current use. Apple’s iOS mobile operating system used for the iPad and iPhone has proved a popular platform for developers based largely on the commonality of IOS versions and screen sizes across the

range of devices. According to the same OpenSignal report, 99% of all iOS devices in current use are running either iOS5 or iOS6 and four screen sizes covers the entire range of iPhones and iPads.

The introduction of the 7 inch iPad mini in October 2012 was the first time that Apple had launched an iOS device with an alternative sized screen and marked their first step into the fledgling phablet market. However this was a simple device for app designers to support as it used the exact same 1024x768 pixel screen resolution as the full sized iPad. Therefore software designed for the iPad2, 3 or 4 would “just work” on the iPad mini.

Rumours have been circulating in recent weeks that the iPhone 6 is going to feature a much larger screen with all sizes between 5 and 6 inches being touted. If these rumours are true and if Apple launches a retina display version of the iPad mini then device fragmentation will become an increasingly significant factor for iOS developers and their development costs.

The Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 which was launched a couple of months ago is one such beast of an Android phone with which Apple will be hoping to compete. The 6.3 inch screen is a whopping 160 millimetres if you’re used to working with sensible units of measurement.

Most Android developers have already sussed device fragmentation and employ some of the essential responsive design skills that have been adopted in the web industry over the last couple of years. Scalable design assets ensure that all screen real estate is employed whatever the device size.

Some iOS designers, and I include myself in this statement, moan that this auto scaling of apps for screens accounts for a perceived lack of polishing of some Android apps compared to their iPad equivalents, but in recent months I have come to accept that this is the bleating of developers who either don’t know what they are doing or can’t be bothered to put the effort in. Get used to it, because, like it or not, phablets are heading our way sooner rather than later. n

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26 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

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Aviaso – Live Fuel Efficiency Masterclass and Software Demontration Webinar

Aviaso connecting aviation and software www.aviaso.com

n SESSION 1: 26th September 2013 - 06:30 GMT/UTC n SESSION 2: 26th September 2013 - 14:30 GMT/UTC n DURATION: 1 hour plus Q&A.

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IGN UP TO attend this Webinar and learn how to manage fuel costs, one of the largest cost factors in airline operations, and how to leverage the data collected in the process to help other stakeholders to generate further operational efficiency. The economic impact of efficient fuel management is huge. Depending on the airline, fuel costs represent 20% - 40% of the total costs of an airline. IATA states that an airline having a successful fuel savings program can reduce its fuel costs by 3% to 5%.

The Webinar will show you how to discover fuel savings and how to monitor your fuel efficiency improvement program via a full demonstration of the powerful Aviaso/Fuel Efficiency software solution.

The fuel conservation solution, you will see during the Webinar, from Aviaso provides a full range of data analysis, reporting, and monitoring tools to help airlines achieve these savings. The Aviaso/Fuel Efficiency software performs the following main functions: • Collects data automatically from the various IT systems of an airline; • Checks and improves the quality of the data; • Provides sophisticated analysis-tools to identify fuel savings potential; • Provides tools to monitor the progress of the fuel efficiency improvement program; • Communicates the results to the stakeholders.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE WEBINAR

Simply click on ‘Register for Webinar’ opposite; fill in your details and then select your preferred Webinar session. Full instructions on how to access the Webinar will be emailed to you.

WEBINAR AGENDA

1. An Overview of fuel efficiency a. Economic background b. How to organize a fuel efficiency improvement program 2. An Overview of the Aviaso/Fuel Efficiency software Solution a. Data collection and data quality assurance b. Analysis and communication tools c. Benefits for operations and IT 3. A Live demonstration of the Aviaso/Fuel Efficiency software Solution a. How to discover fuel savings potential b. How to monitor the progress of the fuel efficiency improvement program c. How to communicate with stakeholders d. How to customize and tailor for your airline 4. Case studies from airlines already using the software 5. Questions and answers

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WEBINARS | 27

September / October 2013 will bring further tremendous opportunities for readers to attend programs covering leading fuel management and fuel efficiency software solutions available on the market today. If you need to know more about this vitally important area of aircraft operations management, you’ll save a great deal of time and gain a lot of what you’ll need to know to inform a good decision by simply attending these informative webinars.

And remember that if you miss a webinar or are reading this after the live webinar has run, you can still access all of the benefits through a recording of the event –go to www.aircraftit.com/Operations/Webinars/Past.aspx for how to do that.

OSyS Live Fuel Webinar – Next steps in operational efficiency n SESSION 1: 10th October 2013 - 06:30 GMT/UTC n SESSION 2: 10th October 2013 - 14:30 GMT/UTC n DURATION: 1 hour plus Q&A.

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ANAGING AND CONTROLLING operational fuel usage through the use of an IT system is becoming an accepted practice within the airline industry. The benefits are well documented and best practice is evolving apace. So what are the next steps in terms of operational efficiency that can be leveraged from the data that is being gathered by current operational fuel management activities?

OSyS would like to share their vision on how predictive analytics can connect historical data to effective action by drawing reliable conclusions about current conditions and future events:: • Ensure you have consistent, complete and accurate Identification of future areas for focus in terms of operational fuel usage resulting in targeted campaigns with messages that are relevant to the individual stakeholders.

• Improve fuel purchasing effectiveness by the generation of accurate future fuel forecasts.

• Identification of the possible unintended consequences of making fuel management decisions.

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Aircraft eEnablement (Connectivity & IFE) Conference October 1st - 2nd 2013 at the Park Inn Hotel at London Heathrow Airport Confirmed speakers to-date:

• Cloudstore – (Speaker TBC)

• Boeing – Daniel Murray, Chief Engineer E/S

• Oman Air – Dawood Al Raisi, Senior Manager Technical Projects

• iJet Onboard – John Schramm, VP Product Development & Benson Miller, VP Engineering

• Flight Focus – Ralf Cabos, Managing Director

• ARINC – Mark Taylor, Business Development Director, eEnabled Aircraft Solutions

• Lufthansa Systems – Norbert Müller, VP of IFE Programs and BoardConnect

• AeroMobile – Kevin Rogers, CEO

• Row44 – John Guidon, CTO and Co-Founder

• Allegiant Systems – Andrew Kemmetmueller, CEO

• Air Informatics – Bruce Jackson

• American Airlines – Maureen Morgan, Manager of IT eEnablement

• Honeywell – (Speaker TBC)

• Cathay Pacific – Rob Saunders, Manager of Engineering Development

• OnAir – (Speaker TBC)

This conference will be the first of its kind to cover all aspects of aircraft communications, connectivity and IFE (for the ground, cockpit and the cabin).

The aim of the conference is to help all airlines to better manage the operational benefits and revenue opportunities available for connected airplanes.

• Rockwell Collins – (Speaker TBC)

• IMDC – Robert Smith, Consultant

• SITA – (Speaker TBC)

• Icelandair – Gudmundur Óskarsson, Director of Marketing & Business Development

• Inmarsat - (Speaker TBC)

• Gulf Air – Mohamad El Assaad, Senior Manager IFE & Communications

• HMPlaney Consultants – Michael Planey, Senior Consultant

• LiveTV – (Speaker TBC)

Please visit: www.aircraft-commerce.com/conferences To enquire about attending, sponsoring and exhibiting please contact: Simon Barker Tel: +44 (0)1403 230 700 E-mail: simon@aircraft-commerce.com

October 1st - 2nd 2013 London Heathrow The Must-Attend Event to get Better Connected!

Main Sponsors

W NE NT E EV

FLight2013Log Vendor AUGUST-SEPTEMBER | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | VENDOR FLIGHT LOG | 29

Why Sheorey Digital Systems has grown and thrived Director,

Mr. Vivek Sheorey (Vicky), CEO & Managing Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS)

from the Nagpur in 1977 and with a private pilot’s license, Vicky graduated After graduating with a degree in Commerce from University of planning and nal operatio le invaluab his time with the IAF, he gained Indian Air Force (IAF) Academy as a Fighter Pilot in Dec 1979. During analyst, business chief the the founder and promoter of SDS and has been experience on frontline Fighter-Bomber aircraft of the era. He was architect and designer of software products for the business.

AIRCRAFTIT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business?

VIVEK SHEOREY: Vivek Sheorey, CEO & Managing Director, Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS).

A IT: How did Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. get started?

VS: Vivek Sheorey (me) an ex-military aviator, and Dr. Uday Sheorey, an electronics engineer, joined forces to establish SDS in 1993, to address the growing service needs of the digital electronics era.

Initial activities included consultancy, integration of computer systems & peripherals, application software programming, electronic data processing, multimedia services and training; a portfolio of services to propagate the proliferation of personal computing.

By the turn of the millennium, SDS had decided to switch to application software development, and selected Aviation as the main focus area. This was the genesis of our aviation IT product ARMS® (Aviation Resource Management System) now available in its second avatar as ARMS® V2.

