V2.5 • WINTER 2013
Delivering Manuals to EFBs New platforms don’t just look good; they also add value
PERFORMANCE DATA
The information you need where you need it
MANAGING FUEL COSTS
The value of informed planning
White Papers: Navtech and OSyS Case Study: Germania News: The latest developments and achievements Vendor Flight Log: Navtech Column: Paul Saunders PLUS: Webinars, Operations Software Directory, Latest Vacancies
Every Airline Operates Differently
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
www.navtech.aero
04 LATEST NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES
The technology on aircraft grows ever more sophisticated and capable. To keep up with the latest developments, experts use the Aircraft IT website and AircraftIT Operations e-journal to keep abreast of the latest news.
Editor’s comment
16 CASE STUDY: MODERN WORKFLOWS TO PUBLISH OPERATION MANUALS ON EFBS
Solutions deliver value into the business; well-run Operations ensure that the value is realized and put where it belongs… on the bottom line. It is axiomatic that Operations IT functions will be users of established software solutions and will wish to take on new solutions whenever that can confer competitive advantage on their business. But a new solution cannot change the fortunes of a business. There are at least two requirements of the user to ensure that new software adds value and delivers a return on investment (ROI). A well understood principle is that a good solution will not remedy a poor process. The sensible precursor to any new software installation is to ensure that the processes to which it is applied are already functioning. That doesn’t mean that the new solution won’t be needed, far from it; even a functioning process will gradually slip behind the latest requirements but adding capabilities to a functioning process is easier than trying to introduce better IT to a dysfunctional process. A good process will ensure that the best value is derived from new solutions. Also, new software will often reveal business opportunities that did not previously exist and that might entail further changes in the way the business does things… a process that works well already will be better placed to manage enhancements and take on new capabilities. And new software must be intelligently selected and matched to the needs of the business before being carefully and thoroughly implemented so that not only are the benefits available but also all users know how to access and apply them. A new software solution can be a powerful tool for the business but, like all powerful tools, it will only be as good as the skill with which it is applied. In this issue we look at how new information delivery platforms can deliver much more than visual refreshment across the business. There’s also great information on leveraging value from performance data calculations with insight on the challenges of getting them onto tablets plus, not unrelated, we cover using a fuel management program to reveal where value can be found in an operation and some ideas on how it can be realized. Value matters; and software vendors can supply the means to realise it but users must perform the actions to make those means work. Adding yet more value, Lee Granger completes her Vendor Flight Log to reveal how and why Navtech has thrived and Paul Saunders offers his usual personal insight into the world according to IT. Aircraft IT Operations: about systems and people coming together to generate value. Ed Haskey Editor
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.
20 WHITE PAPER: FUEL MANAGEMENT IS WELL WORTH THE EFFORT
Siow Litingtung Fuel Consultant and Graham Smith Analytical Capability Engineer at OSyS The growing cost of fuel and the need to meet the highest environmental standards mean that fuel management has become a key factor in any airline’s operations.
23 COLUMN: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO IT & ME!
The iPad is a MacGuffin, Paul Saunders We sometimes need a device on which to hang the plot and to drive the storyline. Moviemakers call it a MacGuffin: the iPad has performed that service for the story of aviation IT.
25 VENDOR FLIGHT LOG: NAVTECH
Lee Granger opens the Navtech story, and explains what it does and what lies behind the business’s present achievements In the latest of our Q&A pieces, Lee Granger, VP Product Management, Navtech lets Aircraft IT readers peruse the company’s flight log.
26 WHITE PAPER: DELIVERING PERFORMANCE
Geneth Daley and Adrian Forbes, Aircraft Performance - Navtech Performance data calculations are a key part of today’s aircraft operations but getting that information from the popular tablet hardware is quite a challenge.
30 UPCOMING WEBINARS: YOUR CHANCE TO ATTEND CONVENIENT AND FREE LIVE OPERATIONS SOFTWARE DEMONSTRATION WEBINARS
Previews of live software demonstration Webinars from ETS Aviation on 16th January 2014, THALES on 30th January 2014 and SITA on13th February 2014.
32 PAST WEBINARS: BUILDING A LIBRARY OF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS IT INTELLIGENCE View Recordings of Past Operations Software Demonstration Webinars See full information and view video recordings of past Operations Software Demonstrations, including: AvioVision, Aviaso, OSyS and Smart4Aviation.
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.
Torsten Machert, Managing Director, EasyBrowse GmbH and Lutz Kohlert, Office Coordinator Postholder Operations, Germania Opportunities generated by new information delivery platforms are not only visual but can include the improvement of information workflow across the business.
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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 454 235 www.aircraftIT.com John Hancock Dean Cook deancook@magazineproduction.com
34 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.
35 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.
36 OPERATIONS SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
A detailed look at the world’s leading Operations IT systems.
4 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013
New software solution providers join Aircraft IT vendor group THERE’S no knowledge as good as inside knowledge, the understanding that comes from daily contact with the challenges and realities of life in any discipline. That’s why we at AircraftIT put such a high value on our growing panel of vendors whose daily work addresses those challenges and requirements in Aircraft Operations IT. It is in that vein that we welcome three further solution providers to the panel. OPENAIRLINES was founded in 2006 by former airline operations executives with the vision to bring innovation to the industry. The commitment is to deploy listening skills and professionalism to deliver results and added value for customers. Combining business and IT skills, OpenAirlines proposes innovative solutions to reduce costs and bring competitive advantage to customers. Innovation is supported with more than 25% of turnover devoted to R&D and the firm was labeled Young Innovative Enterprise by the French Ministry of Research and Best Innovative at AGIFORS Crew 2008 and 2010. Our staff includes university graduates plus Flight Operations skills and capabilities in OCC, Crew Management, Dispatch, Fleet Planning, Network Planning, Revenue Management, IT and Environment. With more than 50 projects delivered, OpenAirlines has global experience with operators using all business models: regional, low cost, charter, network and business jets, as well as aircraft operator providers. The firm is a lead coordinator on three Clean Sky projects and collaborates with universities and academics. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
SCANDINAVIAN AVIONICS offers a state-of-the-art, future-proof, tablet based Class 2 EFB solution, which provides the functionality to meet today’s operational requirements for airlines and aircraft operators and, in addition, is simple to upgrade in the future to meet coming requirements. The concept consists of two ruggedized 10.1” Panasonic tablets installed in the cockpit combined with a data integration center and a communication unit installed in the avionics compartment. The data integration center is used to deliver power, aircraft interface and server capability and the communication unit enables and controls the data communication between the EFB system and the airline’s ground infrastructure. ULTRAMAIN SYSTEMS, INC. develops M&E / MRO and EFB software for the aviation industry and is the only aviation software provider with customers running full, endto-end paperless operations from the cockpit to the ground. ULTRAMAIN® v9™, featuring Mobile Mechanic™ and Mobile Inventory™, enables real-time paperless data collection for the full maintenance and inventory process. Combine ULTRAMAIN v9 with efbTechLogs™, the easy-to-use electronic logbook, and the entire maintenance process becomes paperless. AircraftIT Operations editor and publisher, Ed Haskey, welcomed the new vendors to the panel, commenting, “Aircraft IT delivers high quality and up-todate knowledge that will be useful for Operations IT professionals. These three vendors will be a tremendous addition to the range of expertise already available to our users and readers and we are very pleased to welcome them.”
Thomson Airways selects Aviobook as EFB software supplier AVIOVISION announced in early October 2013 that it had signed an EFB software agreement with Thomson Airways, the airline for holiday brands Thomson and First Choice, to rollout the AVIOBOOK EFB software fleet-wide on its Class 2 EFB devices. Initial trials are planned to have started this November. AVIOBOOK is a user-friendly, comprehensive EFB software suite containing multiple operational applications and capable of running on tablets, laptops or on-board installed equipment. The software has been approved in six countries, allows a complete paperless flight operation and is augmented with a robust back-end administration tool. Phil Ganewski, Manager Flight Support at Thomson Airways, explained: “We needed a system that would not only deliver the immediate requirements of our Class 2 EFB project, but also provide a platform on which we could plan and add further functionalities in the future. Although we had some unique requirements, the Aviovision team worked closely with us and a variety of third party software suppliers, and managed to successfully deliver the integrated, flexible and scalable solution we needed.” “We are extremely happy to welcome Thomson Airways as a leading customer in our airline segment,” says Kris Van den Bergh, AvioVision’s CEO. ”Thomson Airways has impressed us with a very professional team with clear and mature operational EFB requirements, which will prove to be an essential part of a successful EFB project. We are very proud to be part of this!”
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 5
ACFT Perfo announces updates to its EFB suite of apps ACFT Perfo wants to make sure that customers have access to the company’s products through different tools, hardware and browser technology. This will allow users to integrate the greatest and latest new features of commercial tools without restricting the apps. It will also enable any user, pilot or ground staff, to perform take-off, landing and W&B calculations from any mobile office and hardware. The same application can be used on an iPad, Android tablet or a Windows operated device. Designed to be used on small screens such as the iPad mini, it offers users the possibility to use a wide range of hardware and operating system combinations. The features of the new HTML5 versions of ACFT Perfo applications announced in late October 2013 include: • Full independent hardware and utility on any operating system. • They can be used on any type of aircraft such as Airbus, Boeing, ATR, etc. This flexibility results in reduced training costs. • RTTO performance software has been redesigned to make it possible to undertake the same calculations on a tablet/iPAD as well as on an EFB. This can be used by
operational staff in flight preparation and in backup of any EFB. • The online tablet/iPAD software guarantees the use of synchronized data and allows an immediate follow-up on the webserver of all connections and calculations made. • Users are free to choose any hardware, in this way reducing the pressure on the company to provide extra hardware for pilots. • 4G technology will allow synchronization before take-off and a full flight preparation in connected modes at most airports. NEWS: RTTO was the first computer program used by Ukrainian carrier Air Onix. In late October 2013, the airline decided to become a user of the new RTTO HTML5 product. All B737 pilots now have full access to performance calculations via tablet or iPAD as well as the EFB. The launch was a success and marks a milestone in the concept of giving pilots access to the tools and so improving performance, reducing costs and increasing safety. Air Onix and Aerosvit have been users of RTTO and the airport database from ACFT Perfo since 2006
Air Passenger Duty (APD) system by ETS Aviation THE PERFECT SYSTEM FOR OPERATORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
IN late October 2013, ETS Aviation launched a new product called Aviation PassengerDuty™ enabling operators to automatically calculate, report and audit their Air Passenger Duty. Air Passenger Duty applies to fare-paying passengers on aircraft with a MTOW (maximum take-off weight) of 5.7 tonnes or more, taking off from a UK airport. Aviation PassengerDuty™ simplifies the process. With just a few clicks, you’ll calculate the tax and complete the forms that have to go to HMRC. It’s simple, quick, reliable and auditable. • Easy 24/7 web-based access; • Auto completion of HMRC APD2 and APD6 forms; • Auto reminders of due payments to avoid penalties; • Avoids errors in band or aircraft type calculation; • SSL access and a dedicated database for each operator; • Remote audit facility complies with HMRC specifications.
The successful implementation of Quality & Safety Management System module by ACS QUALITY & Safety Management System module in Airline Control Software (ACS) program Version 1.1 was successfully implemented in early November 2013. The module involves all quality and safety aviation aspects required by EASA. This is a chance for companies which haven’t regulated their SMS aspects yet, to do so in a professional way – the Airline Control Software way.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
aIrpOrt dataBase 3 mOnths Free access On a 36 mOnths cOntract.
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6 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
Arconics grows user base in South East Asia and Western Europe PHILIPPINE AIRLINES CHOOSES AERODOCS
ARCONICS was proud to announce in late August 2013 that Philippine Airlines (PAL) has selected Arconics AeroDocs as an end-to-end solution for manual authoring and publication to iPads. In addition Aerodocs will be used to manage Notifications and Confirmations to and from pilots and for the completion of forms via their iPads. PAL will use AeroDocs to distribute Operator and Manufacturer manuals, for the entire fleets in both Philippine Airlines and PAL Express, supporting approximately 800 pilots, and their fleets which include: • Airbus 319/320/321; • Airbus 330/340 • Boeing 747 and 777 • Bombardier Dash 8 Q300/400 The system went live in September 2013.
ARCONICS DELIVERS 787 EFB DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT FOR THOMSON AIRWAYS
Thomson Airways became the first UK airline to take delivery of the Boeing 787, receiving the first aircraft in May 2013. They turned to Arconics to help them manage the documentation for the new fleet.
THE CHALLENGE
In addition to the new Class 3’s on the B787, Thomson Airways uses a range of Class 1 and 2 EFBs on other fleets. Producing manuals that can be viewed easily and reliably across devices is difficult and time-consuming. Thomson Airways was using an authoring system based on a standard XML editor. The system had serious problems including a high training requirement, an internal IT burden caused by locally installed editing software and recurring problems with overall reliability. The impending arrival of the new B787 fleet led to a search for a new authoring and distribution system. Phil Ganewski, Manager of Flight Support, led a comprehensive evaluation of eight different vendors across a wide range of functional and business categories. The evaluation was comprehensive, with particular attention paid to: • Authoring; • Workflows, groups, and user management; • Security and Auditing;
• Publishing outputs – HTML, PDF, XML, Class 1, 2 and 3; • Importing and editing Boeing FTID; • Overall architecture; • Availability of EFB software; • Training, ease of use, and vendor support. According to Phil “We needed a solution that was completely web-based. We have busy people across the organization including Fleet Managers, Technical Pilots and Subject Matter Experts who update the manuals, but authoring is not their main job. By definition, authoring is done when the time is available. They can go for months without using the system, so ease-of-use was a major concern. We did a comprehensive due diligence exercise and the Arconics AeroDocs system had green ticks across the board.”
THE SOLUTION
Arconics worked closely with Thomson Airways to define the requirements for a customized solution that would meet Thomson’s needs for authoring and delivery to Class 1, 2 and 3 EFBs, including the EDB on the Boeing Class 3 EFB on the 787 fleet. The deployment, announced in late September 2013, was not without challenges. The Class 1 EFBs were tightly locked down, which required some additional work to roll out the system. The authors had to be trained on the new Arconics authoring system, which took about half a day, supplemented by some remote support as they began working with the system.
