Warning: Implement custom ui for this post type.

Bluebox Wow to be Deployed Across Cobalt Fleet

Cyprus’ award-winning flag carrier Cobalt Air selects Bluebox Wow to provide wireless IFE

DUNFERMLINE, UK – 31 January 2018 – Cobalt Air has signed a 3-year agreement with Bluebox Aviation Systems Ltd. for the deployment of Bluebox’s portable wireless IFE platform – Bluebox Wow – across the airline’s fleet of Airbus A319-100s and A320-200s.

“As we make the rapid transition from low-cost to full-service carrier, we recognise the role that delivering a high-quality inflight entertainment experience has to play,” said Andrew Madar, Chief Executive Officer, Cobalt Air. “Bluebox Wow enables us to do this quickly and cost-effectively, and with virtually no disruption to our service, which would have happened if we’d attempted to implement a fitted system. The power and capabilities of Bluebox Wow are very impressive.”

“As an award-winning start-up airline, Cobalt’s commitment to delivering service innovation is already well recognised,” said Kevin Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Bluebox Aviation Systems Ltd. “We’re delighted – not only to welcome Cobalt to our growing customer list – but that our own award-winning Bluebox Wow was selected to be part of their on-going innovation, delivering an exceptional IFE experience for passengers across Cobalt’s rapidly expanding route network.”

Bluebox Wow provides wireless content streamed to passenger devices in any aircraft cabin, including up to 1.6 terabytes of film, TV, audio, games and other digital content, accessed through any web browser. With a remarkably low cost of ownership, Bluebox Wow is a discrete, portable, lunchbox-sized unit. Stowed in overhead lockers, each box’s single, swappable rechargeable battery offers the equivalent of delivering 15 hours of streamed video content to 50 passengers simultaneously.

Thomas Cook Group AMOS Project

As part of the Thomas Cook Group Airline harmonization and after much market place research, AMOS was chosen as the group maintenance information system with CrossConsense taking care of the data migration.

 
The project consisted of five separate elements that resulted in one group AMOS:

• Migration of the UK and DK data from the existing MIS to AMOS
• Merging of two existing Condor AMOS databases
• Merging of the existing BE AMOS database with UK/DK
• Merging of Condor and UK/DK/BE AMOS databases

CrossConsense played a huge part in the project, from Mick Rhodes (CrossConsense consultant) leading the first migration phase to Mirko Lang (CrossConsense consultant) taking care of the database merges. Not only was the expertise in data migration extensive but also the wealth of knowledge of AMOS itself and of the aircraft maintenance business, all leading to a successful outcome.
 
The merging of the existing databases was by far the most challenging where Thomas Cook Group was continually faced with non-standard migration files not being available. Mirko listened to the criteria of the business, advised the possibilities and offered solution after solution to reach the end goal.

FLYdocs strengthens technical team with appointment of Paul Cardus
29 January, 2018 – Behind the scenes of the increasingly successful FLYdocs platform is an expert technical team, whose role is to enrich the core functionality and future-proof the underlying technology infrastructure. As our client numbers and system users grow, and the volume of lease returns managed within FLYdocs intensifies, so do the demands upon this team to ensure continuously high levels of performance and scalability are delivered.

For that reason, we are again expanding our team and are pleased to welcome Paul Cardus, whose role as a Technical Architect will involve maintaining the current cloud infrastructure, planning for future growth, and ensuring FLYdocs continues to use the latest cutting edge technology as we increase our global client base and offering.

FLYdocs strengthens technical team with appointment of Paul Cardus FLYdocs

Here’s what Paul had to say about joining FLYdocs:

Why did you join FLYdocs?

Prior to joining FLYdocs, I spent 12 years supporting the global technology infrastructure and data systems for a multinational company that delivered cloud-based analytical software. I was seeking a new opportunity, and FLYdocs’ ethos appealed to me. To work for a company that is passionate not just about their platform, but also about the customer experience is a real privilege. I’m looking forward to the diverse opportunities and exciting technological challenges that turning the aircraft leasing and asset management industry digital will bring.

What can FLYdocs’ clients expect from you?

I understand how vital it is for our clients to be able to access their data from anywhere in the world on a 24/7 basis, and how we must use our initiative and remain flexible to ensure this is the case. I strive to deliver excellence and get a real sense of achievement when my efforts contribute to pushing technology KPIs to new heights, which ultimately adds value to our users.