A IT: What is the attraction of aircraft Operations related IT? VS: A lesson learnt very early on during our incubation period was how the future of airline operations will be centered around efficient decision support systems that have been designed to assist Airline managers in making effective decisions both under normal operating conditions and more importantly, in managing disruptions.

The message therefore was clear - only with a high degree of workflow automation and availability of

real-time data could you ensure operational efficiency and consistent on-time performance besides making forward-plans with far higher degree of predictability.

The result: SDS spotted an opportunity and decided to design an integrated IT solution that could not only be customized to Airlines’ OPS specific needs but could also seamlessly interface with other vital functional areas of an Airline/Air Operator, such as M&E; much as traditional organizational silos have been or are being gradually replaced by an integrated command center that has access to all the necessary data required to make informed operations decisions.

A IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives SDS? VS: There is more than one…

• Sharp and steady focus; • Cost effective solutions and services; • Flexible system architecture; • Customer-centric, user-friendly approach; • Listen to customers and deliver what they want, at an affordable price.

A IT: What has been SDS’s greatest IT achievement to date, and why?

VS: Making operations research based optimizers available to clients on an affordable ‘cloud-computing’ model. Traditionally optimizers meant, super computing power, expensive solver software and very high associated cost of resources. We have managed to deliver cutting-edge optimization technologies to clients, on the cloud at extremely affordable rates. ARMS® V2 not only offers a flexible system architecture and user friendly interface, but is also much smarter.

A IT: What has been SDS’s greatest business achievement to date, and why?

VS: To deliver a truly integrated and cost effective IT solution that spans across the Commercial – Operations – MRO functions.

designed to transform the cost-effectiveness of any Airline/Air Transport operation by supporting all of the planning and scheduling activities and providing the Operator with precise control and monitoring on the day of operation.

A IT: What have been SDS’s disappointments and what have you learned from them?

VS: The first is specific to SDS: that we missed out on a few large Aviation IT projects, because we were disqualified for being a small company (balance sheet wise). The vendors who were selected have failed to deliver, whereas we have zero failed or undelivered projects. What we have learnt from this is that size of the company does not necessarily mean guaranteed delivery and satisfaction. In fact, smaller companies are more agile, flexible and efficient.

The second is more general to the sector: the airline industry operates and thinks in silos. As a result technology induction is also fragmented, further reinforcing the silos. Top management needs to take a holistic view towards IT solutions, appreciating that IT is the fabric that needs to be interwoven across the core functions of an aviation operator. IT is not a function: IT is an enabler. It automates core business processes. Every department and function must have an IT champion and all the IT champions need to work as a team. That’s when IT proliferation will be the most effective and ensure early return on investments.

A IT: What is new on SDS’s development horizon?

VS: Having successfully launched ARMS on the TAB™, our EFB/ETL solution, SDS is now planning to introduce a slew of optimizers and these are: • Schedule Planning Optimizer (for use with ARMS® V2.5 Commercial Planning); • Disruption Management Optimizer (for use with ARMS® V2.5 Flight Operations); • Crew Rostering Optimizer (for use with ARMS® V2.5 Crew Management); • 4D Flight Trajectory Optimizer (for use with ARMS® V2.5 Flight Planning and Dispatch).

A IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what SDS does for aircraft Operations customers?

VS: The ARMS® V2 OPS group of sub-systems are

A IT: What will be the next big thing in Operations Aviation IT? VS: Integrated IT solution on the cloud. It will enable anytime, anyplace access to the system, even when on the move. This will result in more efficient planning and execution, better quality, reduced expenses, smart disruption management.

A IT: What do you want your customers to say about SDS? VS: We selected ARMS® V2 but we’re not stuck with it; we’re glued to it! ARMS® V2 is the best investment decision ever! SDS delivers as per commitment; no matter what and they bend over backwards to accommodate our customization requests.

30 | WHITE PAPER: SITA | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

“As a largely manual approach, postflight data gathering – to track and monitor aircraft reliability and other types of performance – is also timeconsuming…”

TACKLING AREAS OF INEFFICIENCY IN AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

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A digital aircraft future With the latest aircraft IT capabilities, Mario Sabourin, Sr. Product Manager, EFB at SITA explains that users must do more than simply plug them in to the existing system.

N TERMS OF efficiency, aircraft operations have always been hindered by complex and intertwined processes, involving many stakeholders. This is further compounded by multiple incomplete data sources as well as limitations on the availability of the type and timeliness of such information. Three particular challenges stand out: 1. Manual and labour-intensive processes. Typical aircraft operational processes and procedures comprise hundreds of individual tasks, inputs and outputs. They necessitate the involvement of dozens of different personnel roles across multiple functional organizations within the airline. Reducing the sheer labour intensity of these procedures –would shorten process times and avoid the potentially large cost of delays, while improving the quality of information.

2. Paper-based environment. Typically, an extensive library of paper-based content exists on-board each and every aircraft. It includes navigational charts, approach and departure ‘plates’, aircraft take-off and landing performance tables, internal company documentation, and manuals from the aircraft manufacturer and other suppliers. That’s not to mention the dozens of pages of flight-specific information that pilots themselves bring into the cockpit prior to each departure. All of this material has to be regularly updated and the revision process itself must be documented and controlled. This means printing, copying, collating and distributing updates whenever existing content changes or new content is added. Not only is this a laborious exercise but one fraught with the potential for human error or omission.

3. Data access, availability and latency. As a largely manual approach, post-flight data gathering — to track and monitor aircraft reliability and other types of performance — is also time-consuming, with significant delays and loss or corruption of data.

Similarly, line maintenance is still a mostly manual affair, in terms of information flow and process management. These activities generally involve communicating aircraft defects, and deferring action on them while the required documents are referenced, before finally taking corrective action.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WHITE PAPER: SITA | 31

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AIRCRAFT COMMUNICATIONS — UNTIL NOW, ONE OF THE MAJOR CONSTRAINTS TO AUTOMATION

In addition to mandated voice communications, most commercial aircraft today are equipped with avionics that use the aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS) for data communications.

First deployed in 1978, ACARS allows aircraft to exchange blocks of text-based messages with groundbased systems. This has been instrumental in reducing the limitations of, and dependency on, the use of voice radio by pilots. Since its introduction, ACARS has evolved from being a means to report simple aircraft

movements to an indispensable tool on which several important airline and air traffic control processes now depend. However, as demand drives the volume and complexity of data communications, ACARS is itself being pushed to its very limits.

BUT WHAT IF? POTENTIAL SCENARIOS WITH NEW GENERATION AIRCRAFT

Now imagine the possibilities of an environment where aircraft can handle near real-time exchange of gigabytes of information — in effect becoming flying data centres. What possibilities might that offer for airlines and passengers alike?

Adopt fast, adapt faster

Is your airline equipped for today’s fast-changing world?

Can you switch services and applications on and off instantly? Are smartphones all your passengers need to book, check in and board? Can you communicate and exchange operational information with your pilots around the globe? And can you seamlessly share realtime information and help people collaborate, wherever they are? Working together with SITA, you can say “yes” every time.

Discover SITA’s intelligent airline vision at www.sita.aero/airlines

32 | FEATURE | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

CONSIDER SOME POTENTIAL SCENARIOS

“The drive for novel and better ways to operate aircraft is nothing new. What are new are the tools enabled by IT that allow operators to radically change processes and procedures.”

Enter IT-enabled aircraft – the game changers The drive for novel and better ways to operate aircraft is nothing new. What are new are the tools enabled by IT that allow operators to radically change processes and procedures. Systems such as in-flight entertainment and electronic flight bags (EFBs), as well as applications and tools like e-logbooks and loadable software aircraft parts (LSAPs), are but a few examples of new on-board IT components facilitated by IP (Internet protocol). And examples of the impact stem from airplane health and cabin management, and accessibility of charts and manuals. The development of the digital aircraft, complete with systems and wireless capabilities based on IP, plus the powerful applications that use them, has been spearheaded by Airbus and Boeing with the launch of the A380, together with new variants of the 777, and the upcoming 787 and A350. These aircraft and their IP-capable avionics can communicate both within the aircraft and externally at rates several hundred times faster than those achievable over ACARS. In addition, many existing aircraft can be retrofitted with these or similar avionics, unlocking some of the potential to implement substantial operational improvements across entire fleets.

It’s no exaggeration that the combined availability of broadband connectivity to the aircraft – on the ground and in flight – offers immense potential for a completely new generation of aircraft operations. This will be in both scope and magnitude, including: • The provision of complete, real-time information from any system on board the aircraft to anyone authorized to receive it.

• The availability of the latest information between ground systems and flight crews in formats that best suit its interpretation.

• New options for on-board passenger services.

• PILOTS can overlay live weather images on their 3D navigation displays that show other aircraft in the immediate airspace. With a keystroke, they can obtain real-time status on rapidly changing conditions — such as airspace congestion, airport closures or even volcanic activity. The pilots can adjust flight plans accordingly, while their aircraft automatically exchanges critical parameters with air traffic controllers’ and dispatchers’ ground systems and even other aircraft in the vicinity.