THE OUTCOME
AeroDocs was deployed in time to support the B787’s first flight. Now over 40 people across Thomson are using AeroDocs to edit Boeing and Thomson Airways manuals including FCOM, MEL, and Ops Manual Parts A, B and D, and other flight ops manuals and handbooks. Overall document publishing coordination and administration of the system is handled by a single employee. The system is helping Thomson Airways meet its goal of a paperless cockpit, which will generate savings of several hundred thousand pounds per year. More significantly, using AeroDocs has helped standardize manuals and the revision process across the organization. The AeroDocs manual viewer delivers a better user experience for the pilots, who can now navigate and search the manuals more easily, improving safety. The UK Civil Aviation Authority is also connected to the AeroDocs system, allowing them to review and approve changes online. Thomson Airways is now enabling AeroDocs across all their fleets and all devices, including Class 1 and 2 EFBs on the 737, 757 and 767 fleets, and to pilots’ own devices and laptops.
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 7
DAC International secures first ATR 42 and 72 EASA supplemental type certificate with LPV capability
DAC International, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, announced in late November 2013 that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had approved its supplemental type certificate (STC) for the ATR 42 and 72 aircraft equipped with the Universal Avionics UNS-1Lw FMS to be operated into airports that have so-called LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical) Approach procedures in place. LPV approaches are the highest-precision GPS/SBAS (Space Based Augmentation System) WAAS/EGNOS-enabled
aviation instrument approach procedures available today that do not require specialized aircrew training requirements. “From the pilot’s viewpoint, an LPV approach looks and flies like an Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedure, but the SBAS approach is more reliable and can be designed for every runway,” said General Manager for DAC International Francisco Hernandez. “The main difference between ILS and LPV is that LPV is based upon SBAS positioning signals, rather than a groundbased localizer and glideslope transmitter. It can provide vertical guidance as low as 200 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) which is great for the pilot.” The UNS-1Lw FMS installation on the ATR is compatible with the SBAS systems around the world such as the US Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Overlay Navigation (EGNOS) system, the Japanese Multi-Functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS) and the Indian GPS And Geo-Augmented Navigation (GAGAN). The FMS seamlessly integrates with the aircraft’s Display Systems and Automatic Flight Control and provides guidance from take-off to landing. It is compliant with B-RNAV, P-RNAV and RNAV Approaches including LPV. As of October 2013, Europe has approximately 76 LPV approaches. The ATR installation also complies with European B-RNAV, P-RNAV and other RNAV Approach Procedures. United States Federal Aviation Administration STC validation is currently in process on this product.
Navtech partners with DW International
NAVTECH Inc announced in early December 2013 a new partnership with DW International (DWI). The UK-based aviation consultancy has entered into an agreement whereby it will provide Navtech with GNSS RAIM/RNP Prediction Services for Navtech Flight Plan (NFP) customers. This service, required to meet PBN guidelines and State requirements, fits seamlessly into Navtech’s current suite and provides GPS coverage information for routes and airports as part of the flight planning process. The GRPS service allows operators to comply with all FAA, European, ICAO and other worldwide RAIM requirements and guidelines. Specifically, realtime tailored RAIM predictions for RNAV and RNP operations are delivered through NFP via the internet to NFP users. The service is fully automated for dispatchers/flight planners to obtain their predictions as they plan their route and the service allows dispatchers/flight planners and crew to plan around periods of reduced GNSS availability by taking all route details from the flight plan and calculating RAIM availability for all route types on a leg-by-leg basis. Destination and alternate airports for RNAV and RNP around the world are included. GRPS also processes GPS NANUs, evaluating and interpreting them in view of establishing their relevance to the RAIM availability. “DWI is pleased to… provide [Navtech] customers with the RAIM predictions they need for GNSS-based operations,” said John Wilde, CEO of DWI. “The consistency and availability of our service provides the reliability NFP users require.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
From The Cockpit To Your iPad® GDC64 Tablet Aircraft Interface Unit (TAIU)
Many developers are writing apps that can use aircraft position, weather info, and/or discretes from the aircraft. Applications for weight and balance information, OOOI reports, data recording and reporting, and many others can be developed and tailored for the user.
DAC International’s GDC64 was specifically designed as an aircraft interface device to give the iPad the data it can use in order to be the tool it should be without cumbersome Wi-Fi devices. Simply plug your iPad into the connector coming from a convenient location in the cockpit. Contact us today.
Avionics Solutions Provider | Worldwide Dealer Network | Engineering-Manufacturing dacinfo@dacint.com | P: +1.512.331.5323 | www.dacint.com
Approved Apple ® developer
8 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013
Boeing continues to develop the 737 and appoints a new CIO for the business
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
737 MAX EFFICIENCY INCREASES BY AN ADDITIONAL 1 PERCENT
THE Boeing 737 MAX program continues to make steady development progress since reaching Firm Configuration on the 737 MAX 8 in July. Engineers have completed an assessment of the airplane’s performance confirming an additional 1 percent fuel-efficiency improvement over the 13 percent already promised to customers. “Program and airplane performance just continues to improve,” said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes at the end of October 2013 announcement. “We have been disciplined in our approach and continue to realize more benefit for our customers as we retire risk on the program and get further into development.” Airlines that will operate the 737 MAX now will realize a 14 percent fuel-efficiency improvement over today’s most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes. At longer ranges, the improvement will be even greater. “This recent fuel-efficiency gain will widen the performance gap in the single-aisle market, reinforcing the 737 MAX’s position as the value leader,” said Leverkuhn. The 737 MAX will feature several new systems that will improve the management of maintenance information. For example, some Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) information will be brought into the flight deck. Today, maintenance technicians access this fault data in the forward electronic equipment bay of the airplane. By bringing this data up to the flight deck, maintenance issues can be resolved faster. The MAX also will include an enhanced on-board network system comprised of a digital flight data acquisition unit (eDFDAU) and network file server (NFS). These systems will provide a centralized data collection system with more storage capacity, doubling the maintenance data available during flight. The system will be capable of connecting the airplane in flight to airplane operations on the ground enabling airlines to better prepare for potential dispatch issues. “We are enhancing the capability of the 737 MAX to meet the future needs of a digital world,” said Michael Teal, chief project engineer, 737 MAX. “Recognizing that the Next-Generation 737 is already the most reliable single-aisle airplane with 99.7 percent of flights departing on time, we are being very deliberate about any changes we make to the airplane systems on the 737 MAX to make
– Delivering powerful, real time operational data.
For more information
Visit: www.aviit.com, call: +44 (0)1383 620922 or email: info@aviit.com AVIIT HP 1212 Archimedes.indd 1
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the airplane even easier to operate and maintain.” Some of these systems such as the eDFDAU and NFS are under development for initial delivery on the NextGeneration 737 prior to the 737 MAX. Many of these systems were tested during the 737 ecoDemonstrator program last year, showing the value they will provide to airlines operating the 737 MAX. “Through careful testing and selective application on the Next-Generation 737 before MAX enters service, we can ensure these systems are ready to enhance the management of our customers’ fleets,” said Teal. Engineers continue to make progress on the detailed design of the airplane. Recently the team completed the Firm Systems Definition, which defines the hardware locations for the systems on the airplane. “Throughout the design process we’ll continue to look for opportunities to improve operational performance, schedule and cost for our customers,” said Leverkuhn. “We are on track for first delivery of the 737 MAX in the third quarter of 2017.”
BOEING NAMES TED COLBERT CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Boeing named Ted Colbert chief information officer and vice president of the company’s Information Technology organization in early November 2013. Formerly vice president of the Boeing Information Technology Infrastructure organization, Colbert replaces Kim Hammonds, who is leaving the company. Colbert, 39, will report to John Tracy, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of Engineering, Operations & Technology. He will lead the Information Technology organization and be responsible for all IT strategy, systems, infrastructure, architecture, process and people across the Boeing enterprise. “Ted’s extensive background in Information Technology strategy and his years of successful leadership will ensure the continuity and successful implementation of the strategies we have put in place to achieve the critically important objectives of supporting and protecting our global operations with the most capable, reliable and secure IT systems in the world,” Tracy said. “We appreciate the job Kim Hammonds has done in positioning the IT organization for leadership, and we’re confident that Ted will take our team to new levels of performance for our customers and our employees.”
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 9
Air China to Deploy Meru Wi-Fi MERU Networks® a provider of Wi-Fi networking, announced in early September 2013 that Air China, one of the world’s 10 largest airlines, has deployed a Meru wireless network technology on a number of A330 wide-body jets. The deployment was conducted in conjunction with Meru partner Flight Focus, whose Cabin Inflight Wi-Fi platform integrates Meru technology enabling hundreds of passengers to simultaneously stream HD video directly to their mobile. The Flight Focus Cabin platform for inflight Wi-Fi and entertainment incorporates the latest and best technologies in terms of both hardware and software. Ralf Cabos, managing director of Flight Focus said, “Historically speaking, and largely, today, when more than 10 or 20 percent of passengers on a commercial airliner start trying to stream video, the experience degrades very quickly. The network just can’t handle the load. This powerful solution changes all of that.” “The combination of Flight Focus’ open, super light and secure Cabin Inflight Wi-Fi platform, and the high-performance Meru Wi-Fi network technology has enabled us to build our own IFE. We are now able to provide richer entertainment content to passengers, fulfil the need for cabin-wide HD video streaming, and deliver a much improved user experience,” said the Air China E-project Office. “The ease of installation should help us quickly complete modification of the entire fleet, enabling our passengers to enjoy the service as soon as possible.” “The Meru RF virtualization has stood the test of time since we first invented and patented it,” said Srinath Sarang, co-founder and general manager of the hospitality business unit at Meru Networks”. The ability to have a Wi-Fi network behave in a deterministic manner like a wired network is a hallmark of the Meru Networks solution. Meru’s RF virtualization delivers plug-and-play deployment and easy capacity expansion for the highest-density, most demanding and harsh environments, such as inside an aircraft. We partnered with Flight Focus to deliver this industry leading solution having built up our expertise in other in-flight and cruise ship deployments around the world.” As a result of the deployment, Air China has become the first Chinese carrier that operates flights with on-board Wi-Fi system. Air China is in the process of upgrading their entire wide body A330 fleet with the system.
Croatia Airlines Select Flightman’s Electronic Flight Bag Software IN mid-November 2013, Flightman announced that Croatia’s national flag carrier, Croatia Airlines, had signed a contract to install Flightmans’s EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) software across their fleet of Airbus and Bombardier aircraft. Croatia Airlines selected the suite of Flightman EFB software applications to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and provide interconnectivity within their back office enterprise applications. The EFB solution will be installed on Class 2 EFB hardware and includes Flightman’s Electronic Flight Folder, e Journey Log, Performance Calculations, Weight & Balance, Large Content Manager, Business Intelligence Tool and Forms Designer Photo: © Croatia Airlines (e-Reports) applications. These applications will be integrated with a 3rd Party Chart provider and all EFB related data will be managed via Flightman’s web based Ground Administrative Manager application. This complete EFB software solution will connect Croatia Airlines’ entire fleet of aircraft to their back office enterprise applications and the cockpit based software applications will enable the seamless transmission of EFB related data to or from the aircraft via cellular communications. Upon commencing EFB software deployment with Flightman, Zlatko Širac, Member of the Board and COO, Croatia Airlines stated; “Croatia Airlines is constantly seeking ways to streamline their business processes and improve flight operational efficiency. By installing the Flightman EFB software on our aircraft, we will be able to achieve these business objectives whilst maintaining our high customer service standards.” Joe McGoldrick, Chief Executive Officer, Flightman said “We are very pleased to be delivering an enterprise EFB solution to Croatia Airlines that drives productivity and operational improvements. Croatia Airlines’ selected on-board solution provides a future proofed deployment that delivers a compelling return on investment.” Flightman has continued to expand its operations in the international aviation industry and now boasts an impressive customer portfolio of airlines around the world. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
Visit us at the MRO & Operations IT Conference in Miami! March 18-19, 2014 | Hyatt Regency Miami Hotel | www.pace.de
10 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013
eLearning from ifrSKEYES
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IFRSKEYES announced in late October 2013 that AMASIS eLearning service is now available. This web-based solution is designed to respond to AMASIS customers’ needs in training either for newcomers, job shifting, knowledge refresh, or skill improvement on unknown topics of the application (available in English and French languages). For now, AMASIS eLearning offers two main categories of courses: One by functional area and one by business process.
THE eLEARNING APPROACH OF IFRSKEYES
The project started in 2012 and has been since then continuously improved, arousing the interest of numerous AMASIS customers.
Success Story: Logipad and DC Aviation
AS Germany’s leading business jet charter provider, DC Aviation has one of the largest fleets in Europe. The philosophy of DC Aviation is the passion for quality in Business Jet Charter, Aircraft Management and Aircraft Maintenance — and in this vein, the company decided in early October 2013 to use the single-sync Electronic Flight Bag solution Logipad on iPads in flight operations. Logipad as a single-sync EFB solution guarantees flexible and scalable information handling on ground and in the air. The implementation of an EFB requires several types of components and products. Challenges are implementing all needed information and enabling them in operations. Logipad supplies a standardized platform to distribute data to several EFB devices, like Windows-based laptop, tablet, iPad or Class-II devices. The basic setup of the Logipad iPad solution — used by DC Aviation — contains a dedicated system and backend infrastructure for customers running in the high-available data center of T&A SYSTEME in Germany. This EFB system includes the following features: • Document Library; • eReporting; • EFB App Store; • Mobile Device Management; • News Feed; • Web Interface; • Transfer Folder. The main benefit of Logipad is the single synchronization process: By pushing the button once all data will be synchronized from the ground service to the EFB device or vice versa. From now on, DC Aviation will optimize information workflow on ground and in the air with Logipad on iPad devices – two per airplane.
Seen as an ideal complement to traditional trainings, this tool was designed to fit with any kind of constraints affecting operators: it’s permanently accessible, every user can run the training programs at his or her own pace and availability, subjects are calibrated depending on the organization’s needs, and the administration is made by the proper operator administrator. The progress on individual or group training can be easily followed and training topics can even be customized.
transavia.com saves more fuel by partnering with OpenAirlines!
TRANSAVIA.COM, the French leisure airline, pursues its commitment to sustainable development by signing a contract with Open Airlines in June 2013. Open Airlines, a young innovative company, has implemented SKYBREATHE® FUEL EFFICIENCY a software solution to help airlines achieve savings from 1% to 4% on fuel costs. This software is the outcome of four years R&D and has leveraged the results of the Clean Sky CARING* Project, where Open Airlines and transavia.com partnered. They have developed algorithms to quickly analyze all the flights of an airline and propose fuel savings solutions. With SkyBreathe® Fuel Efficiency, Open Airlines was awarded the 2013 Sustainable Development Trophy by La Melee association and the Toulouse Chamber of Commerce. transavia.com is particularly concerned for its passengers’ well-being. Its commitment to sustainable development relies on practices base on ethical values and respect for the environment. These are values to which the airline is very much attached. * Contribution of Airlines for the Reduction of Industry Nuisances and Gases.
