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Maersk signs deal with Starlink for its ocean fleet

Copenhagen, Denmark, October 12, 2023 – A.P. Moller – Maersk (London: 0O77) is embarking on a collaboration with Starlink, the pioneering satellite internet constellation developed by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., commonly referred to as SpaceX. SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk of Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) fame.

Maersk, the global leader of integrated container logistics, will have Starlink installed on more than 330 own operated container vessels. This will enabling high-speed internet with speeds over 200 Mbps, service that is a leap forward in terms of internet speed and latency bringing significant benefits in terms of both crew welfare and business impact.

The agreement comes after a successful pilot phase where crew members on more than 30 Maersk vessels have had the opportunity to test the Starlink technology – resulting in very positive feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolls-Royce to deliver 70 mtu engines to support semiconductor industry in China

Rolls-Royce (RR.L) will provide 70 of its mtu Series 4000 engines, produced in Yulin by MTU Yuchai Power, the Chinese Joint Venture with Yuchai Diesel, for use in generator sets that will be packaged and distributed by emergency power systems provider Hefei Calsion Electric System Co., Ltd. The gensets will be installed at multiple semiconductor manufacturing locations in China to ensure that chip production is not affected by power failures.

The rapid expansion of information technology applications such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data and Internet of Things (IoT), has resulted in growing market demand for semiconductor products. In recent years, Chinese semiconductor enterprises have experienced a significant growth period due to the acceleration of domestic insourcing and the upgrade of industrial technologies.

The guarantee of continuous power supply is critical for semiconductor factories, as the manufacturing process is very sensitive. The products on the production line are at risk of being scrapped after even a few minutes of power disruption. The mtu engine-powered generator sets installed by Calsion will provide uninterrupted switching between diesel engines and grid power to deliver continuous loading capacity under high load conditions, helping to ensure the stable operation of production lines and special process systems such as safety, clean room, and cooling and pure water systems.

As the leader of semiconductor power system solutions, Hefei Calsion Electric System Co., Ltd.  specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, marketing and services of generator sets, and has R&D centers, modern production bases and first-class test systems. Its original semiconductor power system solution has won a market share of more than 70% of the domestic semiconductor industry emergency power system solution-based projects in China. It is a strategic partner and designated OEM manufacturer of Rolls-Royce in China, as the two parties have maintained close cooperation for 18 years.

GlobalFoundries to Expand Capacities, Build a Fab in China

Lockheed Martin Unveils Intelligent Factory At Skunk Works In Palmdale, California

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has completed construction of an advanced manufacturing facility at its Palmdale, California, campus.

The 215,000 square foot intelligent, flexible factory has digital foundations to incorporate smart manufacturing components, embrace the Internet of Things and deliver cutting edge solutions rapidly and affordably to support the United States and its allies. This is one of four transformational manufacturing facilities Lockheed Martin is opening in the U.S. this year.

This new building incorporates all three of Lockheed Martin’s advanced production priorities: an intelligent factory framework; a technology enabled advanced manufacturing environment; and a flexible factory construct to support customer priorities with speed and agility while bolstering manufacturing capability in the United States. 

Merging the power of human and machine, manufacturing artisans will work with digital tools to execute operations with maximum efficiency. The incorporation of robotics, artificial intelligence and augmented reality reduces the need for hard tooling, elevating the human experience to drive rapid innovation, a hallmark of the Skunk Works. 

In addition to manufacturing, the facility includes office and break spaces to accommodate more than 450 employees. The company has created over 1,500 new jobs for California since 2018.

This project is the cornerstone of over $400 million in capital investments being made across Lockheed Martin’s Palmdale campus to address growth in support of its customers’ missions.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is responsible for many aerospace firsts, including the United States’ first jet fighter (P-80), the world’s first stealth fighter (F-117) and the world’s first 5th generation fighter (F-22). With a proven way of working based on 14 simple rules, the Skunk Works is known for rapidly solving urgent national needs. With eight Collier trophies and a National Medal of Technology and Innovation awarded from the office of the President of the United States, the Skunk Works continues to define what is next in aerospace.

High-Speed Cabin Connectivity for New Bombardier Learjet Aircraft Now Offered on In-service Fleet

  • Gogo AVANCE L5 provides the fastest and most reliable 4G air-to-ground 
    high-speed internet coverage over North America for business aircraft today 
  • Retrofit available for Learjet 40, Learjet 45Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft throughout Bombardier’s growing service network, which has unparalleled OEM expertise to enhance the ownership experience for customers
  • This high-speed connectivity is already available on new Learjet aircraft, and will be an option on the new Learjet 75 Liberty business jet

Bombardier Aviation is bringing faster connectivity to its in-service Learjet fleet as part of a continuing commitment to this legendary platform. Gogo Business Aviation’s next-generation, 4G air-to-ground (ATG) internet system, Gogo AVANCE L5, has been an available option on new Learjet aircraft since last year.