What are your thoughts on digitisation in the aviation industry?

The benefits of having documents and data available within seconds gives airlines, lessors and MRO’s significant cost and time savings, as well as the opportunities to produce time-critical analytical reports at the touch of a button. With FLYdocs, moving from paper technical records to electronic speeds up the process of producing compliant documents for regulatory requirements from anywhere in the world, safe in the knowledge that asset records are both secure and protected against loss – and with new data regulations due to come into force in May this year, the business value this delivers cannot be under-estimated.

Eagle Cap Software Triples Headcount in 2017, Adds Two Airline Clients

The Flight Operations Development Studio takes off in 2017
Eagle Cap completed their third full year of operations tripling headcount to 32 teammates. They also added two airline clients including Allegiant Airlines, completed projects for AOPA and a UAV GCS system, and signed partnerships with M&E software provider Rusada and the GE Predix platform. In the past three years, Eagle Cap has served seven clients establishing itself as The Flight Operations Development Studio for the aviation industry.

Our Clients
Eagle Cap started 2017 working on a new project with Allegiant Airlines designing a system to manage the operational control center. Eagle Cap was then awarded the system development contract and is working to get the system deployed for the 2018 summer travel rush. Eagle Cap also completed a project for a major US airline where they were asked to design and build a route differences analysis tool for the dispatch operations team.

Eagle Cap continued to develop a next-generation business aviation flight operations system for a well-known company in the space. They also completed two other projects in 2018 stating with a fuel stop planner for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA) Internet Flight Planner. Eagle Cap also integrated weather services into the ground control station for a major supplier of UAS systems. The year finished strong signing a contract to provide subject matter expert services to a flight operations service company.

New Products
In 2017 Eagle Cap continued to invest profits back into the company (a.k.a. IRAD) and is building cool new products for the aviation industry. The company planned to have Aviation Charting Service (ACS) launched in 2017, but due to a change in mapping engine for the mobile version, experienced a delay. ACS allows application developers, wanting to add an aeronautical chart display—based on ARINC 424 data—to any map. The year was a success with a launch customer committing to integrate ACS into their app. Eagle Cap has been working closely with them to refine ACS, and their requirements have led to the development of another product, Data Download Service (DDS). DDS allows an organization to manage, deliver, and update any type of data or files to a mobile application. ACS and DDS will both be deployed by the beginning of this summer.

Partnerships with Rusada and GE
Eagle Cap established two partnerships in 2017 to develop a new practice area in the growing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul market. The first is as a Rusada Envision nGen integration partner. Envision nGen is an aviation Maintenance & Engineering technology platform. In the Americas, Eagle Cap is their go-to source for integration and custom software development services when an operator needs a system implemented. Our second is with GE as a Digital Alliance Program partner focused on Predix, the platform for the Industrial Internet of Things. As a Digital Alliance Partner, Eagle Cap can build and customize applications to maximize the data analytics and operations optimization of the platform.

Thank You
We are grateful to our current and past clients who put their trust in our team to build them great software. Their confidence and the team’s excellent work have resulted in our takeoff. We invite you to check out our past performance table below for a snippet of what we have done for each of them. The new year brings a wealth of opportunities for the team. We look forward to being your Flight Operations Development Studio – Where Software Projects Take Flight.

NDA Commitments
You are probably asking who are all these companies and what type of systems are you developing? Due to the nature of work we are or have done for these organizations we are unable to talk about specifics. We take our NDA commitments seriously.

Andy Graham joins FLYdocs to strengthen EuMEA sales team

23 January, 2018 – With 2018 set to see FLYdocs extend its position as the leading aviation data and records management solution provider and global industry leader in managing the lease transfer of aircraft and assets, we are delighted to announce the addition of Andy Graham to the EuMEA business development team. Andy brings extensive aviation experience; his 24 years in the industry have included roles within flight operations and management and he has spent over 11 years in M&E software sales. Andy’s responsibilities at FLYdocs will include building relationships with Airline and Engineering facilities, as well as account management of FLYdocs’ current customers.

Andy Graham joins FLYdocs to strengthen EuMEA sales team FLYdocs

Here’s a few words from Andy on why he’s excited to join the FLYdocs team:

Why did you join FLYdocs?