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 11
Delta to equip 11,000 pilots with Microsoft Surface 2 tablet devices
Delta’s electronic flight bag will leverage Jeppesen’s FliteDeck Pro application built specifically for the Windows platform. The interactive software gives flight crews quicker and more efficient access to key, real-time information and resources such as dynamic charts and navigation utilities that help them better manage the safe operation of their aircraft. “Delivering digital flight information through FliteDeck Pro on the Surface tablet platform will increase situational awareness and improve operational efficiency for Delta Air Lines,” said Tim Huegel, director, Jeppesen Aviation Portfolio Management. “This EFB integration program highlights a successful collaboration between Delta, Microsoft and Jeppesen and we congratulate Delta on the digital transformation of their flight deck operations.”
Rolling out the Surface 2 tablets across the entire fleet and eliminating paper in the cockpit means the carrier will remove traditional 38-pound pilot flight bags maintained on board aircraft for each pilot. That critical weight reduction is expected to reduce fuel usage by an estimated 1.2 million gallons per year which translates to a 26-millionpound reduction in carbon emissions — equivalent to taking more than 2,300 passenger cars off the road. Additionally, the tablet will cut the airline’s paper usage by 7.5 million sheets annually and save an estimated 900 trees each year. The move to a paperless cockpit follows Delta’s industryleading launch of handheld devices for its 19,000 flight attendants that runs on Windows Phone-based software. Delta flight attendants began using the Nokia Lumia 820 in August and are able to access customer and flight information while using Dynamics for Retail technology for easy on-board customer purchases.
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Build on the past, improve in the present, prepare for the future – with SITA e-Aircraft Application Services. Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) reduce the paper burden that can weigh down pilots and cabin crew alike. Our take on EFBs is e-Aircraft Application Services: a comprehensive solution that links up your aircraft fleet with your IT infrastructure without disrupting day-to-day operations. Your teams can get more done. Your costs are lower. And you have a solution that works with your existing investments and is ready for the future too.
MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFIT
ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG TO SUPPORT REAL-TIME ACCESS TO RESOURCES
S SATELLITE SECONDARY S FORMS: ED IN VARIOU : CAN BE US options are Transparency
SECONDARY
LLITES: PRIMARY SATE
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IT’s IN THE BAG... LLITES:
DELTA Air Lines announced at the end of September 2013 that it is equipping its 11,000 pilots with the Microsoft Surface 2 tablet, which will be used initially as an electronic flight bag to replace heavy paper-based flight kits containing navigational charts and aircraft operating and reference manuals. Device rollout to pilots flying the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 fleets will start later this year and all Delta cockpits are projected to be paperless by the end of 2014. The Surface 2 will run on the Windows RT 8.1 platform and provide flight crews easy access to essential tools and the most up-to-date flight-related resources, including navigational charts, reference documents and checklists while saving the airline $13 million per year in fuel and associated costs. “Delta’s electronic flight bag running on Surface 2 continues the technological strides Delta has been making to give crews the best tools to keep them flying safely and efficiently,” said Capt. Steve Dickson, Delta’s senior vice president – Flight Operations. “This intuitive device puts key information at our pilots’ fingertips right when they need it. By eliminating paper, we’ll reduce clutter and minimize time spent looking for flight information, allowing our pilots the opportunity to develop greater situational awareness in the air and on the ground.”
With the Windows RT 8.1 operating system, pilots will be able to open two applications side-by-side, offering, for example, the opportunity to assess weather information alongside proposed flight paths. The Live Tile user interface in Windows 8.1 can feed up-to-the-minute information to crew members while the Surface 2’s true high-resolution 1080p touchscreen display adds detail to maps and other resources. Delta expects to receive approval from the FAA to use the tablets during all phases of flight next year, a process that follows an extensive period of testing on board Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft. Approvals for all subsequent fleet types are expected by the end of 2014. The Surface tablets fully integrate handheld technology in the flight deck, streamlining organization of necessary materials and ensuring continuity of information accessed by pilots while giving them the latest tools to drive operational and cost improvements. The reduction of paper in the cockpit also reduces clutter and allows pilots to spend more time focusing on flying the aircraft as they will benefit from an intuitive user interface that features functions to find information faster, without having to hunt for appropriate manuals in flight bags or page through paper documents. “The integration of the electronic flight bag is part of Delta’s broader move to upgrade flight deck equipment, deploy technology enhancements and take advantage of airspace modernization efforts,” said Dickson. “With these improvements, we’re able to reduce the airline’s environmental impact while providing a great deal of flexibility to continue to add mobile technology solutions into our flying operations.”
Y SATE SECONDAR
DELTA TO EQUIP 11,000 PILOTS WITH MICROSOFT SURFACE 2 TABLET DEVICES
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Find out more today at www.sita.aero/EFB
“Picture courtesy of Goodrich Corporation” “Chart © Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. 2012”
12 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013
navAero makes progress with products and customers NAVAERO RECEIVES STC FOR CLASS 2 TABLET EFB SYSTEM ON Q400
NAVAERO announced in late September 2013 the achievement of FAA Supplemental Type Certification (FAA STC ST03170NY) on the Bombardier DHC-8-400 Series for the installation of a Class 2 Tablet Electronic Flight Bag provisions for the navAero Tablet EFB System that includes the navAero Universal Aircraft Interface Device (UAID). Provisions include pilot/first officer cockpit mounts that feature electrical connectivity for device charging and data connectivity.
various types of Windows/Andriod-OS tablet devices.” Giordano continued, “As a product line extension to our Class 2 t-Bag™C22 Electronic Flight Bag System, our Tablet EFB System provides a certified platform for airline operators who desire a mounted, powered and ‘data connected’ tablet solution for their fleets. Whether they are aircraft-dedicated systems or tablet-based deployments, we have certifications and hardware solutions that allow customers to achieve their program objectives.” Aircraft installations for WestJet Encore are currently in-progress. Installation kits for the Bombardier Q400 are available for immediate delivery.
NAVAERO WELCOMES CROATIA AIRLINES TO TABLET EFB SYSTEM FAMILY
The navAero Tablet EFB System consists of a modular, proprietary designed ‘Smart’ Mount tablet holder that securely contains that tablet device and meets all appropriate DO-160 requirements. The holder is integrally equipped with the navAero Power/Data Interface (PDi) module that converts 28VDC aircraft power to that which is appropriate for charging the tablet device. The PDi module also feeds aircraft data (ARINC 429, 717, Discretes) from the navAero Universal Aircraft Interface Device (UAID) to the tablet for use in various software applications along with capability for WiFi and cellular connectivity. The UAID also provides built-in capabilities for QAR (quick access recorder) functionality. The STC was executed by navAero in cooperation with Delta Engineering and DECA Aviation Engineering Limited for navAero customer, WestJet Encore. The navAero EFB system allows for multiple variations of tablets to be hosted to achieve maximum flexibility and upgradeability. As deployed, the system achieves WestJet Encore goal for the deployment of their Integrated Communications and Application System (ICAS). Simone Giordano, navAero Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, stated: “This achievement shows that our Class 2 Tablet EFB System meets all the regulatory requirements to be a highly integrated part of a modern airline, providing end-to-end connectivity from aircraft to operations. navAero has taken this design approach for tablet EFB deployments and has commercialized derivations to accommodate iPad devices as well as
In early October 2013, navAero announced the contract signing with Croatia Airlines for the deployment of the navAero Tablet EFB system for the airline’s A319/320 and Q400 fleets. Dual networked installations of the navAero Tablet EFB system will be installed with provisioning that features a fully adjustable mount for the customer selected Samsung ATIV tablet device and connectivity to aircraft power for device charging that will allow Croatia Airlines to achieve their initial program goal of flying paperless in early 2014. Wiring provisions for both fleets will also be included in the system installation so as to allow for the future addition of the navAero Universal Aircraft Interface Device (UAID) to the EFB system architecture for providing ARINC (Aeronautical Radio Inc.) data connectivity to the tablet devices. Data connectivity integration will take place in Phase 2 of Croatia Airline’s EFB program. navAero will also provide complete rapid decompression and EMI testing for the Samsung ATIV tablet. Josip Grgec, Flight Operations Director, Croatia Airlines stated: “We are always looking new ways to improve our performance and, on top of it, our safety. With navAero Tablet EFB system we will reduce pilot workload and improve situation awareness and safety. The navAero Tablet EFB system has clearly shown itself to be one that has the capabilities we are looking for in a flexible and adaptable technology solution. If a change of device is ever required, it allows for multiple variations of tablets to be hosted to achieve maximum flexibility and upgradeability.” Simone Giordano, Executive Vice President, navAero Group stated: “navAero is tremendously pleased to have Croatia Airlines join our ever-growing family of airline customers who have embraced our Class 2 EFB technology. The customers we have gained who have chosen our iPad/Tablet system gives us the commercial confidence that we are on the right track and that we have developed the correct system solution to meet the airlines’ needs and demands.”
Deployments on both Croatia Airlines fleets will begin in early 2014 with installation kits for the Airbus 320 family Bombardier Q400 available at that time.
NAVAERO ACHIEVES EASA B747-400 STC FOR T∙BAG™C2 AND IPAD/TABLET ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAG SYSTEMS
Also in early October 2013, navAero announced achievement of the issuance of Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) 10046400 by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for Boeing 747-400 series aircraft of the t∙Bag™C22 Electronic Flight Bag system. Executed by navAero in cooperation with Aero Vodochody Aerospace A.S., this certification is another of the highly integrated STCs for the navAero t∙Bag™C22 Class 2 EFB system. This STC is a compliment to existing FAA STC ST026551NY for the B747-400. The system architecture in the EASA STC includes the navAerodesigned, AT&T-certified, UMTS/HSDPA 3G cellular modem module for on-ground data transfer. Also included in the certification is the navAero Aircraft Interface Device (AID) that enables certified connectivity of the EFB system to aircraft data buses. The EFB CPUs are deployed with cross-connectivity to provide data sharing between the two independent systems. The STC also provides several different display options including the t∙Bag™ 1500 and t∙Bag™ 2000 to provide customers with maximum flexibility in selecting the optimum viewing platform to meet their specific requirements and needs. The STC also includes provisions that allow for the deployment the navAero iPad/Tablet EFB system as an alternative technology solution to the t∙Bag™C22. The iPad/Tablet deployment can also incorporate the navAero AID into the system architecture for data connectivity. The issuance of this STC by EASA further validates navAero EFB systems as affordable Class 2 technology platforms fully capable of deploying advanced software that require aircraft data connectivity. navAero Group Executive Vice President, Mr. Simone Giordano, states “This is our twenty-fifth STC. Having both the EASA and FAA STCs, navAero is now able to offer B747-400 operators around the world a choice of highly sophisticated, safety-enhancing EFB technologies on the flight deck at an affordable cost.” Giordano continued: “With the options we have provided in this STC, we are providing operators with the ability to deploy a highly customized navAero EFB solution that will meet their own unique and specific needs and requirements.”
Lufthansa deploys new EFB tool from PACE for operational efficiency
LUFTHANSA was the launch customer in late September 2013 for a Pacelab Flight Profile Optimizer, new EFB tool which will help pilots actively manage the operational efficiency of their flights. The software will use live aircraft and weather data to determine in real time the most cost-efficient flight trajectory for the remaining route to destination. Making full use of the EFB’s computational power and of high-fidelity performance data, the software is set to achieve significantly more accurate results than current onboard technology. With the most cost-efficient, or ECON, trajectory as a reference, the software is able to pinpoint the available cost savings potential for every instant of the flight and display it to pilots in easy-to-read charts, giving concise information about fuel burn, overall cost and delay; the latter provides additional support for managing on-time performance. The Flight Profile Optimizer is currently being developed by Berlin-based software provider PACE, who specializes in operational efficiency management solutions for airlines. In fact, the present collaboration with Lufthansa follows successful implementation of a similar project with the carrier’s regional subsidiary Lufthansa CityLine. A first prototype of the software is planned for late 2013; initially, it will be deployed on Class 2 EFBs on the carrier’s intercontinental fleet for a large-scale evaluation, to become part of the standard installation if the savings projected in a preliminary study are realized. “In Lufthansa, we have found the perfect launch customer for the Pacelab Flight Profile Optimizer,” says Dr. Oliver Kranz, PACE Managing Partner and head of the company’s airline division. “Lufthansa is a recognized innovation leader, and we are very fortunate to be able to draw on their vast operational know-how in the development of our software.”
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 13
Navtech increases EFB footprint Scandinavian Avionics A/S future-proof and appoints VP Robert Kernahan EFB gains traction and customers EUROATLANTIC AIRWAYS EFB SOLUTION EXTENDS TO FULL BOEING FLEET
NAVTECH Inc.was pleased to congratulate customer, euroAtlantic Airways, for their extended Class 2 Type B EFB approval from EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) as announced in late September 2013. This is one of the first EASA certifications for an airline operating an all Boeing aircraft fleet and utilizing Apple iPad hardware. The non-scheduled international airline, operating diverse routes in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Central and South Americas, Africa, Middle East and beyond, will operate Navtech iCharts via iPads across their entire fleet. euroAtlantic Airways is also a subscriber to Navtech’s Navigation Data for the GE US and Honeywell FMS. “We are always pleased to be a part of innovative technology solutions that give our customers cost savings, enhanced safety and overall increased operational efficiency,” said Mr. Heath Bowden, Product Director - Charts & EFB at Navtech. “euroAtlantic has had great success in removing paper from their cockpits.” euroAtlantic Airways was a new customer to Navtech in 2012, signing two agreements for services within six months and becoming an ally for Navtech. “We have a very good, professional relationship with Navtech and we are very pleased with their solution,” said euroAtlantic Airways Chief Pilot, Mario Alvim. Navtech iCharts brings Navtech electronic charts to iPad. This allows the iPad to be used as a Class 1 EFB, or with regulatory and operational approval, as a Class 2 Type B device. Navtech has worked with customers, like euroAtlantic Airways, to achieve operational approval of the iPad as a Class 2 device and the family of aeronautical charts products have been developed using research from Human Factor Specialists and by gathering data from, and working closely with pilots who have years of experience using aeronautical charts. Each chart includes enhanced symbology and communication features. Navtech’s electronic chart viewing application, Navtech eCharts, has been used by customers for over ten years. Continued product enhancements will form the infrastructure for Navtech to easily support all Classes of EFB and all devices from tablets to installed avionics.