• FLIGHT DISPATCHERS can obtain complete, timely information on flight and aircraft parameters.

It is automatically fed into their systems to optimize flight plans and operations across the entire network, leaving the dispatchers free to focus on preventing and managing operational disruptions.

• AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS can automatically receive actual and ’intention’ parameters from aircraft in their own and adjacent airspaces. They use this data to optimize airspace utilization and to alert controllers of potential conflicts well before they happen.

• MAINTENANCE TEAMS can receive reports of failures and warnings as they happen, as well as entire files of relevant flight, engine and aircraft parameters that are streamed throughout the flight.

It gives them the ability to initiate diagnostic and remedial action while the aircraft is still in the air, en route to its next destination.

• ENGINEERING can remotely schedule the wireless loading and activation of avionics software, overcoming the need to remove and refit any hardware on-board the aircraft.

• REGULATORS AND CIVIL authorities can obtain up-to-the-minute information from logs and aircraft systems’ data for any given flight. It enables them to conduct compliance audits and carry out incident investigations at a moment’s notice and with greater precision.

• COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENTS can obtain the latest operational information to update customers about potential flight disruptions. At the same time, marketers can leverage the communication capabilities of aircraft to generate ancillary revenues and differentiate their offerings with in-flight passenger communications and entertainment services.

• PASSENGERS can enjoy continued use of their own communications devices and the same standard and scope of media services in the air that they would on the ground. More than that, they can directly receive additional information about any changes to their personal itineraries as events arise, via their mobile devices or in-seat displays.

Some of these scenarios are already becoming reality in various, albeit limited, forms. But they are still in their

infancy and currently lack the seamlessness and breadth of communications capabilities to truly transform the various aspects of aircraft operations and on-board customer services.

THE WAY FORWARD — ACTING TODAY TO PREPARE FOR TOMORROW

Although the air transport industry will likely develop the necessary aircraft standards over the coming years to facilitate the on-board adoption and integration of IP technologies, it is less clear how airline IT departments can prepare for the arrival of digital aircraft. What considerations or measures can be taken in the near term? What can airline IT decision makers do now to ensure they’re ready to fully embrace digital aircraft into their fleet when the time comes, rather than holding their collective breath for emerging standards and approaches to be agreed?

NEAR-TERM ACTIONS FOR FORWARDTHINKING IT DEPARTMENTS: ANTICIPATE WHICH BUSINESS PROCESSES WILL NEED TO BE RE-ALIGNED OR RE-ENGINEERED

To understand the operational enhancements, cost savings and revenue opportunities that are realistically achievable, it is helpful to first identify an airline’s typical current (or ‘as is’) processes which will correspond directly to setting measurable targets for the implementation of IT-enabled (or ‘to be’) processes.

An assessment of process re-engineering options is also vital before attempting full migration to a paperless environment or digital tools such as EFBs. Crucially, interdepartmental collaboration must be encouraged throughout — as previously noted — because connectivity has the potential to affect a much broader range of stakeholders and functional contributors than might be initially conceived.

• PREPARE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW APPLICATIONS. The number of applications developed to capitalize on IP connectivity will proliferate over time. Key issues to consider now are how the airline intends to manage their introduction and how you will integrate them with ground systems.

• MANAGE THE INTRODUCTION OF ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAGS. Ensure the chosen EFB solution is secure, well integrated with airline systems and makes best use of both the airborne and ground-based communication infrastructure. To capitalize on the potential efficiency gains of an ITenabled aircraft, it is essential to reduce the variances in operational procedures across fleets due to different EFB classes and implementations. As with any significant innovation in IT, the deployment of EFBs brings the need to develop robust operational and security policies to mitigate exposure to unprecedented risks.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | FEATURE | 33

• CONSIDER AIRCRAFT CONNECTIVITY AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. Assess the current connectivity strategy and its readiness for the ITenabled aircraft as another ’node of the network’.

Then re-appraise it to account for both cockpit and cabin requirements. Determine the key attributes to ensure the appropriate level of security. In general, establishing a safe environment for the aircraft to communicate will demand the introduction of security policies consistent with those required by a ground-based virtual private network (VPN) wireless environment.

Furthermore, take account of which type of connectivity is best suited to which activity, frequency of data exchange, time sensitivity and the need for cut over to deliver seamless availability.

For example, is the intention to update in-flight entertainment content when the aircraft is parked at the gate or when it arrives at its destination, where connectivity and security considerations may be very different?

• PREPARE YOUR GROUND systems. Connecting the aircraft environment to the back office is critical. And as the number of EFB devices across your fleet grows, and applications become more sophisticated, there will be the need to manage increased complexity across an integrated communications network. As more information is delivered to a broader range of ground systems, the need for tight version control will become ever greater.

• OPTIMIZE AIRCRAFT TURNAROUND PROCESSES BY MOBILIZING YOUR WORKFORCE. By equipping ground staff with handheld devices, it’s possible to reduce latency between decisions and actions, provide real-time resource management and ‘data in the palm’ insight with IP. For example; a last-minute gate change need no longer result in a delayed departure: with the tap of a touch-screen, ground workers can acknowledge the re-assignment and their task schedule is automatically updated. They can then proceed directly to the new gate, resulting in a prompt turnaround and on-time departure.

• START BUILDING THE VALUE CASE. Assess ancillary revenue opportunities from expanding passenger services, or the value of new functionality in enhancing the customer experience and offering valuable points of differentiation for the airline.

• ENGAGE IN COLLABORATIVE INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES. Take part in industry activities to better understand dependencies on standards and local infrastructures. It’s vital to consult and co-ordinate with industry representatives who are trialling initiatives in this domain to benefit from their hard-won learning. Similarly, open dialogue with alliance partners who, for example, can offer

valuable shortcuts to success rather than reinventing the wheel, as well as greater opportunities for harmonization in what will ultimately be an industrial, rather than individual, effort. See under ‘Key industry initiatives, vital sources of support’.

THE WAY FORWARD — ACTING TODAY TO PREPARE FOR TOMORROW: ‘GET REAL’

Successful incubation of the digital concept cannot be synthesized in the laboratory. Carefully managed and monitored ‘in vivo’ implementations will provide a realistic picture of the success or otherwise of initiatives and can be fine-tuned to create viable, longterm solutions.

A CALL FOR COLLABORATION

With the widespread introduction of IT, the industry faces the risk of fragmentation, where each stakeholder in the value chain will have their own way of providing connectivity and services. Each will have to manage hundreds of technology and service combinations. The diversity runs from aircraft types and aircraft avionic systems to network operators and technologies, and embraces airports and airport IT services, as well as airline ground systems. It requires no stretch of the imagination to envisage that this complexity — and the high costs of entry — could lead to slow deployment and ramp-up: in short: • AIRFRAME MANUFACTURERS face key issues revolving around complex IT and communications

with rapid obsolescence, as well as long avionics fitting and retrofitting cycles.

• AIRPORTS face a situation where standards or best practice guides are currently being developed to ensure that airlines will experience homogeneous services at airports around the world. But that process is in its early stages and they currently cover only high-level aspects, so apart from major hubs, airlines (individually or collectively) can generally find it challenging to convince airport operators to deploy wireless coverage.

• AIRLINES face the issue of disparate IT solutions from the avionics suppliers and airframer for a mixed fleet, as well as the likelihood that each airport provider requires different network interfaces.

SITA is already involved in collaboration to address these issues. During trials this year SITA worked closely with Lufthansa Airlines and a European Weather Data provider, to up-link CB (Cumulonimbus) weather activity to a connected EFB in-flight. CB data is of interest to pilots since it is associated with Convective Turbulence and if this is severe it will affect passenger comfort and may require an alternate routing which could also affect fuel burn.

The CB data was overlaid onto an En-route EFB chart. Since the data depicts CB activity further ahead than the onboard weather radar, which is typically limited to 120nm, the pilot can, in theory, make strategic decisions earlier to avoid any strong CB activity. SITA provided a communication application,

Don’t neglect the human factors While the potential benefits of digital aircraft are undeniable, it pays to be mindful of some of the broader social repercussions that could arise as a result of an intense period of technological change: • LABOUR RELATIONS CHANGE MANAGEMENT. Automation implies by default a change to the existing dimensions of job role. Typically, employees may be asked to do more, or scale the learning curve of new working practices, or master the use of new tools. This could potentially pose challenges of adaptation or acceptance, whether in skillset or approach, leading to an initial drop in productivity.

• GREATER RELIANCE ON AUTOMATION IN AIRCRAFT AND FLIGHT OPERATIONS. Not all operatives, agents or crew members may be comfortable working in a connected environment, where there is greater reliance on ‘invisible’ systems as opposed to the tangible if less efficient qualities of analogue, paper-based methodologies.