After many years of working within M&E software sales, I wanted a new challenge and change of professional direction. FLYdocs’ success has been noted by many within the industry and I felt I could make a significant contribution to the company’s growth. After talking to some of FLYdocs’ current customers, I was encouraged by how the product was positively received. It’s a company that is in high growth mode and that adds many layers of excitement and passion from all within the business.

What can our clients expect from you?

Ultimately my aim is to ensure that all stakeholders in the purchasing process clearly understand the value that FLYdocs can bring to their business; and then to build long-term and mutually rewarding partnerships. Combining my vast experience in complex customer account management, software technical knowledge, and having worked first-hand within the industry, I’ve every confidence in introducing new clients and deepening existing relationships.

What are your thoughts on why the aviation industry should go digital?

Compliance, usability, reduced errors and accountability are all features and rewards of going digital that immediately spring to mind – it’s not a difficult business case to prove. A simple and easy to use application that will add value to the business and reduce cost has to be a major consideration in every high cost centre environment.

skybook CTA – More than just an EFF

Electronic Flight Bags are nothing new, in fact we launched our first version back in 2007 which seems like a whole different era now, but with so many solutions currently on the market and a seemingly constant stream of new versions being launched operators can be forgiven for not knowing which way to turn.

Our Companion Tablet App has been born out of both industry needs and the needs of our clients, not in a bid to keep up with the wider marketplace.

We have taken our award winning skybook technology and class leading data feeds and created an intuitive, user friendly, multi-functional application that is a true companion for aircrews.

Sounds good doesn’t it but why is it different?

Our app has been engineered to deliver a user experience that is second to none, giving flight crews mobile access to our comprehensive digital briefing packs, our class leading charts, unique airfield situational awareness and more.

It’s not all one-way traffic either as our app also features a Journey Logging module that allows crews to record actual data during each phase of a flight, providing an accurate insight into costs incurred, delays experienced, inflight incidents and most importantly the ability to record data against each waypoint to create a comparison showing how the flight performed against the flight plan.

skybook is a proven solution in active use across our global client base and our app takes the skybook offering to the next level. It is modular and versatile offering a range comprehensive solutions that can help to modernise flight dispatch, crew briefing and airfield monitoring across all aviation sectors.

You can find out more about our Companion Tablet Application by either clicking the web link below or by contacting us to arrange a demonstration via info@bytron.aero.

skybook Companion Tablet App – https://www.bytron.aero/aviation-systems/skybook-companion-app

skybook online brochure – https://www.bytron.aero/downloads/bytron-brochure.pdf

Let’s start your skybook journey together.

Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services on the way to a digital warehouse

• Smart data glove, automated guided vehicle, automation

Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS) is driving digitalization forward by purposefully using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. 

The aim is to improve the efficiency of operational processes and lay the foundation for reducing the workload of employees. For this purpose, the wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Technik AG has launched a targeted warehousing program as part of its digitalization strategy. 

Within the framework of this program, fundamental processes in all areas will be automated, digitalized and interconnected. The pilot location for the digital warehouse is Munich Airport, which is particularly suitable due to its strong growth and modern infrastructure as well as the fact that new aircraft types such as the Airbus A350 are stationed there.

“We are currently testing and starting to implement digital assistance systems, localization technologies and driverless transport systems in selected areas of activity. We cooperate with specific start-ups. For instance, we are introducing the smart data glove of Proglove as well as an automated guided vehicle of Agilox” 

says Dr. Harald Kolbe, Head of Digital Innovation at LTLS.

Core logistics processes are not only being digitalized in Munich, but also at other locations such as Frankfurt and Hamburg. The ultimate goal is to implement efficient processes at all locations. 

To keep realizing new ideas at short intervals and with great speed, LTLS relies on agile project management. But cooperations with start-ups and the implementation of a Group-wide innovation culture at all hierarchical levels are also important elements on the way to a digital warehouse.

Honeywell Supplies United Airlines With Cockpit Technologies For New Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

PHOENIX, Jan. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Multiple Honeywell (NYSE: HON) cockpit technologies have been selected by United Airlines to outfit its new fleet of more than 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes.