NAVTECH WELCOMES AVIATION VETERAN KERNAHAN
Navtech Inc named Robert Kernahan as Vice President, Charts and Navigation Data Production and General Manager UK in early November 2013. Mr. Kernahan will direct the Hersham office location and multiple product production teams effective mid-November 2013. “This professional fit is like a hand in a glove,” said Mike Hulley, Navtech CEO. “Bob has worked over 25 years in the aviation industry and I know that Navtech’s customers will reap the benefit of his expertise and experience.” Prior to joining Navtech, Mr. Kernahan was the Head of Dangerous Goods and Special Solutions for Lufthansa Cargo. He managed the safe transport of all dangerous goods shipments out of the Frankfurt airport, in addition to the management of the ground handling services for all nonLufthansa airlines. Mr. Kernahan began his aviation career as an Air Traffic Controller for the US Military. After seven years of commitment to the armed forces he held positions with Jeppesen, Swissair Flight Support and Lufthansa Systems. While at Jeppesen, Mr. Kernahan was the Principle AIP Analyst creating and managing the central source documentation for all AIP customers. At Swissair Flight Support, Mr. Kernahan entirely rebuilt the Navigation Data team after all staff and management moved to a new company simultaneously and then served as Head of Production taking on full responsibility for the production of SFS Charting, NOTAM service, and their navigation database. Upon joining Lufthansa’s Lido team, Mr. Kernahan formed the group’s strategy around product integration which led him to leadership roles in their Operational Data Services department. From there, Mr. Kernahan directed both the Product Management and Product Development departments for Lido Flight Planning. Mr. Kernahan is a FAA licensed Air Traffic Controller, rated in both tower and approach control facilities. He also holds an MBA from the prestigious Ashridge Business School.
NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE SELECTS FUTUREPROOF TABLET BASED EFB SOLUTION FROM SCANDINAVIAN AVIONICS.
SCANDINAVIAN Avionics signed an agreement with Norwegian Air Shuttle in late September 2013 to replace the existing Electronic Flight Bag solution in their fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft with the new future-proof tablet based solution from Scandinavian Avionics. This only a few months after Scandinavian Avionics announced its launch project for their proprietary new tablet based EFB solution. Scandinavian Avionics will provide all equipment, certification package (EASA STC) and installation support for the project. The solution consists of two ruggedized 10.1” Panasonic tablets, Scandinavian Avionics’ Data Integration Center (DIC-600) for aircraft interface and server capability and a separate communication module (ERC-400) that eases the certification process and futureproofs the operator’s future communication demands. Both the interface unit and the communication module have been designed and certified in-house by Scandinavian Avionics. The solution redefines the traditional EFB architectural concept by moving focus from the actual EFB display in the cockpit to the flexible infrastructure in the aircraft. Michael R. Truelsen, President at Scandinavian Avionics, explained: “As opposed to other EFB solutions, we have developed a future-proof concept that enables the aircraft operator to use a commercial windows based tablet as the EFB display. The development within commercial tablets is running way faster than the traditional EFB hardware and with our solution the operator can continuously upgrade the EFB display to the most current model at low certification costs.” John-Christian Paulshus, Head of Business Development Operational It Solutions at Norwegian Air Shuttle says: “We prefer not to invest in proprietary EFB solutions; but to invest in more open infrastructure that will support today’s and future EFB devices. We have been looking for a replacement EFB solution… in line with our overall business concept with modern equipment and we have now found the solution for the future.”
An electronic flight bag solution benefits any airline or aircraft operator by reducing weight on board and by saving time on updating the physical charts in the flight bag as well as gaining operational benefits with connectivity. Ole-Christian Melhus, Deputy Director Flight Operations at Norwegian Air Shuttle commented: “As an experienced paperless operator, we are confident that the flexibility achieved by the new hardware solution provided by Scandinavian Avionics, will exceed the operational benefits targeted for effectiveness and operational control. Aircraft connectivity together with existing and future infrastructure flexibility, are key elements in the selected solution. Streamlining our operation in all aspects are important in our daily processes, both today and for our continuous expansion, we stand confident that this will be a solution and investment for the long term future.” The initial certification and installation has been accomplished for new delivery aircraft and retrofits are currently proceeding according to Norwegian Air Shuttle’s high paced plan for the current Boeing 737 fleet.
SCANDINAVIAN AVIONICS SIGNS YET ANOTHER AIRLINE FOR TABLET BASED EFB SOLUTION
Billund, Denmark, 12. November, 2013: It was announced in midNovember 2013 thatGerman charter airline TUIfly will be the next airline to equip its Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the future-proof tablet based electronic flight bag solution from Danish avionics specialist, Scandinavian Avionics. The EFB solution for TUIfly consists of two ruggedized 10.1” Panasonic tablets and Scandinavian Avionics’ Data Integration Center DIC-600 which allows for aircraft interface and server capability. The concept provides a wide range of features and information to the pilots’ fingertips, such as airport charts, check lists, manuals and much more. Due to the intelligent infrastructure of the EFB concept, basically any current and future tablet can relatively simply be certified for installation in the aircraft. This enables TUIfly to upgrade the tablets concurrently with the rapid development of consumer tablets and their functionality, making the EFB concept a future-proof solution. “The solution we have selected fulfills our need to be flexible and be able to attach to supporting systems” says Project Manager at TUIfly, Sebastian Franz. TUIfly’s initial plans are to equip 12 of their Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the new EFB solution and in the long term, more aircraft will follow. “We’re targeting a full fleet deployment and we are keen to provide our pilots with the most efficient tools available” concludes Sebastian. Since the launch of the EFB concept about a year ago, Scandinavian Avionics has experienced a significant interest in the tablet based EFB solution.
14 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013
Thales’s Avionics 2020 future cockpit wins 2013 Red Dot Design Concept Award REWARDED in late October 2013, for the innovative design of its Avionics 2020 cockpit, Thales is a proud recipient of this year’s prestigious Red Dot Design Concept Award. Thales is also ranked amongst the “Best of the Best” award-winners, since its Avionics 2020 cockpit has been selected as one of the 50 design concepts which stand out from the 5,000 applications submitted from over 50 countries worldwide across all categories. Avionics 2020 represents a new generation cockpit founded on the principles of natural, hands-on interaction and human-machine interfaces. With a user-friendly cockpit layout, it incorporates tactile displays, providing pilots with an intuitive way of interacting with all aircraft systems and functions. Set for entry into service in 2020, the Avionics 2020 cockpit is simple to use and to train with, allows complex tasks to be managed easily and provides an efficient and modern environment in which to work. Developed at Thales’s cockpit innovation hub, in Bordeaux, France, the Avionics 2020 cockpit has brought together pilots, researchers, engineers, psychologists, physicians and world-class experts in the field of human-
machine interfaces and has resulted in a cockpit design that is entirely centered around the pilot. Thanks to this multi-disciplinary approach and its two partners – Félix & Associés and Use Design – Thales has succeeded in creating a seamless cockpit where hardware and software interactions are entirely consistent from a look-and-feel perspective. Commenting on the award, Bruno Nouzille, VP, Technical, of Thales’s Avionics business, said: “This is a major reward for the forward-thinking innovation policy we’ve put into place. It is supported by a structured process, teams with unrivalled expertise in human factors and humanmachine interfaces and a workspace tailored to foster creativity, communication and the development of new technologies.” Avionics 2020 represents a major milestone towards implementing the ODICIS (One DIsplay for a Cockpit Interactive Solution) concept. A futuristic cockpit concept, ODICIS highlights the types of technologies and innovations expected to become the norm on commercial aircraft in the next twenty years.
Cathay Pacific Airways selects ULTRAMAIN efbTechLogs™ for industryfirst cross-fleet ELB Implementation HONG KONG-based, Cathay Pacific Airways, has begun an implementation of efbTechLogs™ Electronic Logbook (ELB) software developed by Ultramain Systems. ELB software is new technology that replaces the long-standing paperbased aircraft technical log. Cathay Pacific announced in late September 2013 that it will implement the Ultramain ELB on its Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) installation to a common standard across all its aircraft types comprising 170 aircraft. The ELB software operates on Electronic Flight Bag hardware, which itself constitutes new technology, and is classified by aviation authorities from least to most integrated with the aircraft: Class 1, 2, or 3 EFB respectively. “The majority of airlines are still using paper-based aircraft technical logs, so the use of ELB software is in its infancy,” says Tim Spears, Vice President of Ultramain and head of Ultramain’s Onboard Systems division. “Cathay Pacific Airways is set to be the first industry operator with a common Electronic Logbook across all fleet types.” “Replacement of paper with the real-time capture of structured maintenance information through an Electronic Logbook will dramatically improve the efficiency of
processes in Line Maintenance operations,” says Rob Saunders, Cathay’s Head of Engineering Cost Management and Business Improvement. “Working closely with HAECO, our MRO partner, we have looked much further than just replacing the paper. To realize the benefits, we needed a proven ELB solution integrated with our M&E system. Mark McCausland, President of Ultramain Systems, says, “efbTechLogs operates on Class 1 (mobile devices), as well as Class 2 and 3 EFB, and has been in continuous approved use on Class 3 EFB since 2008. efbTechLogs has a great deal of experience incorporated into the software and has been installed by more operators than all other ELB offerings combined.” Christopher Gibbs, Director of Engineering for Cathay Pacific, said, “Similar ELB software that spans all of our fleet types is essential in managing an e-enabled fleet. Commonality of software makes sense on many levels, from training to ground systems integration. e-Operations can provide incremental benefits for individual aircraft, but we see a significantly stronger business case for full fleet enablement.”
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TopWings. Scalable networked solutions to help make the right decisions. Turnkey EFB solution Maximum IT security
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© Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc
Operational cost savings
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.
Improved flight safety
To learn more about our Electronic Flight Bag solution, scan the QR code or email topwings@thalesgroup.com or visit thalesgroup.com
TopWings_English_C31622.216_85x273_Aug13_AircraftIT_v1.indd 1
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WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | NEWS | 15
Who’s in the news: Vendors ACFT PERFO
ACFTPERFO is experienced in electronic flight bags and related software to reduce costs such as engine use and related maintenance, data availability and study, paper printing and handling, manpower, etc.
ACS
The ACS system was created specifically for the needs of the airlines. The system is under the supervision of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
ARCONICS
Arconics technology allows airlines to import complex XML documents from aircraft manufacturers, modify them to meet their own operational needs, and deliver them to pilots and crew over a web, mobile, tablets, and EFBs on the flight deck.
AVIOVISION
AvioVision’s EFB Software, the AVIOBOOK®, is intuitive, smart and integrated with the legacy systems of the customer to go beyond compliance for flight crew and backoffice personnel.
BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANES
Boeing Commercial Airplanes offers airplanes and services to customers around the world. There are more than 13,000 Boeing commercial jetliners in service.
DAC INTERNATIONAL
DAC International offers a wide range of avionics upgrade solutions for regional and major airlines, military and general and corporate aircraft, as well as MROs and OEMs worldwide.
DWI
DWI is an air navigation, civil air communications and air traffic management consultancy which also develops and maintains software and manages websites that support air operations.
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.
MICROSOFT
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq ‘MSFT’) creates software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
NAVAERO
navAero, Inc.develops and commercializes electronic flight bag products with FAA & EASA STC installations on a range of aircraft.
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.
FLIGHTMAN
Flightman, originally Aircraft Management Technologies (AMT), provides ‘Connected Aircraft’ solutions to airlines focusing on regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and in-cabin passenger service and revenue opportunities by integrating the aircraft within the Enterprise IT infrastructure.
IFRSKEYES
ifrSKEYES, an AIRBUS company, is a fullservice IT provider specialized in aviation software managing aircraft maintenance and flight operations. Its recognized know-how is based on a central strategic axis: the entire aircraft management.
NAVTECH, INC.
Navtech, Inc. provides flight operations solutions including aeronautical and other charts, with products that can be configured as part of an EFB. Products include aeronautical charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance software (take-off/landing, weight and balance), and crew planning solutions
PACE
PACE develops and distributes intelligent software solutions for aircraft and engine manufacturers, airlines, MRO providers and leasing companies, supporting the entire aircraft life-cycle, from marketing and design to customization and flight operations.
SCANDINAVIAN AVIONICS A/S – MEMBER OF THE SA GROUP
Based on a number of relevant approvals, Scandinavian Avionics provides complete turn-key avionics solutions, including avionics logistics and parts support, maintenance (MRO.
THALES
LOGIPAD
Logipad EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) management solution provides a global EFB solution to support the whole EFB lifecycle of the customer. It is independent of any device class, software, data, and communication channel.
MERU NETWORKS
Meru Networks develops mobile access and virtualized Wi-Fi solutions: MobileFLEX wireless architecture addresses the evergrowing need for higher bandwidth and higher client densities.
Thales’s rich history goes back well over a century. Built slowly and with careful planning, the Group boasts remarkable cohesion and strength, and has often proven its ability to adapt its structures to prevailing conditions.
ULTRAMAIN SYSTEMS, INC.
Ultramain Systems, Inc.’s flagship product, ULTRAMAIN®, is a maintenance and logistics solution. Their new product, efbTechLogs™, replaces aircraft paper flight logs and enables faster turnaround times, so aircraft spend more time in the air and less time on the ground.
Airlines, Aircraft, Operators and OEMs and infrastructure managers in the news
DC AVIATION
DC Aviation GmbH, based in Stuttgart and employing a staff of more than 330 employees, is the largest provider of business jets in Germany and one of the leading operators in Europe.
DECA
AERO VODOCHODY AEROSPACE A.S:
DECA is Canada’s premier aviation services provider with a foundation built on the diversity of their capabilities, platform experience, programs, customers and the experience of their people.
AIR CHINA
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year and, with Delta Connection carriers, offer service to 317 destinations in 57 countries on six continents with a fleet of more than 700 aircraft.
AERO Vodochody Aerospace A.S is the largest aerospace manufacturer in the Czech Republic, mainly focusing on cooperation with leading aerospace manufacturers in international aerostructures projects. Air China was established and commenced operations on 1 July 1988 and has responsibility for intercontinental flights from its base at Beijing Capital International Airport.
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, LTD.
DELTA AIR LINES
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded ‘Norwegian’, is a low-cost airline with a route portfolio across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, Thailand and the US on 382 routes to 121 destinations.
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL)
Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) is a flag carrier of the Philippines. The airline was founded in 1941 and is the first and oldest commercial airline in Asia operating under its original name. Philippine Airlines serves 31 destinations in the Philippines and 34 overseas destinations.
DELTA ENGINEERING
Delta Engineering has provided the aviation industry with certification, engineering and manufacturing services for nearly 15 years.
EUROATLANTIC AIRWAYS
Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd. is an international airline registered and based in Hong Kong, offering scheduled passenger and cargo services to more than 160 destinations worldwidewith a fleet of 130 wide-bodied aircraftThe airline is a founding member of the oneworld global alliance.
euroAtlantic airways is a Portuguese registered nonscheduled International Airline, operating in the most diverse routes in North Atlantic (USA and Canada), Caribbean, Central and South Americas, Africa, Middle East, Pacific, Australia and Oceania.