• COCKPIT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. Issues may arise as a result of cramming more technology into the cockpit – a significant issue that could compromise safety. Risks could include loss of situational awareness in a data-only ‘silent’ cockpit in the absence of radio contact; longer ’heads down’ time or increased possibility of distraction due to information overload; failing to deliver the right information to the right person; or causing pilots to use alternative means (for example, personal mobile phones) to access useful flight information not available through standard cockpit systems, such as latest weather information. The need for rigorous training as part of the change management process is a must.

• ACCEPTANCE OF IN-FLIGHT MOBILE USE. Early signs from live services to date are encouraging in that passengers are not finding voice calls made on board unacceptably intrusive. With the availability of mobile data and satellite broadband, there is in fact a tendency for business travellers in particular to use their mobile devices preferentially for email or other data communications rather than voice calls, especially among smartphone users.

AIRCOM Connect, to enable in-flight data flows to and from the EFB using MIAM (Media Independent Aircraft Messaging) standardized by AEEC (Airlines’ Electronic Engineering Committee).

TO REALIZE THE VISION

In short, to realize the digital aircraft vision on a truly globalized basis, the air transport industry needs to resolve two key issues: • How to work together to ensure standardization and a consistent approach in terms of what form the global infrastructure should take.

• How to facilitate the deployment of global infrastructure. n

MARIO SABOURIN Sr.

PRODUCT MANAGER EFB, SITA Mario Sabourin, joined SITA’s innovation team in 2008 to investigate and define new services around data and event management. He joined the Aircraft Services Solution Line in 2011 to bring SITA’s e-Aircraft Application Services to market. Based at Montreal, Canada, he is responsible for eliciting EFB-related business requirements, defining business models and service architecture, conducting joint innovation programs with customers and partners (beta trial and Proof of Concept), product marketing and pricing, partnership management and other product management activities.

Prior joining SITA in May 2008, Mario held systems engineering and management positions in large global companies such as Motorola and Lockheed-Martin.

He is also a graduate of McGill University (B. Eng. Electrical ‘88), Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal (M. Eng. Electrical ‘03), and Fordham University, NY (MBA in product management and corporate finance ‘08) and holds professional certifications in project management (PMP), product management (NPDP), and business process improvement (Six Sigma Green Belt).

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34 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

Past Webinars: View Video Recordings of our Live Software Demonstration Webinars at Aircraft IT

Build your own Flight Operations Software Demo Webinar Library. Search through and sign up to view the convenient video recordings of all previous Live Flight Operations Software Demonstration & Masterclass Webinars at the following link: www.aircraftit.com/Operations/Webinars/Past.aspx This exceptional video library contains recordings of Live Software Demonstrations and Masterclasses from the following major IT Vendors: Arconics, Flightman, AIR SUPPORT, ETS Aviation, BYTRON, Smart4Aviation, Flight Focus, OSyS, FuelPlus, Flygprestanda, Evoke Systems, T&A Systeme, SITA, AvioVision, FLYHT, plus more. An outline of four of the recent Webinar Recordings can be seen below.

Flight Planning Overview and Software Demonstration Webinar

iPad Flight Ops Management and Crew Portal System Demonstration Webinar

30th May 2013

20th June 2013

n SESSION OVERVIEW

n SESSION OVERVIEW

Sign up to view this Webinar recording and join Navtech for an overview and a chance to view a demonstration of the powerful and recently enhanced Navtech Flight Planning System (NFP). You will see how a simplified and intuitive Flight Planning interface coupled with a powerful and precise calculation engine can bring company-wide benefits to airlines and aircraft operators of all sizes to reduce operating costs and improve productivity.

During the Webinar, you will see an as live demonstration, and be taken on a tour of the NFP software system, used by more than 140 airlines located around the world utilizing a diverse fleet and employing many different operating styles.

Register to view this Webinar recording and join Evoke Systems for a demonstration of their EFOS, a webbased crew portal and flight operations management system available online, on iPhone, on iPad app and on Windows based EFB devices. You will see a high level tour of the multi-functional Flight Operations suite (EFOS). You will then see a demonstration of the EFOS iPad App and see how providing crew and other key personnel with vital information quickly and efficiently via their iPads can dramatically improve operational efficiency.

Finally, Evoke Systems will show you their Crew Training Management solution and how it can enhance safety, communication, compliance and efficiency, whilst reducing costs.

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WEBINARS | 35

About the Live Software Demonstration Webinar Recordings

How it works.

Whether you missed them the first time around, need to refresh your understanding of available systems before making a key decision or if you are building a reference portfolio of relevant knowledge, these past webinar recordings will add vital market intelligence to your established professional skills. They’ll improve and sharpen your awareness of available solutions and add to your knowledge store. You’ll gain an overview of the major Flight Operations software systems on the market today, from the world’s leading IT Vendors, and all at a time and a place compatible with your busy schedule. Each demonstration lasts 1 hour, providing airlines and aircraft operators with the perfect introduction to each Flight Operations software solution demonstrated.

• Visit: http://www.aircraftit.com/Operations/Webinars/Past.aspx • Use the scroll option or view the details of the latest recorded sessions on the right and select a Webinar recording you would like to view.

• Next click ‘Register for Recording’ and enter your details.

• Once approved the video file will appear in your Member’s Area at the Aircraft IT website.

• You can then view the Webinar recording as many times as you wish, share it with your colleagues and retain it as part of your own market intelligence reference library.

EFB Operations Manuals Masterclass and Software Demo Webinar

Integrated iPad Flight Ops & MRO Software Demo Webinar

27th June 2013

(inc. iPad EFB/ETL and Safety & Quality SMS) 11th July 2013

n SESSION OVERVIEW

n SESSION OVERVIEW

Sign up to view this Webinar Recording and join Ovidius for an excellent Operations Manuals masterclass and software demonstration of the modern way to manage Operations Manuals and to deliver them to flight crew on iPad, tablet PC or EFB device. Using an as live demonstration of the TCToolbox Airline Edition Software Solution you will be taken on a step-by-step guide to managing your flight operations manuals and related company documentation; from creation to distribution, thereby hugely increasing efficiency across the entire Flight Operations Department and shown how providing flight crew and other key personnel with these key manuals in an effective and efficient manner can increase efficiency all around.

Register to view this Webinar recording, and join Sheorey Digital Systems (SDS) for a demonstration of their fully integrated Flight Operations and MRO/M&E software solution: ARMSv2. You will see how, by using one integrated IT software solution, you can drive the seamless sharing of critical data company-wide to deliver huge increases in efficiency with significantly lower IT costs. The Webinar features a high level review of the full end-to-end solution and key benefits that can be gained from a fully integrated software package. It then drills down further for a tour of some key modules designed specifically for the iPad / Tablet (ARMS on the TAB™), as stand-alone systems, but offering more benefits plugged into the integrated IT mainframe.

INTERACTIVE

VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING

INTERACTIVE

VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING

36 | TENDERS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

Operations Software Tender Upload

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO

Aircraft IT website Operations Software Tender Upload function puts your requirements in front of all the leading Flight Operations IT Vendors.

FUEL Reduce your fuel costs

Analyze fuel consumption Discover fuel savings

The fuel conservation solution from Aviaso provides a full range of data analysis, reporting, and monitoring tools to help airlines save fuel and reduce emissions.

It contains more than 100 ready-made reports, which allow an airline to thoroughly understand the fuel

Monitor progress of initiatives

consumption and to identify potential fuel savings.

The Aviaso software also helps to really achieve these savings by rigorously monitoring the various fuel saving initiatives for each and every flight.

Aviaso

connecting aviation and software

Communicate results

CLICK HERE for more information

www.aviaso.com

Aviaso Inc. · Huobstrasse 10 · CH-8808 Pfaeffikon · Switzerland · Phone: +41 55 422 0000 · www.aviaso.com · info@aviaso.com

T

HE AIRCRAFT IT Tender Upload function allows Airlines and Aircraft Operators the opportunity to send their software requirements to 30+ of the world’s leading Flight Operations IT Vendors at the click of a mouse. It’s all of a piece with Aircraft IT’s mission to put readers in front of as many opportunities as possible to maximise their professional effectiveness; this time by linking to other professionals with a proven track record of matching complex requirements with effective solutions.

Whether you are looking for EFB software and hardware (Class I, II, III), iPad Solutions for the Flight Deck, Flight Planning Software, Fuel Saving Solutions, Crew Scheduling Software, this Tender upload feature will allow you to send your requirements to all the major IT Vendors at the same time... and it’s not rocket science! In fact, it couldn’t be easier.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

• Visit the Tender Upload page at the Aircraft IT Operations Website by clicking here.

• Login below with your Aircraft IT Membership details. If you are not a member click on sign up and enter your details - it is free to join. If you are already logged in click on ‘Upload Tender’ below.