The flight deck package will include the first installment of Honeywell’s SmartRunway® and SmartLanding® on a Boeing 737 MAX and will feature Honeywell’s IntuVue® RDR-4000 3D Weather Radar System and Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver. These solutions work in tandem to greatly improve passenger safety and comfort during takeoff, landing and potentially hazardous weather conditions.

“Poor weather conditions and runway incursions are major concerns for the commercial aviation industry. Solutions such as IntuVue, SmartRunway and SmartLanding can prevent these incidents from occurring by providing pilots with the information they need to make avoidance decisions quicker,” said Carl Esposito, president, Electronic Solutions, Honeywell Aerospace. “This technology is especially important for airlines such as United that fly many routes through diverse weather patterns. It allows them to be prepared for anything and stay operational, so passengers reach their destinations as quickly and safely as possible.”

Honeywell’s IntuVue RDR-4000 3D Weather Radar System is the world’s only fully-automatic radar system that has reduced turbulence-related incidents by more than 45 percent. Such incidents can cost an airline hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage per incident and further delay flights. IntuVue provides accurate weather information up to 320 nautical miles in front of the plane and can warn pilots of lightning, hail and turbulence, and determine whether they should fly around or through the approaching weather.

Honeywell’s SmartRunway and SmartLanding minimize runway accidents, which make up 25 percent of commercial aviation incidents. The system will increase pilots’ awareness of surroundings, helping to ensure they use the correct runways and taxiways, and providing passengers with a smoother experience and greatly reducing the possibility of injury. These solutions reduce pilot workload, allowing them to make better-informed decisions to improve passenger safety and comfort.

Honeywell Cockpit Technologies Onboard United Airlines

Key Honeywell cockpit technologies onboard United Airlines’ new 737 MAX fleet include the following:

• IntuVue RDR-4000 3D Weather Radar System is the first and only automatic, commercial radar to accurately depict weather in the flight path of an airplane. It also detects inclement weather 50 percent farther than any other system. IntuVue enables Connected Radar, allowing Honeywell to download weather hazard data from other IntuVue-equipped airplanes. Pilots and dispatchers can opt to immediately receive this information using the Weather Information Service app.
• SmartRunway and SmartLanding represent the next generation of runway awareness and advisory systems that increase flight crew awareness of surroundings during taxi, takeoff and landing. These systems give pilots timely information to help ensure they are accurately navigating and landing on the correct runways and taxiways.
• Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver is the industry’s leader in radio navigation and combines satellite-based and ground-based navigation systems into one receiver. The Integrated Multi-Mode Receiver helps pinpoint precise airplane locations for efficient landings, especially during difficult and new runway approaches. This technology helps United Airlines maintain the ultimate level of passenger safety and comfort. The receiver also benefits airlines by saving space in the cockpit and lowering costs for operators. This system is reduced in size and weight by up to 50 percent compared with existing solutions.

This contract marks the first time Honeywell will provide United Airlines’ airplanes with its selectable suite of cockpit technologies, ensuring United Airlines meets current and upcoming regulations mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration such as the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out. This technology uses precise Global Positioning System data to accurately pinpoint an aircraft’s position in real time and to share this data with surrounding aircraft and air traffic control.

John Robinson joins FLYdocs to manage Asia-Pacific sales

18 January, 2018 – We are delighted to welcome John Robinson to the team, who recently joined us to manage sales and business development in Asia-Pacific. John has spent his entire career within the aviation sector, initially working with the Ministry of Defence before moving to British Airways and then Cathay Pacific Airways. For the past 15 years, he has been providing in region sales and business development management consultancy services for several different MROs and a large lessor.

Asia-Pacific is forecast to be a key growth market for FLYdocs in 2018, so we’re excited to start the year off by adding another industry veteran to our growing team of experts.

John Robinson joins FLYdocs to manage Asia-Pacific sales FLYdocs

Here’s what John had to say about joining FLYdocs:

Why did you join FLYdocs?

I was seeking a new role that would enable me to combine my many years of experience living and working within the Asia-Pacific region with a young, cutting edge company, which is seen as challenging the status quo and a leader of the industry’s digital revolution. FLYdocs presented me with a perfect opportunity. I’m very excited about growing the business for FLYdocs and introducing the product to a more diverse and wider client base.

What were your thoughts about FLYdocs prior to joining?