CROATIA AIRLINES
The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with global operations and a total of more than 400 subsidiaries and associated companies. It is divided into five business segments including passenger transportation, airfreight and airline services.
Croatia Airlines is the national airline and flag carrier of the Republic of Croatia. Based in Zagreb, the airline is a member of Star Alliance and operates domestic and international services with four A319, two A320 and six Dash 8-Q400.
NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE (NORWEGIAN)
LUFTHANSA
THOMSON AIRWAYS
Thomson Airways, the airline for Thomson and First Choice, is the UK’s third largest airline and forms part of the TUI Travel PLC group. With a fleet of 62 aircraft it serves 20 UK airports and operates to 88 destinations in 30 countries.
TRANSAVIA.COM
transavia.com provides scheduled and charter flights to direct customers and tour operators at very competitive prices to European and Mediterranean destinations.
TUIFLY
From its headquarters at Hanover Airport, TUIfly flies to the classic holiday regions all around the Mediterranean, the Canary and Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and Egypt for TUI and other tour operators.
16 | CASE STUDY: EASYBROWSE | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
Modern workflows to publish Operation Manuals on EFBs Just getting a manual on-screen is not enough say Torsten Machert, Managing Director, EasyBrowse GmbH and Lutz Kohlert Office Coordinator Postholder Operations, Germania
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | CASE STUDY: EASYBROWSE | 17
A
T A RECENT airline conference we happened to be part of the following conversation: “I’m very pleased; we’ve finally managed to get our manuals onto iPad.” “Now, that is interesting; how did you manage it?” “It was quiet easy: we opened the manuals in Microsoft Word and saved them as a PDF. Then we made them available for our pilots and cabin crew to be able to download them onto their devices.” “How many manuals will that be?” “Not more than ten.” “And, how can users find the information they need? How do they search across all the manuals and how do you manage the amendment process?” “Well, that wasn’t on our agenda: the plan was simply to make our manuals available on mobile devices.” “What then are the additional benefits as compared to the printed manuals?” “They can now be used on a tablet… and that was the plan.” Subsequently, and over a glass of beer, we were thinking that it really is a pity that the people who had put their manual ‘onto iPad’ had failed to implement the complete paradigm shift that electronic versions of a manual are able to offer. In particular, we were thinking of all the great new features that could be provided to pilots and cabin crew; features such as… • Fast access to the required information based on the semantics of that information; • Powerful and fast search capabilities across all manuals; • Easy-to-implement automatic updates of manuals and specific parts of them; • Dynamic content delivery based on aircraft models and/or tail numbers; • A library or collection of manuals rather than individual files. …to mention at least the most important ones. This article discusses the features that make a manual on EFB or Tablet more useful by providing a set of powerful features and functionality. It will also deal with the prerequisites to implementing a workflow that is able to produce high-end EFB apps and to make the entire process more efficient, more reliable and predictable. We’ll do this by summarizing the lessons we learned during the implementation of a complete new workflow at the German airline Germania.
Interestingly, the main objective was not to make the manuals available on an EFB or Tablet platform. Implementing a well-defined workflow to prepare and manage the manuals is, in fact, the prerequisite for an output into nearly all publishing channels and on nearly all devices. Also, when we started the project in 2007 nobody had a clue what an iPad was; so the objective could not have been to make the manuals available on this device. And, who knows what operating systems and what hardware we will be using in five or ten years’ time? We had more far reaching and comprehensive objectives that were, in our opinion, more important than simply supporting a specific device. The new workflow was designed based on an analysis of the existing processes which revealed that, for a start, existing tools were not able to support the workflow in such a manner as to be able to meet the following requirements:
“…the people who had put their manual ‘onto iPad’ had failed to implement the complete paradigm shift that electronic versions of a manual are able to offer.” • Full traceability of all actions; • Shorter revision cycles; • Strong version control; • Re-use of information; • Effectivity management; • Status management; • Translation management; • Publishing into different channels.
MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION
The vast majority of airlines are still using a system to store and manage their manuals. In that, they ignore the limitations of file based systems in terms of access control and revision handling. It is not easily possible to retrieve useful information such as ‘who did what; when and why’. The way a file based system stores meta data along with the documents is not suitable for providing the technical means to support proper traceability. The versioning of information depends on the discipline of the users. It requires the user to manually create new revisions of manuals and/or chapters by saving the file using a different file name. Conventions for file names can be agreed but it is up to the user to obey those rules or not. In our project there was no doubt that the entire documentation process must be based on a CMS. The term CMS has two meanings. A CMS is a Component Management System. Rather than storing and managing documents, i.e. files, a CMS manages entire manuals along with the chapters and subchapters of which the manual is comprised. A CMS can also be a Content Management System. That means that it stores the information but without any indication as to how that information is being rendered. This feature is useful when it comes to publishing processes that serve different channels like paper output for different paper formats (A4 and A5) and electronic publications. If the source information is not agnostic as far as its presentation is concerned then every process that has to produce different presentations of the same information will fail. Using a Content Management System requires that the data format is changed. The only data formats that allow for a presentation agnostic storage of information are those based on SGML/XML. These formats also provide some other interesting and important features: • They are independent from operating systems and tools; • XML allows the production of aircraft or fleet specific manuals; • XML is prerequisite to being able to publish information into different channels – and even into those which will emerge in the future; • The nature of an XML based data format helps authors to create consistent manual structures. As strong version control, automatic versioning and re-use of information are basic features of a CMS we were able cope with some of the most painful limitations of the existing process.
A COMPLETE PARADIGM SHIFT From a process point of view it sounds so easy: buy a CMS and your problems are gone. However, the implementation of a CMS is challenging for the subject matter experts who have to contribute content and work with the new tools. What they experienced in the Germania case was a double paradigm shift. Rather than storing their files in the file system they had to learn to work with a tool that seemed to reduce all degrees of freedom. But that was the plan. A CMS takes full control: it manages the workflow and allows the user to do only those things that they are allowed to do. Everything is tracked: any action is locked and can be reproduced. What initially sounded like a lack of freedom was finally perceived as a welcome support of the daily work. The other paradigm shift was regarding the way documents are prepared. Instead of using the well-known and familiar Microsoft Word, the sponsors were now ‘forced’ to use tools that reduced the remaining freedom to write manuals and, more importantly, that required them to learn new tools and new techniques to write manuals. It’s important to understand that it is necessary to allow time for a learning curve. At the outset it will take longer to prepare manuals. The experience that we gained is that the process of writing and amending manuals will be significantly shorter once the authors are acquainted with the process and the tools. And today nobody wants to go back to the pre-XML era. LEGACY DATA MIGRATION The implementation of a CMS based workflow also has to take into account that there will be a huge number of legacy documents. The question is, ‘how these documents can be converted to XML?’ To cut a long story short; even if it were technically possible to convert a Word document into XML, we would never try to do it again. The quality of the Word documents, in terms of their consistency and structure, prevents an automated data conversion. Migrating legacy data means also re-structuring them. Our attempt to migrate them automatically revealed the lack of consistency. The manual conversion was a time consuming process but resulted not only in a better quality of manuals but also it allowed us to prepare the manuals for dynamic content delivery which is an on-the-fly delivery process on an EFB that allows the pilot to reduce the information to render only that which is applicable to the aircraft he is flying.
18 | CASE STUDY: EASYBROWSE | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
the OEM manuals. In our case the goal was to produce an EFB publication that was composed of the Germania manuals available as XML files, Boeing documentation delivered as PDFs and Airbus documentation, also delivered as XML files.
FAST INFORMATION ACCESS
Regardless of the number of manuals and the amount of material involved, an electronic manual must allow for fast, easy and reliable access to the required information. This is paramount as fast information retrieval is a safety related capability. Let’s hope that a pilot never has to open several PDF files to find the information he needs at exactly that moment because, if you have ever worked with large PDFs you’ll know how cumbersome this process can be. Providing access to the information based on its semantics means that we don’t need to do a full text search if we have to know what to do when, for instance, the landing gear does not properly lock.
Specific indices will help to access the required information within a second.
UPDATING MANUALS
PAPER OUTPUT
Thanks to XML, paper output can be provided with some new and important features: • The process of creating a PDF is completely automated; • The PDF contains features like a list of actual changes — a list of revisions that are automatically created by the publishing process; • Pieces of information that have been amended during the current revision process are marked up with a revision bar; • The PDF-output exists in two different formats: one PDF file that contains the complete manual and one PDF file that contains only the pages that have been amended.
ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS
During the implementation process in question, Germania introduced EFBs and, with the new CMS and the XML based document process, we were well prepared to deliver the manuals to the new hardware. However we felt that it was not enough to bring just the PDFs onto the EFBs because that would have meant that we had failed to leverage the power of XML on those devices. Finally we were faced with another paradigm shift. Using manuals on an EFB offers new features to access the required information. Rather than working with a single manual or a single file, users now have access to the full library of manuals. This consists not only of the manuals that are being produced by the airline but also of all
The old-school way of updating manuals on an EFB or Tablet requires the amended PDFs to be downloaded and typically those PDFs are complete manuals. It’s in the nature of a PDF based process that an existing manual has to be replaced by the new file regardless of the number of pages that have been updated. To accelerate the update process and consume less bandwidth an EFB or Tablet app must support incremental updates. The tools we use are able to produce a complete data package or an incremental update package with the complete package being uploaded to the Intranet while the incremental update packages go onto the EFBs
DYNAMIC CONTENT DELIVERY
Airlines that operate a fleet of different aircraft models (and/or aircraft with different model configurations) provide manuals that contain information pertaining to all aircraft. It is left up to the pilot to understand which piece of information is applicable to the aircraft he is flying. From a safety point of view this is not acceptable: the risk that he could use the wrong information is too high. A modern EFB app will allow the information to be filtered dynamically and on-the-fly. The airline can still produce manuals
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | CASE STUDY: EASYBROWSE | 19 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
“…the goal was to produce an EFB publication composed of the Germania manuals available as XML files, Boeing documentation delivered as PDFs and Airbus documentation, also delivered as XML files.” that contain everything that they know while the pilot is • The revision cycles have been significantly reduced. able to ‘produce’ his specific manual depending on the • Thanks to XML, we are prepared to meet future tail number of the aircraft in which he is sitting. requirements in terms of new hardware and operating systems. SUMMARY • The EFB helps us to reduce fuel consumption by 4.5 Introducing a new workflow based on XML and a CMS tonnes per aircraft per year. is a challenging process both for the vendor and the airline. However, there is no alternative and the results are more than convincing: • The process is completely traceable. • The revision management is independent from manual interventions or actions. Ovidius GmbH is a specialist for professional XML data • We are able to deliver the content into different management systems for technical documentation formats and channels.
FINDING instead of searching
OVIDIUS GMBH
TORSTEN MACHERT
MANAGING DIRECTOR, EASYBROWSE GMBH Torsten Machert is Managing Director of EasyBrowse GmbH. He is specialized in the conception and implementation of workflows based on SGML and XML. Core themes of his work are such varied industries as aviation, defense, engineering and publishing. In recent years he has been focusing on developing industrial processes for the creation of powerful electronical publications and their distribution.
LUTZ KOHLERT
POSTHOLDER OPERATION, GERMANIA Lutz Kohlert has an engineering degree in thermal engineering. He started his career in aviation in 1991 at Lufthansa Service and joined Germania as Chief of Traffic one year later. In 2003 he became Assistant to the Manager of Airline Operations and was appointed Office Supervisor of Airline Operations in 2006.
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within mission critical industries with a broad and deep experience of aeronautical documentation processes.
EASYBROWSE GMBH
EasyBrowse GmbH – an Ovidius subsidiary – is specialized in software for powerful electronic publications that can be run offline on EFBs, online as web based application or on Tablet-PCs. The flagship software EB.Suite provides comprehensive solutions for manuals based on SGML, XML and PDF. Together they have developed TCToolbox Airline Edition which is a software package specifically configured for airlines which allows users to significantly reduce the time required to create auditproof manuals and comply with the sector’s strict safety and traceability standards. Users can get their data smart and traceable, and published on EFB in a monitored fashion.
Intelligent electronic manuals Effectivity management Management of amendments Efficient access to required information Incremental updates
GERMANIA
Berlin-based carrier Germania Fluggesellschaft GmbH serves more than 50 international destinations from Bremen, Dusseldorf, Erfurt/Weimar und Munich. Germania currently operates ten Boeing 737 and eight Airbus A319 aircraft, welcoming around one million passengers in 2012. Germania with its wholly-owned subsidiary Germania Technik Brandenburg currently employs around 600 people.
www.ovidius.com info@ovidius.com +49 304081895-0
20 | WHITE PAPER: OSYS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
“…airlines, like any successful businesses, will need to search for differentiators; things that clients will value and that can be delivered efficiently. To do this they will need better information on which to base improved decisions…”
T
HE AIRLINE INDUSTRY today faces a number of challenges that demand innovation in a range of operating areas. The market, if not hostile, is certainly not an area for operating an airline in anything but the most efficient and effective manner. Reduced demand, high oil prices, climate change initiatives, fierce competition and a heightened risk of passenger compensation claims have combined to create the conditions for a very challenging environment. At the same time, the industry has to focus on improvements for which ‘getting it right’ will more or less be taken for granted, while failure can result in loss of business and reputational damage. There is an absolute requirement to deliver a predictable, planned and safe operation whilst also continuously developing commercial innovation. This must be achieved under the spotlight of public scrutiny that expects value for money and an increasing interest in environmental credentials. Such a public focus is quick to reveal any imperfections in an airline’s safety and quality performance, whether real or perceived. In order to thrive rather than simply survive in these difficult conditions, airlines, like any successful
Fuel management is well worth the effort It isn’t only the savings that airlines will appreciate but, as Siow Litingtung Fuel Consultant and Graham Smith Analytical Capability Engineer at OSyS explain, the opportunities to improve business behaviours and company reputation. OSyS VISIUMFUEL™ Dashboard
businesses, will need to search for differentiators; things that clients will value and that can be delivered efficiently. To do this they will need better information on which to base improved decisions and the key to better information will be good quality data. Bearing in mind that past behavior is often the best indicator of future behavior, decisions can be taken on the evidence of what has happened rather than a guess as to what might happen. One thing that can support the creation of a differentiator and improve the public’s perception of an airline is a well-managed and effective fuel policy. If costs are better managed the opportunities to offer passengers attractive terms are improved. It can also support how ‘green’ an airline’s public perception is, as a good fuel management policy will reduce fuel burn and emissions; many airlines highlight the benefits of their fuel initiatives in shareholder reports and promotional material for customers. Managing and controlling operational fuel usage through the use of an IT system is becoming accepted practice within the airline industry. The benefits are well documented and best practice is evolving apace.