• Fill in the Tender Upload form and upload a PDF document of your requirements. Under the ‘Software Type’ section, which ever box you tick sends your Tender to all the IT Vendors in that section of the Aircraft IT website.

• Click ‘Upload Tender’ and your information will be sent to the key contacts at the IT Vendors.

Once the Tender has been uploaded the IT Vendors will very soon send you details about their software and product solutions that would be suitable to address your requirements.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | VACANCIES | 37

TARGETED OPPORTUNITIES

…your next step Aircraft IT Operation ‘Vacancies’ on the website highlights real opportunities with great businesses looking for the best professionals

Considering your next career move? At Aircraft IT Operation ‘Vacancies’ great businesses flag up opportunities that need experience and skills like yours: or you can simply use us for overview of the market.

Aircraft IT Operations is the specialist website and publication for your sector so you won’t have to trawl through a host of general vacancies to find the aviation operations IT ones that need your skills and will advance your career.

JOB ALERTS FOR FIRST SIGHT

As well as listing current career opportunities, Aircraft IT Operation ‘Vacancies’ also lets you sign up for ‘Job Alerts’, to receive email alerts, making you among the first to learn about the latest opportunities and in pole position to put yourself forward.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CURRENTLY ON THE WEBSITE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SO SIGN UP NOW BY CLICKING HERE

AVIASO

Aviaso

connecting aviation and software

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER (JAVA) If you...

• Are passionate about aviation and you want to contribute to innovative products for fuel efficiency and emissions management; • Are interested to help improving the global environment by reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions produced by the airline industry; • Are experienced or interested in business analysis and client interaction; • Would like to work with top-of-the-line Java technologies like GWT, Eclipse RCP, OSGi, Hibernate rather than being locked in some old/ proprietary technology; • Like challenging projects and learning new things; • Are looking for a people-oriented environment, where you can see the impact of your work, and where your achievements are recognized and rewarded by the company... ...then we are looking forward to hearing from you!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

AVIASO

Aviaso

connecting aviation and software

QUALITY ASSURANCE ENGINEER If you...

• Have solid experience in software testing and automation; • Are meticulous about quality and have a passion for detail; • Are experienced or interested in business analysis and client interaction; • Are interested to know how an airline operates, and would like to understand complex business processes, such as fuel efficiency, emissions management, crew planning and flight scheduling; • ...and last, but not least, if you would like to work in a people-oriented environment, where you can see the impact of your work, and where your achievements are recognized and rewarded by the company.... ...then we are looking forward to hearing from you!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

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• For case studies, keynote white papers, latest news & technology; all the knowledge you need

Subscribe here for free – it takes a few moments.

AircraftIT: All about Solutions for Airlines and Aircraft

V2.2 • APRIL-MAY 2013

A CHALLENGING IMPLEMENTATION The power

of planning and execution

ETL UPGRADE

Leveraging change and experience for operational value

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

A good solution supports a proactive

approach

CONTROLLING BYOD Handling the two-edged sword

White Papers: Sheorey Digital Systems, Point to Point Case Studies: SriLankan Airlines, BA CityFlyer Vendor Flight Log: T&A SYSTEME PLUS: The latest News, past and upcoming Webinars, Operations Software Directory…

38 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

Operations Software Directory Key ‘at-a-glance’ information from the world’s leading Operations software providers.

From Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) to Fuel Management Systems; From Flight Planning Solutions to Operations Cost Management — the leading IT vendors below can cater for all requirements.

Want to keep up with IT developments?

Subscribe for FREE to AircraftIT eJournal Operations today to receive all future eJournals!

For case studies, keynote white papers, latest news & technology; all the knowledge you need.

Subscribe here for free – it takes a few moments.

AircraftIT: All about Solutions for Airlines and Aircraft

ACFT PERFO

W: www.actperfo.com T: +352 26 12 94 E: info@ actperfo.com Company formed: 1999. Office Location: Steinfort, Luxembourg Number of Modules................10 Key Business/Software Areas • WORLD AIRPORT DATABASE Compatible for ALL TO Performance soft • All A/C Types TO. & LAND. Performance soft • EFB SOFTWARE SUITE • Operational support in Performance and Operations • EFLS Electronic loading system ground operations ACFTPERFO has acquired a solid experience in the development of electronic flight bags tools and related support since start up in 1999.

Our products are in continuous evolution in order to adapt to new regulations or practices in this rapidly changing business. We use our expertise to help the customers and our commitment is to find the best solution for any challenge an airline could face. Safety is a major concern of our ACFTPERFO team and our airport database has been developed to be the best on the market. It is maintained up to date using extremely efficient tools which guarantee the highest level of accuracy and follow up.

Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

AIRCORE SYSTEMS GMBH

W: www.aircore-systems.com T: +49-2992-9771-40 E: info@aircore-systems.com

Company formed: 1992 Office Location: Fuerstenberger Strasse 70, DE-34431 Marsberg, Germany Name of Product Marketed • AS-FlightBag II Number of Modules..................5 Key Business/Software Areas • Library • Journey Log • Tech Log • Crew Briefing • Least Cost Routing

The aircore_systems GmbH is a part of the PAS-IT-Group founded in 1992 and located at Marsberg, Germany, close to airport Paderborn (PAD / EDLP). The major difference to other companies is our combination of IT knowledge on the one hand and airline knowledge on the other hand as several staff members hold a valid captains rating on transport category aircraft in addition to their academic degrees.

The main software application of aircore_systems which is in use since many years at several airlines is the EFB solution: AS – FlightBag II: This product contains the following core modules: 1. Library: airline specific document management between ground and cockpit; 2. CrewBriefing: the operational flight plan and additional information deemed necessary; 3. JourneyLog: the flight data handling to and from the cockpit; 4.

TechLog: electronic workorder with eSignature and connectivity to several maintenance applications; 5. Least Cost Routing: minimization of data transfer costs between back office and cockpit.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES

W: www.flightman.com T: +353 1 8061000 E: info@flightman.com

Company formed: 2000; Office Location: Dublin, Ireland (HQ) Name of Product Marketed • Flightman™ Electronic Flight Folder Number of Modules................11 Key Business/Software Areas • Flightman™ connects aircraft to airlines’ backend systems via onboard EFB software applications and provides airlines with significant costs savings in both Flight Operations and Maintenance • Flightman™ runs on all classes of hardware (FAA EFB Class 1, 2, or 3) • Is independent of hardware vendor • Supports all aircraft types • Is able to host third party applications and is independent of operating system AMT (Aircraft Management Technologies) was founded to address the need in the market for an electronic means of capturing and reporting data between aircraft and central back office systems. Flightman™ represents a common sense application of emerging technologies that can automate existing processes in the cockpit, cabin and on the ramp, in turn reducing costs. AMT’s Flightman™ product is a complete Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) software solution. Flightman™ enables airlines to be compliant in all aspects of onboard flight operations in a cost effective manner and provides a platform for future revenue generation applications in the cabin. AMT’s patented, award-winning Flightman™ software comprises three main elements: 1) a set of onboard software applications, 2) a ground server for the management of EFBs, and 3) capabilities for optimized communications between the onboard software and ground systems.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

AIRLINE CONTROL SOFTWARE

W: www.airlinecontrol.com T: +48 22 2095035 E: contact@airlinecontrol.com

Company formed: 2005, Office Location: Poland (Warsaw), UK (London), Marocco (Casablanca), USA (New York), Argentina (Buenos Aires) Name of Product Marketed • ACS System Number of Modules................16 Key Business/Software Areas • Flight Operations, OCC Flight Dispatch, Crew Support with Duties autoplanner • CAMO (Part-M) and Maintenance (Part-145) • Safety Management System (SMS) & QMS • Handling, Fueling, Training (CBT Platform) • Tickets & Booking (Revenue Management, Tarrif Engine)0 A specialized IT company engaged in software development for the airline. The main product is the ACS System, consists of 16 modules. There are optional modules: OPS (including OCC Flight Dispatch, NTO, FLIGHT INFO PAX OPS, MCC), CREW, CAMO (Part-M), LINE MAINTENANCE (Part-145), FLEET MANAGEMENT, HANDLING, FUELING MANAGEMENT QMS, SMS, TRAINING, TICKETS & BOOKING and built-in modules: DOCUMENTS MANAGEMENT, LOGISTICS, COMMERCIAL, FINANCE SUPPORT, SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR. System is designed for small and medium-sized airlines cover in full all aspects of managing and supporting the airline. YOM 2012. Uses the latest technology – mainly Mictosoft and Apple. Three platform for user: PC, WWW, iPad/iPhone. Scalable and open integration with other systems existing in the airline. For data security, each client can use an online database replication.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 39

AIR SUPPORT A/S

W: www.airsupport.dk T: 0045 7533 8889 E: pps@airsupport.dk Company formed:1988; Office Location: Billund, Denmark Name of Product Marketed • PPS - Preflight Planning Solutions, CrewBriefing Key Business/Software Areas • Flight Planning • CrewBriefing facilities AIR SUPPORT specializes in the provision of pc-based flight planning software systems with integrated web-based CrewBriefing — PPS and CrewBriefing - services to private and commercial business aircraft operators, regional/charter/cargo/national airlines, military/utility operators and flight service providers.