In FLYdocs, I could see a young company with a very aggressive expansion plan and a product that, based on my own research, is a true market leader and well perceived in the market. The product is very innovative and easy to use. The company is a ‘disruptor’ in what has traditionally been a staid environment when it comes to aircraft documentation and records management. These business characteristics and the ethos of FLYdocs all appealed to me greatly.

What qualities will you bring to our clients in Asia-Pacific?

Having spent over 25 years living and working throughout the Asia-Pacific region, I have built a solid understanding of the how the region’s aviation industry operates and appreciate the many challenges and varying working practices from my network of airlines, lessors and MRO contacts. Being in region, and having a great appreciation of the various cultures, I will be able to build and manage client relationships effectively, and provide our growing client base with consistently high levels of service throughout their engagement with FLYdocs.

What are your thoughts on why the aviation industry should go digital?

The aviation industry quite understandably can be somewhat bureaucratic and the paperwork burden can sometimes be immense. This in turn leads to situations where decision-making and processing of information is not always handled in the most efficient manner. Now with the advancements in technology over the last 10 to 15 years, and considering how we all use technology in our daily lives, it makes perfectly good sense to me that the aviation industry should be no different. After all, booking a flight or booking a hotel can all be done at the touch of a button these days. Why then should the industry not be open to having the same convenience and using similar technology to locate any aircraft document with such efficiency gains?

Outside of the office, where can we find you?

As much fun as aeroplanes are, when I’m not dealing with anything aviation related, you’ll find me either playing a guitar or playing golf! I’m a music-head and have promoted several music events and rock concerts around the region. Alternatively, you’ll likely find me whacking a little white ball around one of Asia’s beautiful golf courses. Always trying to have some fun, every day!

Swiss-AS customer figures flying high in 2017

16.01.2018

At a glance

• 12 new customers onboard with Swiss-AS
• AMOS MRO Edition released
• AMOScentral kick-off
• Customer focus – enhancing AMOS adoption

2017 – a successful year with many novelties

With 2017, again Swiss-AS was in the fortunate position to continue its upswing in terms of new customers, financials and company growth. Amongst the 12 new customers that joined the AMOS community, there are well-known aviation companies, such as WOW air, Boeing’s Global Fleet Care, VivaAerobus, Turkmenistan Airlines, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MITAC), USA Jet Airlines and ENGINEERING Holding incl. S 7 Engineering, Sibir Technics and Cyprus Airways.

Last year was driven by important innovations. In June 2017, Swiss-AS announced AMOScentral and we were overwhelmed by the positive feedback received on this major innovation project that will keep us busy for the next two years. By spanning a virtual cloud over all AMOS instances, AMOScentral shall allow each AMOS customer to individually open its platform to collaborate to the desired extent with other members of the AMOS community and beyond. AMOScentral is a cloud-based message broker that will seamlessly integrate into the existing AMOS world.

The release of the AMOS MRO Edition in November 2017 with AMOS 12 was another important milestone of 2017. The AMOS MRO Edition was presented to the AMOS community in the form of a webinar to introduce the new modules and to show its potential with demonstrations of some use cases and business scenarios.

In addition to functional innovations, another Swiss-AS mission in 2017 was to encourage all customers to increase their level of AMOS adoption and to guide them in implementing the latest design AMOS business processes and related new features. Several Service Guides on different topics were published and the Swiss-AS consultants have already started to actively support individual customers to progressively increase their level of AMOS adoption and to continuously explore the potential of AMOS.

One main topic in this adoption context is the implementation of e-signature. “Paperless Maintenance” is a buzzword around the world and has become the standard way of conducting business in many areas. With a dedicated e-signature project framework, Swiss-AS will guide customers through the paperless project while also assisting customers in obtaining the electronic signature approval from the local authority.

New appearance

The Swiss-AS homepage (swiss-as.com) has been updated and features a totally new look & feel. During this redesign, we also built in additional information on AMOS functions and our vast portfolio of services. We also look forward to welcoming numerous guests at our new look and luminous red stand at the 2018 aviation industry exhibitions.  

Thank you

Swiss-AS would like to take this opportunity to thank our active customer base, partners and supporters all over the world for the excellent cooperation in 2017 and we look forward to continue the teamwork with you again in 2018.