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WHITE PAPER: OSYS | 21
So what are the next steps in terms of operational efficiency that can be leveraged from the data being gathered? To understand this fully we’ll need to investigate the possible unintended consequences that can flow from fuel management decisions. We’ll need to explore the benefit of targeted operational fuel usage messaging for individual stakeholders and the ability to improve fuel purchasing effectiveness by the generation of accurate future fuel burn forecasts.
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UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
Discretionary fuel management is a well-known ‘best practice’ area where an airline can save weight and therefore fuel burn. Firstly, by offering the pilot better quality decision support information, the uplift of excess discretionary fuel can be reduced. Secondly, suitable analysis of past data may increase confidence in the accuracy of the planned burn quantity, so that volumes of contingency fuel can be reduced. However, when it has been suggested to pilots that they should simply reduce the levels of contingency fuel, without any commensurate improvement in information being offered to support such a change, it has not been very popular with them. When the same policy has been accompanied by some effort at engagement and an endeavor to achieve buy-in from the pilots, that has sometimes initially reduced fuel uptake but in the longer run this improvement has not been sustained. Only when the initiative has been accompanied by an effort to help pilots understand all the data that contribute to fuel management, and that by using that data to create an operational model it is possible to avoid the risks, have successful outcomes been achieved. In other words it is important to address the pilots’ immediate concerns and to work with their underlying professional ethos over the longer term.
ROUTING ANALYSIS
Routing analysis is a first step in understanding the factors that contribute to the deviation of the actual fuel burn from the flight plan value. There are a number of elements that affect the fuel efficiency of a particular route. Some of these factors are a result of decisions made by the airline, while others are imposed on the airline but need to be dealt with as efficiently and safely as possible.
“…it is important to address the pilots’ immediate concerns and to work with their underlying professional ethos over the longer term.”
A commonly used approach is to examine the average variation of fuel burn from plan to identify which are the under-burning and over-burning sectors in the airline’s network. Although this is a useful first step, it can be difficult to make policy improvements on this basis unless further steps are taken to understand the underlying factors. This is because the different flight routing options for each sector will be subject to different influences and risks and therefore will show different burn characteristics; one track on a sector, because of a number of outside factors, might naturally generate less fuel burn than another. An analysis that takes into account the different tracks used at different times can highlight shifts on a given sector due to elements such as traffic congestion, seasonal effects and even airspace coming in and out of use. Analysis of this information will generate the next level of understanding and allow users to assess in more detail the likely risks that the fuel carriage policy for that sector must take into account. If, from the information above we can begin to generate some expected fuel loads and burn profiles then we can also calculate how much fuel should still be on board at landing (taking into account the need to maintain safe reserves, of course). A comparison of the actual to ideal fuel on board at landing will then provide a good idea of where savings can be made. When targeting flights for fuel conservation measures it will be best to select those routes with the highest flight frequencies and the biggest burn bias, as these will yield the largest cost savings. Having built a historic data analysis of this quality, we can begin to develop some ‘what if’ scenarios. For instance, what would happen if we removed the entire discretionary fuel load on a particular sector using the historic data set to validate that policy decision? We should be able to develop a graphic representation that would show us the corresponding reduction in the excess fuel left at landing and the margin to safe reserve levels, allowing an informed judgment to be made on a safe and efficient level of fuel reduction.
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Optimized Systems and Solutions OSyS visium™ portfolio, provides the information you TM need to truly understand your fleet’s operational performance, allowing you to safely execute your operational plans while maintaining a healthy balance between costs and availability.
visiumFUEL™- Fuel Management Solution visiumEMISSIONS™ - Emissions Monitoring and Reporting Solution visiumAQD™ - Integrated Safety and Risk Management visiumDIAGNOSTIC™ - Predictive Equipment Diagnostics Solution visiumFLEET™ - Fleet Reporting Solution TM
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22 | WHITE PAPER: OSYS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
ENGINE WASHING
It is well-known that washing an engine reduces its fuel consumption and that instituting a regular engine wash program across the fleet can yield a useful fuel saving. This saving can be quantified by collecting and analyzing the ‘delta fuel flow’ information reported by the engine health monitoring (EHM) or aircraft performance monitoring (APM) systems. Typically, on the date the engine is washed a step decrease in fuel flow appears. After the wash there will be a steady accumulation of fouling on the engine compressor during the subsequent in-service period and that will be accompanied by a steady increase in fuel flow. For an operator to maximize the benefit of the wash program, we need to use this data to find the frequency of washes that maximizes the net value of fuel cost savings after accounting for the cost of washing. The rate of performance deterioration will depend on a number of factors including the age and condition of the engine, atmospheric conditions and pollution levels in the operator’s location, flight duty (short haul or long haul) and the climb and descent profiles used. OSyS has developed an algorithm (patent pending) which tracks the deterioration rate of each engine and by using additional information such as the wash cost, the fuel price and the annual utilization rate, calculates the optimum wash intervals on an engine-by-engine basis. As can be seen from the following illustration, selecting the right wash interval for each engine maximizes the net cost saving; applying this technique across the operator’s fleet can result in significant savings compared to an arbitrary wash interval.
operational recommendations; when to wash, regular assessment of the business benefits achieved by that program, and year-to-year monitoring to ensure that the value of the initiative is maintained.
FUEL PURCHASING – ACHIEVING AN ACCURATE FUEL FORECAST
There are a number of factors that affect fuel burn. The type of aircraft being flown, and the performance of its airframe and engine, might be regarded as the baseline for fuel burn and weather might be regarded as an outside factor beyond the control of the airline. But there are other areas that operators can alter to affect fuel burn. They can determine routing, manage payload, apply different flight techniques and vary altitudes; all of these have an effect on fuel burn even before taking into account other fuel saving initiatives. Consideration of these factors when analyzing fuel burn can help the airline gain a better view of how fuel is consumed, on which route and why. It should then be possible to develop a fuel policy that balances the needs of regulators, legislation, market attitudes and the challenges mentioned at the beginning of this article with the needs of a commercial airline. An accurate fuel forecast will mean better operational budgets and planning. The illustration below shows a well-constructed fuel forecast matching the actual burn in the early months.
experience, have not only managed to save fuel costs, but have also fed improvements into other aspects of their operation. This has improved passenger experience as well as the perception of an airline maintaining high corporate and environmental standards. In today’s challenging environment, that is an increasingly valuable outcome for any operation. n
OPTIMIZED SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS OSYS
Optimized Systems and Solutions (OSyS) solutions harness the power of asset data. By providing trusted insight into operational performance OSyS enables better decisions, improving operational efficiency. Through delivering IT services for the Rolls-Royce aftermarket, OSyS has been supporting the aviation market since 1999. The company now serves over 300 customers worldwide, with an OSyS visium™ named portfolio that includes, Fuel Management, Emissions Monitoring and Reporting, Integrated Safety and Risk Management capability (AQD) and Advanced Condition Monitoring.
SIOW LITINGTUNG
FUEL CONSULTANT – OPTIMIZED SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS (OSYS) Siow Litingtung leads operational fuel modelling for OSyS. Prior to assuming his consultant role, Siow spent 10 years within Rolls-Royce plc. holding a variety of technical performance roles within the Civil Aerospace business for large engine programs, as well as corporate & regional and military engine projects in Rolls-Royce North America. He was also Fuel Conservation Manager for easyJet, managing a broad, cross-functional program of fuel conservation initiatives to deliver fuel burn efficiency improvement.
GRAHAM SMITH
But calculating the ideal engine wash interval is only half the story: airlines will also need to deliver that wash schedule in the real world. Of course, on occasions it won’t be possible to wash an engine on the optimum date — perhaps there will be no capacity in the hangar or the aircraft might not be available at that time. This is where a wash planning program can help by calculating how much cost saving has been foregone at the fleet level by missing optimum engine wash dates. This information can be fed back into the wash management initiative to help drive continuous improvement; actual results may be reviewed against the planned optimum to see whether any improvement is possible and, if so, how it can be realized. If combined with operation and maintenance scheduling data to identify and manage aircraft availability, further opportunities for cost optimization may be exploited. Such a program requires robust data collection but can deliver clear
As time goes by, a deviation does appear, albeit a positive one. This usually means that an airline has decided to introduce additional measures to generate further fuel savings, such as the engine washing initiative discussed earlier. The size of this improvement may be compared against the expected saving for the individual initiatives in force during the period, while forecasts for future years may be updated to reflect the increased fuel efficiency characteristics of the operation.
SUMMARY
Airlines operate in a highly competitive and unforgiving business environment, but an effective data analysis program can be a powerful ally in managing and optimizing the efficiency of the operation. Used appropriately, data is the key to unlocking complexity, providing insights into the current state of the business, identifying and quantifying potential cost reductions and underpinning accurate forecasts. This enables better operational planning, budgeting and evidence-based decision making. Operators who have an effective fuel conservation program through a mature analytical platform supported by significant airline and aviation
ANALYTICAL CAPABILITY ENGINEER – OPTIMIZED SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS (OSYS) Graham Smith graduated in 1992 from Imperial College, London, with an honors degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He subsequently held research and development posts at DERA (later QinetiQ plc.) working on civil and military aerospace topics including HP turbine design, fan noise, mission analysis and propulsion integration. In 2009 he joined OSyS, specializing in fuel burn analysis and management. His recent developments include methods for the optimization of compressor wash intervals and contingency fuel reserve uplift.
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WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | SAUNDERS’ – CONDUCE CONSULTING | 23
The World according to IT
...and me!
The iPad is a MacGuffin
October the 22nd, 2013 was a landmark date for aviation IT. It was, explains Paul Saunders, the day that saw the launch of Apple’s fifth generation iPad and Microsoft’s second generation Surface tablet.
W
AS THIS ALSO the date that saw both of these devices come of age? Could it be that today it dawns on airlines across the globe that using the iPad as a full blown enterprise tool is just too darned difficult so that they turn to their old friends at Microsoft who will finally launch a product that is both consumer and business friendly. Whatever the answer to that conundrum, it is clear that, had it not been for Apple and the launch of the first iPad only a few years ago, we would still be stuck with hardware and software that truly sucked. For that reason, whether you love it or hate it, the iPad has been a major MacGuffin for our industry? ‘A what?’ A MacGuffin. A plot device…. What? Still confused? Let me explain….
A HOOK ON WHICH TO HANG THE STORY
Do you remember ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’? This was a film which saw our hero, Indiana Jones swash buckle his way across 1930s jungles and deserts to retrieve the fabled lost Ark of the Covenant from the grips of the bad guys. Despite the film’s title, Raiders of the Lost Ark had absolutely nothing to do with a lost ark. The ark was a contrived plot device with little importance to the overall story. It was simply a desired object and a driving force to ensure there was a story-line for our protagonist to follow. Alfred Hitchcock used to call these plot devices ‘MacGuffins’ and the name has become part of the Hollywood vernacular ever since. For other movie MacGuffins, think of the One Ring in The Lord of the Rings, the mysterious suitcase in Pulp Fiction and the titular Maltese Falcon.
“Prior to the iPad, user experience in enterprise software had a very low priority. In fact the desires and goals of users were way down the list of requirements for any IT project.”
USERS MOVE CENTRE STAGE
For me, the iPad has been a similar plot device in the story of the consumerization of aviation IT. Prior to the iPad, user experience in enterprise software had a very low priority. In fact the desires and goals of users were way down the list of requirements for any IT project. Today thanks largely to the iPad and what some have called the Apple-ization of business IT, these demands and goals are addressed and sometimes, even met with every new hardware and software release. The Microsoft Surface 2 would not exist without the iPad and if it has the impact that early adoption suggests on flight operations then Apple’s MacGuffin will have served our story well. As Raiders of the Lost Ark prepared Indiana Jones and the audience for his further adventures in the Temple of Doom and the Last Crusade, so too did the iPad prepare the hardware and software industry for a new way of working where design and usability were central to the plot. As for the software vendors: they have learned so much about mobility, user interface design, connectivity and so on by embracing development for the iPad, that the next challenge that they face will be a much simpler sequel. n
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24 | FEATURE | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2013 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
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What’s in your next issue of Aircraft IT Operations? Look out for your next issue of Aircraft IT eJournal with more great articles on topics you won’t want to miss contributed by people who know your world.
Aircraft IT Operations Volume 3 Issue 1 Due out: February 2014 In our next issue we’ll be addressing several key topics of the day. EFB implementations are arriving at a pace while post flight analysis and reporting systems further extend the applicability and benefits of IT. Integral to most other advances, Big Data is a big topic and growing as the capacity of hardware and the global cloud infrastructure make the collection, collation, interpretation and application of data increasingly feasible and viable.
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AvioBook The user-friendly efB The AVIOBOOK® is a truly user-friendly Electronic Flight Bag. As well as eliminating paper from the cockpit, it enhances your established back-office processes. More-
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over, supervision is increased and the risk of human error reduced.
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ht2013Log Vendor FLigWINTER | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | VENDOR FLIGHT LOG | 25
What lies behind Navtech’s present achievements? Lee Granger opens the Navtech story, and explains what it does
r sets and implements strategy for all external communications. She As Vice-President, Product Management, for Navtech, Inc. Lee Grange r Group, LLC. Prior to that, Ms. Granger was SVP, Marketing and came to Navtech from her own travel business consultancy, The Grange ion That, in turn, followed 12 years with the American Automobile Associat Operations for the travel technology startup company, LeisureLogix. ogy and Data Management, having previously served as Managing (AAA) where her last position was Managing Director of Travel Technol r of the SUPERNUMBER call center, and creator of AAA’s brand Director of Marketing, as publisher of Car and Travel magazine, manage for Granger was Director of Leisure Strategy and Product Development management standards and new graphic identity. Prior to AAA, Ms. advisory boards and committees. Carlson Travel Group and served on a number of travel industry ty of certificate from the Minnesota Management Institute at the Universi She holds an MBA from Florida State University, an executive MBA State University. Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in Management from Louisiana
AIRCRAFTIT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? LEE GRANGER: Lee Granger, VP Product Management, Navtech Systems Support, Inc. AIRCRAFTIT: How did Navtech get started? LG: The company’s collective history goes back more than fifty years. Our rich heritage comes from the flight operations departments of two venerable European airlines, British Airways and Scandinavian Airlines Systems, and a Canadian flight operations software company. Navtech, Inc., the Canadian software company acquired European Aeronautical Group in 2005 to form our present organization. Together we form a very competitive and dedicated team specializing in aeronautical products and services for the aviation industry. AIRCRAFTIT: What is the guiding business principle that drives Navtech? LG: The processes that build and support Navtech’s products and services include a focus on significant input from our customers. Navtech believes that there is an opportunity to secure and maintain a competitive position in the aviation services industry through focusing on customer intimacy as a guiding value discipline. Navtech will also continue to assure operational and technical excellence in all our products and services. The expertise of the staff is strengthened by empowerment that enables deep customer relationships, built for the long-run. Navtech wins customers with its value-added products and highly competitive prices and keeps them with its superior service.