Today, PPS is used by aircraft operators throughout 32 countries operating more than 3000 turboprop and jet aircraft daily consisting of more than 350 different aircraft types and versions.

PPS is powered by LUFTHANSA Systems FlightNav worldwide navigation data including all global route restrictions, worldwide updated NOTAMs, Surface Weather data and Wind and Significant Weather charts based on original source data.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

ARCONICS

W: www.arconics.com T: (00353) 1611 4625 E: info@arconics.com Company formed: 2001; Office Location: Dublin, Ireland Name of Product Marketed • Manual Manager, AirPortal, EFB Viewer Number of Modules..................5 Key Business/Software Areas • EFB Document Management • Airline content management • Flight crew notices management • Mobile document viewer apps • EFB document viewer Arconics is a leader in content management software and services for airline operators. Our team has over 10 years of world-class expertise in airline operations and document standards, web and mobile applications and XML data processing. Arconics provides EFB Document Management for Notices, Manuals and Forms on EFB Class 1, 2 & 3, Web and Mobile.

Arconics products reduce costs, improve efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. Thousands of flight and ground operations staff, pilots and cabin crew depend on Arconics products to help safely and efficiently operate their fleets every day.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

AVIASO INC.

AVIIT LTD

W: www.aviaso.com T: +41 55 422 0000 E: info@aviaso.com Company formed: 2003; Office Location: Pfaeffikon, Switzerland Name of Product Marketed • Airline Portal, Fuel Efficiency, EU-ETS, ART-Aviation Reporting Tool, Additional Products.

Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Airline Portal • Fuel Efficiency • EU-ETS • ART - Aviation Reporting Tool • Additional Products Aviaso is an international software company developing products exclusively for the aviation industry.

The focus of Aviaso is on complex, operational aviation topics, such as Fuel Efficiency, EU-ETS,Aviation Reporting, and Crew Communication. Additionally, Aviaso has a long experience in integratingaviation IT systems and also develops the Aviation Portal - a leading intranet solution for aviation companies.

Furthermore, Aviaso maintains data centers in Switzerland and Sofia and provides customized hostingsolutions for aviation companies.

Aviaso has its head office in Switzerland and a software development center in Sofia/Bulgaria. The companywas founded in 2003 by Nicola Fantini, Rudolf Christen, Georgi Mitov, and Ivan Markov and has nowa total staff of 23 employees..

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

Company formed: 2004; Office Location: Fife, Scotland.

Name of Product Marketed • Archimedes & eMan Number of Modules..................2 Key Business/Software Areas • ACARS data management - Archimedes • ACARS Technical Consultancy • Technical publications Distribution - eMan • Document Acknowledment - eMan Read & Sign • IT systems management & support AviiT is exclusively focused on the provision of software solutions to the aviation sector.

Drawing upon data sources such as ACARS, Archimedes provides a powerful capability to capture, analyse and present valuable, real time data in a clear and flexible format to Operation and Engineering teams. eMan provides an efficient capability for the distribution of technical publications across the maintenance smooth and efficient distribution of engineering and process documentation. eMan is available as an on-premise or hosted offering for complete deployment flexibility.

Company formed: 2010; Office Location: Leuven, Belgium Name of Product Marketed • AVIOBOOK / EFB for Airlines & Business Aviation Number of Modules................10 Key Business/Software Areas • Main • Operational Flight Plan • Briefing • Weight & Balance • Charts • Performance • Reports • Library • Tools • EFB Ground Administration Tool AvioVision N.V. is a young Belgian company that is offering an innovative and comprehensive EFB solution, by facilitating integration of technologies in its EFB products, combining them with operational excellence into smart solutions for front line and back-office staff.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

and repair estate. Used by aircraft operators and 3rd party MROs alike, eMan unlocks the benefits of

AVIOVISION NV

W: www.aviobook.aero T: + 32 16 29 89 80 E: info@aviovision.aero

W: www.aviit.com T: +44 (0)1383 620922 E: info@aviit.com

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

THE BOEING COMPANY W: www.boeing.com/boeingedge/informationservices E: TheBoeingEdge@boeing.com Company formed: 1916 Key Business/Software Areas • Electronic Flight Bag Solutions • Flight Operations Solutions Boeing offers the industry’s broadest range of aviation services to provide our customers the ultimate competitive advantage. We call this the Boeing Edge. In the information services field, we are keenly focused on addressing our customers’ continuous need for integration and optimization of information.

Using data, software, analytics and IT infrastructure, we connect airplanes, operators and data. We strive to enable smart and informed decision-making to take operational efficiency of their aircraft fleet and operations to the next level.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

40 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

DAC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

W: www.dacint.com T: +512-331-5323 E: info@dacint.com

Company formed: 1984; Office Location: Austin, Texas Name of Product Marketed • Electronic Flight Bag, GDC64 (Tablet to Aircraft Interface unit) DAC International, Inc. specializes in Avionics systems for a wide range of aircraft including major and regional airliners. We offer cockpit system upgrades to meet new operational requirements as well as replacement for older systems. In-house capabilities include a range of analog-digital (A/D), digital-analog (D/A), digitaldigital (D/D) converters, Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) and Tablet to Aircraft Interface Units. (TAIU) Talk to us about anything from FMS, Cockpit Displays, CVR/FDR, Cabin Passenger Briefing systems, ARINC 615 data loaders and more. Certification and integration packages can be included.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

EASYBROWSE GMBH

W: www.easybrowse.com T: +49 385 343146-20 E: imke.koop@ovidius.com Company formed: 1994; Office Location: Schwerin Name of Product Marketed • TCToolbox Airline Edition Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • EFB Software Solutions • Digital Documentation Management • Communication Optimisationy With the electronic publishing solution from EasyBrowse you create electronic publications ready to use on EFBs, in the Intranet or on iPads.

• Powerful search options • Virtual publications based on aircraft type / registration • Automatic database updates • Incremental updates • Bookmarks, notes • Zero footprint installation • Distribution management and monitoring • Support any SGML/XML structure plus a wide varity of their formats (PDF, graphics and video)

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

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AircraftIT: All about Solutions for Airlines and Aircraft

ETS AVIATION LTD.

W: www.etsaviation.com T: +351 91 580 1007 E: dscarlisle@etsaviation.com Company formed: 2009; Office Location: Gibraltar, UK Name of Product Marketed • Aviation FuelSaver™, Aviation Footprinter™, ETS Support Service Number of Modules..................2 Key Business/Software Areas • Fuel-efficiency Software Solutions • EU ETS Data Management and Reporting Verificiation Software • Fuel Saving Consultancy • ETS Data management consultancy ETS Aviation Ltd. are specialists in fuel-efficiency programmes and emissions data management.

Since early 2009 our team of aviation specialists and software designers has helped hundreds of aviation operators all over the world. We work with airlines, business aviation operators and trip support companies. And we make their life easier.

We created the ground breaking Aviation FuelSaver™, software and consultancy programme - the easiest to use and lowest cost fuel efficiency system on the market - having already launched a software and consultancy solution called Aviation Footprinter™, for managing EU ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) requirements.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

EVOKE SYSTEMS

W: www.evoke-systems.com T: +44 (3)456 521240 E: info@evoke-systems.com Company formed: 2001; Office Location: Norwich, England Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Training Records and Expiry Management • Cabin Crew Flight Reports • Journey Log and Fuel Analysis • EU-ETS Management • Document Library and Notices Evoke Systems is a British software company founded in 2001 to provide innovative, cost effective solutions to the airline industry. EFOS (Electronic Flight Operations System) is a web-based crew portal and flight operations management system with supporting mobile device software for use as part of an EFB solution.

Evoke Systems has clients in both the commercial and business aviation sectors operating from the UK, Europe and the Middle East. They include start-ups and established airlines looking to streamline their processes. Our customers tell us that we provide exceptional levels of support and provide creative solutions to their problems.

Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

FLIGHT FOCUS

W: www.flightfocus.net T: +65 6419 5299 E: sales@flightfocus.net Company formed: 2007; Office Location: Singapore (HQ), Jakarta and Bandung, Kuala Lumpur Name of Product Marketed • The Flight Focus PLATFORM™ Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Electronic Flight Bag • Avionics Systems Integration • Flight Operations Support Services • Applications Services Provider (ASP) • Flight Operations Consultancy Flight Focus has been a supplier of innovative, leading edge Avionics and Electronic Flight Bag solutions and associated Flight Operations Support Services to the global aviation industry since 2007. Flight Focus employs over 130 staff who are engaged in a wide range of activities directly related to the design, development and delivery of its avionics solutions; this includes hardware and software design & development, manufacturing and maintenance, Flight Dispatch services & support, and global Sales & Marketing teams.

Headquartered in Singapore, Flight Focus has further office locations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Indonesia (Jakarta and Bandung) dedicated to research and development, software and hardware design, and technical support.

Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

FLYGPRESTANDA AB

W: www.flygp.se T: +46 40 642 00 10 E: sales@flygp.se Company formed: 1969; Office Location: Malmö/Sweden, Connecticut/USA Name of Product Marketed • Airport Analysis, Performance GURU, FOCS Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Aircraft Performance Services • Flight Planning Software • Performance Engineering • Special Performance Calculations • Engine Failure Procedures Flygprestanda AB, a pioneer in aircraft performance calculations, was founded 1969.

For over 40 years Flygprestanda has been in the forefront of providing aircraft operators of all kind with high quality services. Today Flygprestanda is serving around 200 customers worldwide from the head office in Malmö, Sweden and continues to lead innovation in this part of the aviation industry with its well known Airport Analyses, Performance GURU and Flight Operations Control System (FOCS).

High quality performance calculations for take off and landing are essential for safe flight operations and a modern flight planning solution is the key to achieve the most cost efficient operations possible.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 41

FUELPLUS SOFTWARE GMBH

W: www.fuelplus.com T: +49 (511) 496050 E: info@fuelplus.com

Company formed: 2000; Office Location: Hannover (Germany), Brasov (Romania), Johannesburg (South Africa), Boston (USA) Name of Product Marketed • FuelPlus Number of Modules................15 Key Business/Software Areas • Fuel and Operational Analysis • Emission Monitoring & Reporting • Fuel Supply Management • Fuel Operations Support • Fuel Accounting FuelPlus, a leading provider of fuel management IT solutions for the global aviation industry, enables airlines to implement and operate sophisticated fuel management processes which improve internal efficiencies, and achieve substantial savings.

FuelPlus consists of a set of modules to handle fuel planning, tendering, contract management, inventory and supply chain management, operations, tankering, EU ETS emissions monitoring and reporting, prepayment, and accounting.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

G-AERO DIVISION OF GRANDTRUST INFOTECH PVT LTD

W: www.g-aero.com T: +91 9995801266 E: raju.v@grandtrustinfo.com

Company formed: 2008; Office Location: Cochin, India Name of Product Marketed • G-COMS Airline Cost & Contract Management System • G-RPS Airline Route Profitability System • G-ARMS Airport Revenue & Contract Management System • G-GRMS Ground Handling Services Revenue & Contracts Management System Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Airline Contract Management • Airline Cost Management, Budgeting and MIS/Dashboard Reporting • Airline Route Profitability • Airports / GHA Contracts Management • Airports / GHA Revenue Management G-AERO offers a suite of innovative software products for Airline, Airports and Ground Handling Agents for their Contracts, Cost and Revenue Management. G-AERO product suite not only helps to implement proven industry best practices but also assures direct financial benefits. G-AERO uses latest, secure Microsoft .Net technology in developing its solutions. G-AERO believes in providing best value for money for their customers and there by ensures quick ROI.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

IDMR SOLUTIONS

W: www.IDMR-Solutions.com T: 347-565-4367(IDMR)

E: irevivo@IDMR-Solutions.com Company formed: 2008; Office Location: Cochin, India Name of Product Marketed • InForm Number of Modules.............20+ Key Business/Software Areas • Technical Manuals • Ground Ops • Audits • Distribution IDMR is a global provider of easy to use and all encompassing Technical Documentation Management Solutions which have been designed exclusively for Fleet operators, MRO providers and OEM organizations. IDMR’s Technical Documentation Management Solutions have proven success in increasing operational performance and decreasing operational cost while insuring airworthiness, safety and regulatory compliance.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

IFR SKEYES

W: www.ifrskeyes.com T: +33 (0) 562 74 75 00 E: commercial@ifrskeyes.com Office location: HQ: Colomiers / France. Offices in Moscow ; Singapore ; Quito (Ecuador) Name of Product Marketed • AMASIS –> 7 core modules + 6 add-ons • KEOPS –> 8 core modules + 11 add-ons • IBIS –> 6 core modules Number of Modules................13 Key Business/Software Areas • Flight Scheduling and Flight tracking • Crew rostering / Management • Communication management (movements, load, ATC slots, web based crew portal) • Budgeting and post flight analysis • Business intelligencee KEOPS as a complete information system is the spine of Airline operations. The information is controlled and enhanced as the events occur (Flight scheduling, Crew management, Logistics, Flight tracking, Performances, DOC Analysis …) to analyse the activity and monitor associated costs. These financial data enrich a database to generate budget simulations, or hypothetic flight quotation. The combination of the 19 modules and add-ons of this integrated software ensures the company a full operational and financial control of the whole activity. Powerful communication functions spread and automatically integrate the messages linked to the different operational participants (services, crew, suppliers, IATA)..

Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

INFOTRUST GROUP, INC.

W: www.infotrustgroup.com T: 949-732-7532 E: loster@infotrustgroup.com

Company formed: 1994; Office Location: Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, Shanghai, China, Paris France Name of Product Marketed • TechSight/X S1000D, TechSight/X ATA Number of Modules.............10+ Key Business/Software Areas • Content Management System (CMS) • Interactive Electronic Technical Publisher (IETP) • Technical Operations Edition • Technical Publications Edition • Flight Operations Edition InfoTrust Group is a recognized leader in the aerospace industry for more than 25 years. InfoTrust delivers solution to hundreds of companies for their information processing, conversion, authoring, content and change management, publishing and distribution objectives. InfoTrust’s wide range of end-to-end solutions that increase productivity by taking advantage of XML capabilities and content reuse, and that produce more accurate and reliabile information for compliancy. Its solution support all flight ops, engineering, maintenance, engine, component and training manuals. InfoTrust currently services major airlines, OEMs, suppliers and MRO s worldwide. To learn more about TechSight/X and InfoTrust Group’s full range of products, services and solutions, please visit www.infotrustgroup.com.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

OVIDIUS GMBH

W: www.ovidius.com T: +49 30 4081895-0 E: imke.koop@ovidius.com Company formed: 1996; Office Location: Berlin Name of Product Marketed • TCToolbox Airline Edition Number of Modules........... n/a+ Key Business/Software Areas • EFB Software Solutions • Digital Documentation Management • Communication Optimisation TCToolbox Airline Edition is a comprehensive package consiting of tools that support the complete workflow of the manual creation and distribution process: TCToolbox being an approved and robust Content Management System (CMS); SGML-/XML-based CMS; Versioning, access control; Rights management; Supports any graphics format; Importing of Excel tables; Re-use of information modules and graphics; Effectivity management; and Automatic generation of change marks The powerful typesetting system TopLeaf from Turnkey supports the automatic generation of PDF files and revision packages.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

42 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013

NAVTECH, INC.

W: www.navtech.aero T: +1 519 747 1170 E: info@navtech.aero

Company formed: 2002; Office Location: Waterloo, Canada; Surrey, UK; Kista, Sweden Name of Product Marketed • Aircraft Performance Family: ToDc, Weight & Balance, Airport Obstacle Database, Driftdown Data, WiFly. • Charts Family: Aerocharts, Enroute Charts, eCharts, iCharts• Crew Family: Navtech PBS, Navtech Optimizer + partner offerings from IBS, IBR and eTripTrader • Electronic Flight Bag - solutions for viewing Navtech eCharts, Aircraft Performance products, and Navtech Flight Plan via EFB • Flight Planning Family: Navtech Flight Plan + weather services • Navigation Data: data from suppliers such as: GE, Honeywell, ARINC, Universal etc.

Number of Modules..................6 Key Business/Software Areas • Aircraft Performance • Flight Planning • Flight Dispatch and Weather & NOTAM • Crew Scheduling/Planning • EFB Software Solutions • Weight & Balance Navtech, Inc. is a leading global provider of flight operations solutions, serving more than 350 airlines and aviation services customers. Navtech’s product suite includes aeronautical charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance software (take-off/landing, weight and balance), and crew planning solutions. Many of Navtech’s products can be configured as part of an EFB solution, including take-off data calculation, weight and balance, and aeronautical charts. These products, supported by Navtech’s AS9100 and ISO:9001 certification, directly support millions of flights each year and help Navtech customers maximize efficiency, reduce costs, ensure compliance with complex national and international safety regulations, and effectively deliver their services.