AIRCRAFTIT: What has been Navtech’s greatest IT achievement to date, and why? LG: Several years ago we started down the path to embracing Agile and Lean principles and over the years we have refined those processes to fit both our internal and customer needs. The agile methodologies have kept us nimble in the market place and have fostered great client relationships and in turn great product advancements. At the same time in the past two years we have adapted those processes further to achieve AS9100 certification. The unique combination of a mature and certified process paired with an ability to react to changing market demands has served us well and continues to open doors with new clients. A great example of this working in practice is our latest project with Cathay Pacific and our upcoming EFB solutions. When the competition was closing doors on new and emerging ideas, we were able to engage with the customer to realize a new vision for this space that we are very excited about. AIRCRAFTIT: What has been Navtech’s greatest business achievement to date, and why? LG: One of Navtech’s most interesting business achievements is the development of a new Charts specification that involved consulting with pilots and Human Factors specialists. Through acquisitions, Navtech had two specifications from our legacy parent airlines – British Airways and Scandinavian Airline Systems. We took the best from both and updated and simplified them. We believe our Charts are some of the most userfriendly on the market. This specification is proving to work very well in our electronic charts products – Navtech eCharts and Navtech iCharts.
AIRCRAFTIT: What have been Navtech’s disappointments and what have you learned from them? LG: Like any technology company, Navtech has more product enhancements and extensions that we would like to do versus the time, money, and resources to do them. So, we are very good at prioritizing by analyzing the market and listening carefully to our customers. AIRCRAFTIT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what Navtech does for aircraft Operations customers? LG: Navtech creates a wide range of integrated products that enable commercial passenger and cargo air carriers to increase safety, maximize efficiency, comply with complex national and international safety regulations and reduce costs in their daily flight operations. We offer five product lines: Aircraft Performance, Crew Planning, Aviation Charts (including for EFBs), Flight Planning, and Navigation Data. AIRCRAFTIT: What will be the next big thing in Operations Aviation IT? LG: It’s happening already – mobile platforms for airline operations software. AIRCRAFTIT: What do you want your customers to say about Navtech? LG: Navtech aspires for our customers to know we have accessible and knowledgeable staff worldwide, that our comprehensive offerings are developed with our customer needs in mind with a focus on quality and safety, and that we always strive to present the best options in the market. AIRCRAFTIT: Lee Granger, thank you for your time.
26 | WHITE PAPER: NAVTECH | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
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HE AVIATION INDUSTRY demands accuracy and maximum optimization of data. As cockpits are now entering the digital age and aircraft performance software is being run on EFBs, iPads, and tablets, how do we evolve performance software to keep up with the latest hardware technologies?
INTRODUCTION
Delivering performance Geneth Daley and Adrian Forbes of Aircraft Performance in Navtech consider the challenge of aircraft performance software in a fast paced world
Today the big buzz in the aviation industry is ‘low-cost’. In fact, that has been the buzz for a number of years. No... we are not talking about low-cost carriers, but low cost carriers included, every flight operations department of every airline (at least the ones we’ve interacted with) tries to achieve the best payload possible and, at the same time, when possible, reduce their carbon footprint (i.e. be environmentally conscious); plus save costly maintenance dollars by extending engine life. So, how do they attempt this? Well, one way is to introduce technology into the cockpits – that’s right… another ‘toy’ for pilots to play with. Airlines are required to have performance data for take-off and landing. This data considers the runway attributes and conditions along with metrological conditions and ensures that it is in accordance with the certification rules. As we use computers more and more to perform performance calculations and get better data, ensuring that we have the latest data now becomes an issue. The days of pilots pulling out performance charts and following highly complex graphical procedures to determine aircraft performance is now old... as old as... well, lets’ just leave it at… ‘it’s really old’. In between then and now (and where a lot of airlines are still operating) the performance data being used by pilots is computed by performance engineers or dispatchers using software in the form of tables and charts which has been printed and included as part of the dispatch package or stored in binders in the aircraft. These charts and tables could be easily referenced, and certainly, give more accurate results than those computed using the ‘antiquated’ graphical means. In recent years, there has been a shift away from this labor intensive method of distribution towards an electronic format, i.e. ‘the next generation’, of having pilots do the computation in the cockpit using pilot-centric variants of the software to which the engineer on the ground has access. Market research has identified that performance software has been the key driver for creating an EFB (electronic flight bag) business case. Many airlines have been using performance software in Class 1 and 2 devices for over ten years. The recent introduction of tablets on the market provided airlines with an affordable but, more importantly, user-friendly hardware option for EFB purposes. The superior document browsing capability meant that there was a shift in the market where navigation charts and operating manuals have become a larger driver for selecting hardware and moving to EFB.
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WHITE PAPER: NAVTECH | 27
“As we use computers more and more to perform performance calculations and get better data, ensuring that we have the latest data now becomes an issue.” THE SAVIOR — THE TABLET
The acceptance and popularity of tablets in the airline industry is well known and well documented. However, this popularity has not translated into an abundance of aircraft performance applications available for iPad and Android tablets. Tablets are consumer products equipped with various operating systems. Initially tablets were targeted for Internet browsing and reading documents. This means excellent document viewing capabilities and superior user experience. In fact, the iPad seems to be the preferred hardware for commercial airlines. Key advantages with tablet hardware include: • Affordability; • User-friendly experience; • Touch screen performance/responsiveness; • Size and weight; • Long battery life; • Reliability.
THE CHALLENGES
However, it’s not all good news for tablet users; along with the good we have to take the bad: there are notable disadvantages with the use of tablets as compared to Windows-based enterprise hardware and there are a number of elements to consider when evaluating the possible use of a tablet for cockpit performance calculations. Most noteworthy among these disadvantages are: • Considerable limitations to communications applications, and the means to install them; • iPad and Android infrastructures differs from the traditional Windows-based solutions: they are all managed through the application distribution platform to release information and software updates. It is important to note that new versions of the tablet operating system and/or the hardware usually require recertification or new software upgrades/tests/ verifications. Other key challenges with tablet hardware include: • Unique Operating System (O/S); • Durability; • They are a consumer focused product; • Multitasking limitations; • Connection ports limitations (e.g. no full USB); • Application distribution platform reliance/approval process; • System support for various programming languages
and standard/legacy applications; • Cross-talk/connectivity challenges between applications; • Tracking of device usage and updates. Despite the challenges, the financial and environmental benefits of single point, optimized performance calculations cannot be overlooked, but adding performance software to non-Windows operating systems on tablets is in itself a problematic task because of a lack of support for legacy applications and limitations in programming language. The main concern here is the lack of support for a FORTRAN compiler on these operating systems. This means that it is not possible to install and run the performance software using the FORTRAN-based aircraft manufacturer SCAP (Standard Computerized Airplane Performance) on tablets. Various solutions have been explored, but there are limited options available since most of the SCAPs come with FORTRAN embedded making it difficult to extract and/or convert the code without access to the SCAP source code. To date, the main challenges for running SCAP based performance on a tablet include: • No support for Fortran77 compiler for use on iOS and Android because it is not possible to install software using the aircraft manufacturer SCAPs; • Aircraft manufacturers own the source code; • Source code for SCAP is not accessible to all third-
Navtech TODC Tablet Runway Data
party vendors from all aircraft manufacturers; • It is not possible to digitize AFM (Aircraft Flight Manual) data (thus removing FORTRAN) for newer aircraft, as all data comes in a digital format with FORTRAN embedded. 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.
28 | WHITE PAPER: NAVTECH | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
The FORTRAN issue is a universal challenge, and since access to the source code is restricted there are no real technical solutions available which would not involve sub-optimizing the data. The complete solution would be to produce new SCAP decks without FORTRAN or for the aircraft manufacturers to convert or hide the FORTRAN, thus making it compatible. Given these challenges, why not just move away from SCAP? Moving away from the SCAP standard is not a viable option as doing so would jeopardize the fundamental benefit of the SCAP standards. These standards provide a common interface that is identical for all aircraft manufacturers and all aircraft types.
“…there are notable disadvantages with the use of tablets as compared to Windows-based enterprise hardware and there are a number of elements to consider when evaluating the possible use of a tablet for cockpit performance calculations.”
Navtech Aircraft Performance
Navtech Aircraft Performance provides customized take-off and landing performance solutions for desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, electronic flight bag (EFB) devices and ACARS. The Navtech TODC product suite has been an established performance software solution since its introduction in early 2000. The product has been constantly developed and new platforms and configurations have been added over the years based on market feedback, new technology and hardware requirements. The Navtech TODC system offers flexibility and functionality with various platform options available to enable an easy and affordable transition from one option to another for all the different types and configurations of commercial aircraft. Navtech’s performance software sits atop an EU OPS and FAA compliant worldwide Airport Obstacle database, based on AIP publications. Full NOTAM surveillance is included, and availability of any airport in the coverage is available through an easy to use secure internet download portal. Engine Failure procedures are an integrated part of the database. Navtech TODC Office is software that is designed for use by dispatchers and operations staff. This flexible take-off and landing performance solution uses a simple interface, and provides the capability of producing optimized performance charts or optimized single point calculations. Navtech TODC Pilot, Navtech TODC EFB and Navtech TODC Tablet versions of the software are designed for use by pilots in the cockpit; with easy to use functionality and simple user interface they feature separate take-off and landing options, which are optimized for single-point calculations. The Navtech performance software, Navtech TODC, is primarily based on
the certified manufacturer performance data (SCAP). The SCAP is an IATA standard, dating from 1985, used by aircraft manufacturers for producing their aircraft performance modules. The SCAP module takes two predefined vectors as inputs and returns two pre-defined vectors as output. In each case, one vector is alphanumeric and the other one is numeric. All SCAP modules are written in the programming language FORTRAN. One of the primary tenets of Navtech Aircraft Performance products has been adherence to the SCAP data as a basis for the calculations to assure optimization and flight safety. Navtech TODC calls the SCAP module with inputs from the user and airport obstacle data from the worldwide database. The SCAP modules do not handle plain text; therefore, all inputs must be formatted into the SCAP module standard and placed in the correct vector position. For a single calculation, the SCAP module may have to be called several times in order to optimize the data to provide the highest weight or lowest thrust setting. Navtech TODC EFB offers customization, and has provided airlines with a much needed alternative to the off-the-shelf software provided by aircraft manufacturers and for those airlines desiring standardization with a mixed fleet of aircraft. As a contributing member of the IATA SCAP Task Force, Navtech strongly believes that moving away from the SCAP standard is not an a good option; doing that would be jeopardizing the fundamental benefit of the SCAP standards, which provide a common interface that is the same for all aircraft manufacturers for all aircraft types.
THE TABLET SOLUTION
To date, the following performance solutions for iPad and Android tablets have been explored and developed by Navtech and others in aviation industry: • Online iPad performance solutions are possible and already available; • Aircraft manufacturers to convert FORTRAN or use alternative SCAP standard; • Compile FORTRAN code into iOS compatible modules1; • Installing performance data on servers onboard the aircraft and connecting the tablets to the server; • Citrix Server solution, an online ‘remote desktop’ installation where the Windows software is accessed from the tablet; • Other offline solutions are still being explored; however, because of the use of sub-optimized (conservative) data, this is seen as far from ideal; nevertheless, it remains a possibility.
Navtech TODC Tablet Calculation
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WHITE PAPER: NAVTECH | 29
Operator experience: Flybe UK NAVTECH
Navtech, Inc. is a leading global provider of flight operations solutions, serving more than 350 airlines and aviation services customers with aeronautical charts, navigation data, flight planning software, aircraft performance software and crew planning solutions. Many of Navtech’s products can be configured as part of an EFB solution and all are supported by Navtech’s AS9100 and ISO: 9001 quality certifications. Navtech supports millions of flights each year aiding airlines to maximize efficiency, reduce costs and ensure compliance with regulations.
GENETH DALEY
Navtech TODC Office Admin Dashboard
Research and Development2 is still ongoing and it is believed that in the future (perhaps) EFB solutions will be required to connect at some point, either due to regulatory criteria or for support of other applications used on the EFB infrastructure, for traceability, monitoring, data mining and updating. If this should occur, the result will inevitably be a decline in the market demand for offline performance software.
OTHER SOLUTIONS
ACARS equipped aircraft make feasible the possibility of a solution that offers essentially a ‘connected’ alternative to tablets and offers several advantages, including access to ‘live’ data.3 Although it may be slightly more expensive as a result of data transmission costs, the ACARS solution offers a ‘back-up’ plan in the event of failure for any reason of the EFB. Alternatively, if the ACARS solution is used as the primary solution, the EFB could then be used as the ‘back-up’.
ONE SOLUTION
The solution we have developed at Navtech is the new Navtech TODC Tablet, a connected application with an HTML interface. It is a hosted server solution where the client access to Navtech TODC is on a groundbased server from the tablet. Designed with pilots in
mind, the application can be used to perform single case take-off calculations along with a day/night mode to easily view information in various lighting situations. Navtech are also supporting operators with the Citrix Server solution for iPad. This online ‘remote desktop’ type installation allows airlines to use the Windows version of Navtech TODC EFB, which accessed from the tablet using a Citrix Server connection. n The problems with SCAPs on the iPad may be a thing of the past. An Aviation IT company has developed a method of creating iOS compatible SCAPs. The stumbling block for this solution is that it requires the aircraft manufacturers to make their FORTRAN source code available rather than the pre-compiled data that they currently provide. Navtech Aircraft Performance will be watching closely as this option develops with the hope of implementing these iOS compatible SCAPs into the Navtech TODC software 2 Navtech continues to closely monitor all Research and Development (R&D) being done in relation to aircraft performance, aircraft performance technologies, and regulations associated with aircraft performance. The company also conducts their own internal R&D. 3 Live data is defined as data which requires no pilot interaction to prompt the local data to be updated. 1
The Navtech Aircraft Performance team has been working closely with Flybe UK on unique aircraft performance software EFB project, for their Embraer 175/195 and Bombardier DHC-8-402. The airline requested a highly customized software configuration and they are using a Citrix server to seamlessly deliver the Windows-based aircraft performance software to their chosen iPad tablets. The airlines’ technical and flight operations department performed thorough trials of Navtech TODC EFB before confirming it was a practicable option for them, whereby they could utilize the fully optimized performance software for the iPad. As a result, the airline is experiencing higher payload, reduced fuel consumption and less engine wear. The airline has also reported a %N1 (measure of the engine thrust) decrease of 1%. Flybe UK estimated that this has resulted is a saving of US$85,000 per year based on their short sectors and 23 Embraer aircraft. They can also now eliminate the printing and distribution costs of paper performance charts, a further saving of US$95,000 per year for their Bombardier and Embraer operations.