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OPTIMIZED SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS (OSYS)

W: www.o-sys.com T: +1 703 889 1300 E: osysaviation@o-sys.com

Company formed: 1999; Office Location: HQ Reston, VA; Houston, TX; San Diego, CA; Indianapolis, IN; Derby, UK; Bristol, UK; Gateshead, UK; Singapore; Qatar Name of Product Marketed • Fuel Management and Optimization; Emissions Trading Scheme MRV; Electronic Flight Bag (EFB); Asset and Equipment Health Monitoring; MRO Business and Parts Management; JetSCAN® Engine Health Monitoring Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Fuel Management/Optimization • Emissions MRV • Electronic Flight Bag/EFB • Equipment Health Monitoring • MRO Business and Parts Management

With a heritage of providing IT value-added services for the Rolls-Royce aftermarket, and delivering services commercially since 1999, Optimized Systems and Solutions (OSyS) has proven solutions for commercial aviation and defense. OSyS provides a complete range of best-in-class aviation services to enhance fleet performance and business operations. OSyS monitors more than 9,000 engines belonging to hundreds of civil aviation customers, helps meet compliance requirements with our products and services. Customers are able to increase availability of their critical assets, minimize risk and operational disruption, simplify data management to gain more value from IT investments, and improve operational efficiency.

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NVABLE LTD

W: www.nvable.com T: +44 141 280 0050 E: contact@nvable.com Company formed: 2005. Office Location: Glasgow, UK Name of Product Marketed • Appixo, Appixo ETL Number of Modules..................4 Key Business/Software Areas • Electronic Technical Log • Alternative Training & Qualification Programme (ATQP) • Station Operational Compliance (SOC) • Management Dashboards & Analysis NVable (pronounced “enviable”) was founded as a specialist software development consultancy creating bespoke solutions that allow customers to exploit the full value of their operational data. NVable now also offers its own software products. NVable recently launched Appixo – a platform that combines large scale data handling with a framework to support multiple mobile data acquisition applications.

The Appixo ETL is one such application, first launched in May 2012 with BA CityFlyer. NVable is now expanding its suite of aviation focussed applications. The growing list now includes ATQP and SOC Management. The data gathered from each application is fed into the Appixo analysis platform to feed the Management Dashboard & Analytics. This allows for real-time analysis of aircraft status, fuel burn/ uplift, defects, Out of Phase Maintenance etc.

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PACE GMBH

W: www.pace.de T: +4930293620 E: info@pace.de Company formed: 1995; Office Location: Berlin (Germany), Seattle (USA) Name of Product Marketed • Pacelab CI OPS, Live View, Trajectory Designer, EFB Data Recorder, Post Flight Server Number of Modules..................3 Key Business/Software Areas • Cost Index Operations • Fuel Efficiency Monitoring • Electronic Flight Bag • Takeoff and Landing Performance • Cabin Configuration Working with leading OEMs, engine manufacturers and airlines for more than 15 years has enabled PACE to develop a range of innovative products that directly respond to the trends and challenges of the international aviation community. PACE closely collaborates with performance engineers, senior training captains, fuel conservation and operational efficiency managers and consultants to deliver real solutions for real people. PACE’s portfolio of flight operations solutions is designed to support airlines’ universal efforts to improve their daily operations, strategic planning and operational efficiency and to offset high fuel prices and environmental demands with a more effective fuel management.

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SHEOREY DIGITAL SYSTEMS LTD.

W: www.sds.co.in

T: (+91-22) 2281 9198/ 2281 1086 E: contact@sds.co.in

Company formed: 1993; Office Location: India: Mumbai & Bangalore, Singapore besides Representative Offices in UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK/Europe and Latin America Name of Product Marketed • ARMS®V2 (Aviation Resource Management) Integrated InfoTech Suite Number of Modules.: 12 Sub-systems + 5 more under development Key Business/Software Areas • ARMS® Commercial Planning (CPSS) • ARMS® Flight Operations (FOSS) • ARMS® Crew Management (CMSS) • ARMS® Flight Planning & Dispatch (FPDS) • ARMS® Optimizers + ARMS® on the TAB (EFB/ETL)) Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS) an ISO 9001:2008 & 27001:2005 software company, brings you ARMS®V2.

A current-generation, state-of-the-art Information Technology System which effectively addresses the extremely critical and cost-sensitive nature of Commercial Airlines/ Air Transport operations.

The ARMS® V2 InfoTech Suite is the only solution in the industry capable of seamlessly integrating all of the functional and operational areas of an Airline or Air Transport operator with a unified database; i.e. a single repository of data with which all ARMS® modules interact.

ARMS® V2 increases process efficiencies and reduces costs while assuring strict Statutory Compliance and uncompromising Safety.

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SITA

W: www.SITA.aero E: info@SITA.aero

Company formed: 1949; Office Location: Head Office: Geneva, Switzerland. Main Regional Offices in: Rio De Janiero, Brazil; Beirut, Lebanon; Atlanta, USA; Singapore; Rome, Italy .

Name of Product Marketed • e-Aircraft Application Services, e-Aircraft AirportLink WiFi Service, Messaging Services Number of Modules................21 Key Business/Software Areas • e-Aircraft Application Services (for EFB) • e-Aircraft Connectivity Services • AIRCOM ACARS Services • AIRCOM Datalink Applications • AIRCOM Cockpit Voice SITA is the world’s leading specialist in air transport communications and IT solutions. We deliver and manage business solutions for airline, airport, GDS, government and other customers over the world’s most extensive network, which forms the communications backbone of the global air transport industry. We innovate collaboratively with the air transport industry, and the industry itself drives the company’s portfolio and strategic direction. We are the only IT and communications company to run annual, industry-renowned IT surveys for airlines, airports and passenger self-service. Our portfolio includes managed global communications, infrastructure and outsourcing services, as well as services for airline commercial management, passenger operations, flight operations, aircraft operations, air-to-ground communications, airport management and operations, baggage operations, transportation security and border management, cargo operations and more. In addition, we sponsor .aero, the top-level internet domain reserved exclusively for aviation. We are one of world’s most international companies. Our global reach is based on local presence, with services for over 550 air transport industry members and 3,200 customers in over 200 countries and territories. Set up in 1949 with 11 member airlines, today we employ people of more than 140 nationalities, speaking over 70 different languages. SITA had consolidated revenues of US $1.49 billion in 2010.

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 43

SMART4AVIATION

T&A SYSTEME GMBH

W: www.smart4aviation.aero T: +31 20 654 1824 E: info@smart4aviation.aero

Company formed: 2009; Office Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Kraków and Gdansk, Poland; New Delhi, India

Name of Product Marketed • Smart BRIEF, Smart BRIEF CABIN, Smart NOTAM MANAGER, Smart FUELING, Smart VIEW, Smart MET, Smart OPS, Smart DOC, Smart EFF, Smart EFB, Smart eFORMS, Smart PERFORMANCE, Smart ALERT, Smart COMM, Smart VIEW+, Smart ULD MANAGER, Smart LOAD, Smart HUB, Smart ONTIME, Smart FUEL MANAGER, Smart MISSION MANAGER Number of Modules................21 Key Business/Software Areas • Smart BRIEF • Smart COMM • Smart FUEL MANAGER • Smart EFB • Smart PERFORMANCE Smart4Aviation was founded to provide web based products and services to optimize, simplify and improve airline operations. The Smart4Aviation’s goal is high quality, cost-effective solutions backed up with 24/365 support service.

It offers 21 modules which are interoperable, compatible and can be freely composed into the one system as well as software developed on demand, which are used with success by pilots, crew, dispatchers, ground ops and many different departments. The modules work as basic building blocks that can be used to build the system that will meet exactly customer’s requirements, that are tailored to the customer’s needs.

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W: www.logipad.aero T: +49 23 24 92580 E: info@logipad.aero

Company formed: 1994; Office Location: Hattingen, Germany

Name of Product Marketed • Logipad Number of Modules..................6 Key Business/Software Areas • iPad EFB Management • Class-I EFB • Class-II EFB • Logipad for Cabin • Logipad for Maintenance T&A SYSTEME GmbH is an IT-Service & solution provider, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Hattingen, Germany. The company has around 60 employees and focuses on national and international customers that reach up to 10000 devices. We have solid international experiences with customers of global reputation. In addition to consulting services, we are a strategic partner for development of scalable future proven IT-solutions. With Logipad T&A provides a global EFB Management solution, to handle and support any data on Class-I, Class-II and iPad Devices with one standardized ground process.

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THALES

W: www.thalesgroup.com/aerospace T: +33 (0)5 6119 65 00 E: topwings@thalesgroup.com Company formed: 1968; Office Location: Toulouse, France Name of Product Marketed • TopWings Number of Modules..................1 Key Business/Software Areas • EFB hardware • EFB software solution • Ground Operations • EFB Project guidance • Scalable end-to-end solution An integrator to design, customize and support your EFB solution.

TopWings® is an innovative and unique solution that provides a tailored answer to your needs for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) implementation. Thales’s one-stop solution is a global EFB offering for operators, comprising Hardware and Applications for cockpit and cabin. It also provides Data Management and Ground Applications with a wide range of services. With TopWings, operators obtain significant operational savings and quick return on investment. Best in class, TopWings is a customisable, modular solution that helps key decision makers master complexity and make timely decisions for better outcomes.

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