DIRECTOR, AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE, NAVTECH Geneth has a wealth of academic, as well as hands on experience having gained a Bachelors Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Computation from Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She also has 10+ years experience at Navtech in software design and the programming of take-off, landing and weight & balance software, and has been integral in the redesign of Navtech TODC take-off and landing software. Geneth has been involved in many EFB implementations.
ADRIAN FORBES
MANAGER, APS PRODUCTION, NAVTECH Adrian Forbes has more than 20 years experience in the aviation industry. He has held various positions in airline flight operations and holds a BSC in computer science from the University of the West Indies. He joined Navtech in 2011 in his current position of Manager, Aircraft Performance and resides in Waterloo, Ontario.
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30 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
Upcoming Live Software Demonstration Webinar at www.aircraftit.com this January / February 2014
January and February 2014 will bring further tremendous opportunities for readers to attend programs covering leading Operations manuals, integrated MRO and Operations software, EFB and Document management software solutions available on the market today. If you need to know more about either topic, 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.
Sign up to free live online software demonstrations for a perfect introduction to the world’s leading Flight Operations Software vendors and to learn how they can assist and add value to your operations.
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.
Live Fuel Saving Program Masterclass & Software Demonstration Webinar n SESSION 1: 16th January 2014 - 07:00 GMT/UTC n SESSION 2: 16th January 2014 - 15:00 GMT/UTC n DURATION: 1 hour plus Q&A.
Live THALES EFB Masterclass Webinar – The Connected EFB and TopWings Demonstration n SESSION 1: 30th January 2014 - 07:00 GMT/UTC n SESSION 2: 30th January 2014 - 15:00 GMT/UTC n DURATION: 1 hour plus Q&A.
SITA Live EFB Connectivity Masterclass Webinar (Inc. Demo of AIRCOMConnect) n SESSION 1: 13th February 2014 - 07:00 GMT/UTC n SESSION 2: 13th February 2014 - 15:00 GMT/UTC n DURATION: 1 hour plus Q&A.
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EGISTER TO ATTEND this Webinar and join ETS Aviation for this unique Fuel Saving Program Masterclass Webinar. You will learn from industry experts how to structure the perfect fuel saving program and also see an as live demonstration of an extremely powerful and cost effective fuel efficiency software solution. Using their Aviation FUELSAVER software as a guide you will see how to monitor the following key elements of a fuel efficiency project: Key data requirements and data capture; The
Fuel-saving methodology; How much time you’ll need to set up a program; Why you need buy-in from all departments; Tracking fuel efficiency at each operational stage; Calculating actual savings; Monitoring fuel-saving strategies; Program upgrades and ongoing support.
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EGISTER TO ATTEND this Webinar for an excellent chance to learn about TopWings, a new EFB concept from Thales, providing airlines with a total end-to-end EFB solution including software, hardware, services, data management, integration and more. During the Webinar and using the TopWings platform as a guide, Thales experts talk you through how to structure the perfect EFB project. As you know each EFB project is different for every operator or airline and as
you will see TopWings provides the flexibility to provide the ideal solution, whether you are interested in Class 1, 2, or 3; have a mixed fleet; have specific software or connection requirements; require assistance acquiring regulatory approval; interested in an iPad/ tablet solution, plus more.
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EGISTER TO ATTEND this Webinar and be introduced to the benefits of SITA’s AIRCOMConnect, a new product in SITA’s e-Aircraft Application Services product line. AIRCOMConnect facilitates EFB aircraft applications such as eTechLog to stay connected to ground applications, both in-flight and on ground. It leverages autonomous or existing aircraft communication systems over ACARS or broadband IP sub networks. You will see how this new application can unlock the full potential of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and learn the vast operating benefits this brings. AIRCOMConnect leverages
industry standardization work such as development of: • AEEC 841 (allowing the exchange of large volume of data over ACARS or broadband IP sub networks); • AEEC 633 (describing Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) XML and ACARS message formats)AEEC 619 (ACARS protocols for avionic end systems); and • AEEC 744 (full-format (aircraft) printer).
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WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | 31 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
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32 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
Past Webinars: building a library of Aircraft Operations IT intelligence 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 and 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 recent Webinar Recordings can be seen below.
AVIOBOOK – iPad EFB Software Demonstration and Masterclass Webinar Recording
How to Save Fuel - Software Demonstration and Masterclass
25th July 2013
26th September 2013
n SESSION OVERVIEW
n SESSION OVERVIEW
Register to view this Webinar recording and join AvioVision for an as live online demonstration or their Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) - AVIOBOOK. AVIOBOOK is modular and designed for a variety of platforms, both online and offline, including iPad; desktop and laptop computers; tablets; and cockpit-installed units. This Webinar video includes an as live demonstration of the iPad solution and explains how the EFB links to the back-office via the AVIOBOOK BASE ground administration tool. You will see that EFB software not only eliminates paper from the cockpit, but also, provides possibilities to reduce Operational costs, enhance back-office processes, increase oversight, limit the risks of human errors and facilitate regulatory compliance.
Depending on the airline, fuel costs represent 20% - 40% of the total costs of an airline. Sign up to view this Webinar recording 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 Webinar video 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 Webinar will also show you how other airlines have achieved significant fuel savings by using the Aviaso software.
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WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WEBINARS | 33
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.
OSyS Live Fuel Management Masterclass Webinar - Next steps in operational efficiency 10th October 2013
Flight Load Planning and Automated W&B Software Demonstration 24th October 2013
n SESSION OVERVIEW
n SESSION OVERVIEW
As a pioneer of fuel management analysis technology for the aviation market, OSyS have gained invaluable experience in implementing and helping airlines achieve the maximum benefit out of a fuel management solution. Sign up to view this Webinar Recording for an insight into how far fuel management initiatives can be taken and what other factors need be considered to fully optimize airlines’ operations. During the Webinar, OSyS experts walk you through how to structure the ideal fuel management program, and interpret and use the data leveraged from the fuel management process to further enhance operational efficiency. You will see how airlines such as easyJet, Etihad and Qatar Airways have benefited from this process.
Register to view this Webinar recording, and join Smart4Aviation for a full overview and as live demonstration of Smart LOAD, their exciting new software solution developed with Alaska Airlines and also used by Air Canada. Smart LOAD is the world’s first truly exception based weight and balance and load planning system ensuring that the best operational and most economical loading solution is used for each aircraft. The Webinar video will show that by using this sophisticated software, loading restrictions, irregularity handling, and direct communication are no longer challenges for any airline. You will see how to fully automate and optimize the load planning activity, engaging agents only when economic or loading irregularities occur.
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34 | TENDERS | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
Operations Software Tender Upload Aircraft IT website Operations Software Tender Upload function puts your requirements in front of all the leading Flight Operations IT Vendors.
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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.
WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | VACANCIES | 35 CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
TARGETED OPPORTUNITIES
…your next step Aircraft IT Operation ‘Vacancies’ on the website highlights real opportunities with great businesses looking for the best professionals
AVIASO
Aviaso
connecting aviation and software
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
FUEL Reduce your fuel costs
AVIASO
Aviaso
connecting aviation and software
SOFTWARE ENGINEER (JAVA)
AUTOMATION QA ENGINEER
If you... • Are a passionate software developer; • Have solid experience in Java or C++; • Have deep interest in computer science — both technical and practical; • Are inspired by aviation; • Care about the environment; • Are interested to understand and work on sophisticated topics such as airline fuel efficiency; and… • Would like to work in a company, where what you do matters and is well recognized… ...then we are looking forward to hearing from you!
If you... • Are passionate about reducing manual work through automation; • Have solid experience in software testing; • Are meticulous about quality and have a good eye for detail; • Are inspired by aviation; • Care about the environment; • Are interested to understand and work on sophisticated topics such as airline fuel efficiency; and… • Would like to work in a company, where what you do matters and is well recognized… ...then we are looking forward to hearing from you!
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
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
36 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 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.
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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.
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AIRCORE SYSTEMS GMBH
W: www.aircore.aero T: +49-2992-9771-40 E: info@aircore.aero
Company formed: 1992 Office Location: Fuerstenberger Strasse 70, DE-34431 Marsberg, Germany Name of Product Marketed • AS – FlightBag 3.0 Number of Modules..................6 Key Business/Software Areas • Library • CrewBriefing • JourneyLog • TechLog • LeastCostRouting • PostFlightAnalysis
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). Subject of the business is to provide suitable and affordable software solutions and consulting for the airline industry. 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 regional airlines is the EFB solution: AS – FlightBag 3.0. In addition to the aircore_systems core modules several third party airline specific applications can be fully embedded into this software suite environment. These are for example the applications of the two primary navigation software providers, the cost index applications, T/O performance tools, reporting tools and so on. The integrated Least Cost Routing Table administrates all data transfers including the data of the third party applications and minimizes the transfer costs significant. The workflow optimization - resulting in an efficiency gain and cost reductions - is the main aim of the AS – FlightBag 3.0 Suite. This goal is realized by a seamless information transfer between all participating members like operations control, cockpit, maintenance, back office, authorities and others parties. Trust center proven eSignatures can be assigned to all legal relevant activities and workflows and make sure that paper based work can be substituted fully by electronic workflows..
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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.
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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.
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WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 37
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.
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AVIASO INC.
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..
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AVIOVISION NV
W: www.aviobook.aero T: + 32 16 29 89 80 E: info@aviovision.aero
THE BOEING COMPANY
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.
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AVIIT LTD
W: www.aviit.com T: +44 (0)1383 620922 E: info@aviit.com
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 and repair estate. Used by aircraft operators and 3rd party MROs alike, eMan unlocks the benefits of smooth and efficient distribution of engineering and process documentation. eMan is available as an on-premise or hosted offering for complete deployment flexibility.
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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.
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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.
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38 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 2013
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)
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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.
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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.
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FLATIRONS SOLUTIONS
(Formerly InfoTrust Group) W: www.flatironssolutions.com, www.techsightx.com T: +1.303.627.6535 E: Julie.Fouque@flatironssolutions.com Company formed: 1994, Office Locations: Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO, Superior, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, Arlington, VA, Shanghai, China, London, UK Name of Product Marketed TechSight/X® Suite of Products Number of Modules.............10+ Key Business/Software Areas • Content Management System (CMS) • Interactive Electronic Technical Publisher (IETP) • Maintenance & Engineering • Flight Operations • Tablet Solutions & Mobility Flatirons Solutions provides information management consulting services and solutions, including transformational outsourcing services for technical and training information for Fortune 500 and other companies in the aviation and aerospace, enterprise, government, high-tech, and publishing and media industries — helping our customers deliver the right information, at the right time, to the right people. The TechSight/X suite of products is the leading independent solution for technical information management developed specifically for the aerospace industry. For more than 25 years, the world’s largest airlines and aerospace manufacturers have relied on the TechSight/X suite of products to create, manage, and deliver large volumes of technical information in support of the production, operation, and maintenance of aircraft throughout their lifecycle. .
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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.
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FLIGHTMAN
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.
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WINTER 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 39
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)..
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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.
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40 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT OPERATIONS | WINTER 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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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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OPEN AIRLINES
W: www.openairlines.com T: +33 531 61 52 10 E: amaury.defenoyl@openairlines.com Company formed: 2006; Office Location: 1 rue Baour Lormian 31000 Toulouse Name of Product Marketed • SkyBreathe Fuel Efficiency ; Crew Intelligence ; OptiFleet; CrewPad Number of Modules..................5 Key Business/Software Areas • Crew Efficiency • Fuel Efficiency • Fleet Efficiency • EU-ETS • Cabin Crew CRM OpenAirlines was founded in 2006 by former airline operations top executives with the vision to bring innovation to the industry. We are committed to approach our customers with great listening skills and professionalism to deliver results and added value and by combining unique business and IT skills, OpenAirlines proposes innovative solutions to reduce costs and bring a competitive advantage to our customers. We believe that innovation is very important with more than 25% of turnover devoted to R&D – we have also won the award for Best Innivative company at AGIFORS Crew for 2008 and 2010.
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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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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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SCANDINAVIAN AVIONICS A/S
W: www.scanav.com T: +45 7950 8000 E: sa@scanav.com
Company formed: 1978; Office Locations: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Bahrain, India and Malaysia Name of Product Marketed • Scandinavian Avionics’ Tablet Based EFB Solution Number of Modules.............. n/a Key Business/Software Areas • Electronic Flight Bag Solutions • Avionics Certification • Avionics Installation • Avionics Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul • Avionics Training Scandinavian Avionics offers a state-of-the-art, future-proof, tablet based Class 2 EFB solution, which provides the functionality to meet today’s operational requirements of airlines and aircraft operators and in addition is simple to upgrade in the future to meet coming requirements. The concept consists of two ruggedized 10.1” Panasonic tablets installed in the cockpit combined with a data integration center and a communication unit installed in the avionics compartment. The data integration center is used for power, aircraft interface and server capability and the communication unit enables and controls the data communication between the EFB system and the airline’s ground infrastructure.
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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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SMART4AVIATION
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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T&A SYSTEME GMBH
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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ULTRAMAIN SYSTEMS, INC.
W: www.ultramain.com T: +1.505.828.9000 E: sales@ultramain.com
Company formed: 1980; Office Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico USA Name of Product Marketed • ULTRAMAIN® M&E / MRO • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Mechanics™ • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Inventory™ • efbTechLogs™ • eCabin™ Number of Modules: .ULTRAMAIN for M&E / MRO, 28 Modules; ULTRAMAIN Onboard Systems Software, 5 Modules Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering • MRO • Maintenance Planning & Scheduling • Paperless Customer Care on Tablets • Electronic Aircraft Logbook Ultramain Systems, Inc. develops M&E / MRO and EFB software for the aviation industry and is the only aviation software provider with customers running full, end-to-end paperless operations from the cockpit to the ground. ULTRAMAIN® v9™ , featuring Mobile Mechanic™ and Mobile Inventory™, enables real-time paperless data collection for the full maintenance and inventory process. Combine ULTRAMAIN v9 with efbTechLogs™, the easy-to-use electronic logbook, and the entire maintenance process becomes paperless. Contact us to learn what you need to equip your organization with consumer mobile devices and see why elite aviation customers around the world are choosing ULTRAMAIN to reduce costs and increase aircraft up time.
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