Bombardier is now offering customers the high-performance 4G in-cabin Wi-Fi system as a retrofit for in-service Learjet 40, Learjet 45Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft. Customers can have the system installed at all Bombardier Service Centres and Authorized Service Facilities throughout the United States.

Learjet aircraft are renowned productivity tools, and this enhancement ensures that our customers have the connectivity they need to maximize their time in the air,” said Michael Anckner, Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Learjet Aircraft and Corporate Fleets, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “With various upgrades available for our large fleet of in-service aircraft and the recent unveiling of our value-added Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft, there’s never been a better time to own a Learjet.”

The new and significantly faster 4G service uses Gogo AVANCE L5, which is lightweight and compact, accesses the Gogo Biz 4G ground network of more than 250 towers and delivers seamless connectivity over the continental U.S. and large parts of Canada and Alaska. Designed specifically for business aircraft, the system offers audio and video streaming as well as faster web surfing for a vastly improved user experience over previous-generation technology.

The iconic Learjet brand is synonymous with excellence in aviation, with more than 2,000 Learjet aircraft in service around the world. This fleet is a testament to the longevity and reliability of this platform, while the upcoming Learjet 75 Liberty signals a strong future for the world’s best light jet.

Bombardier is growing its worldwide support network, including a new service centre at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and the recent addition of two U.S. line maintenance stations in Teterboro and Van Nuys. In addition to providing this 4G connectivity upgrade to the Learjet fleet, Bombardier is also offering the latest update to the popular Garmin G5000 avionics suite aboard Learjet aircraft, which was recently certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and brings many workload-reducing improvements to the cockpit.

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft is on track to enter service in mid-2020. Its spacious cabin features a 
six-seat configuration that gives light jet passengers unprecedented freedom to stretch out. A standard pocket door delivers a quiet, productive flight coupled with the comfort of Bombardier’s signature smooth ride.

The Learjet 75 Liberty aircraft has a range of 2,080 nautical miles, able to connect Las Vegas to New York, Seattle to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to San Francisco, nonstop.* This aircraft has the same operating costs as its competitors in the light jet category while offering the most spacious cabin, the fastest speed, the longest range and the smoothest ride. It is also a step up from other light jets in terms of safety standards, certified to the FAA’s more stringent Part 25 regulations, applicable to commercial airliners, unlike other light jets certified to Part 23 regulations.

OneWeb Lifts Off: Next Batch Ready to Launch

EXPLORATION PARK, Florida – 34 satellites for the OneWeb constellation are ready for launch from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. The satellites arrived in two shipments, including one last week, have been tested, and have now been fitted into the dispenser of the Soyuz-2.1b rocket. OneWeb’s upcoming launch of 34 satellites has been scheduled for Thursday 6 February 21:42 (GMT) / Friday 7 February 02:42 (local time) from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

“This launch will be a massive step forward for OneWeb – one step closer to the ambition of improving global connectivity. These 34 satellites will join the six currently operating flawlessly in orbit. Our joint venture OneWeb Satellites produces two satellites a day – in series production, just like Airbus makes planes,” said Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Airbus Space Systems.

The satellites, which are manufactured at 1/50th of the cost of a traditional spacecraft, are all fitted with plasma thrusters enabling them to reach their correct position in low Earth orbit at 1,200km.

“Watching the first batch of our factory-built satellites launch from the Soyuz will be the realisation of a four-year journey… and just the beginning,” said Tony Gingiss, CEO OneWeb Satellites. “Our factory continues to ramp up and streamline our production to deliver the next batch… and the next… and the next!”

The OneWeb constellation will provide global connectivity with an initial 650 satellites. OneWeb’s mission is to provide affordable, high-speed internet connectivity everywhere for everyone, by 2021.

After this first launch from Baikonur, OneWeb is planning to launch around 30 satellites with Soyuz rockets every month.

Toyota to Build Prototype City of the Future in Japan

Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, speaks at a news conference, where he announced Toyota’s plans to build a prototype city of the future on a 175-acre site at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, during the 2020 CES in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp <TM> said on Monday it plans to build a prototype “city of the future” at the base of Japan’s Mt. Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and functioning as a laboratory for autonomous cars, “smart homes,” artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Toyota unveiled the plan at CES, the big technology industry show. The development, to be built at the site of a factory that is planned to be closed, will be called “Woven City” – a reference to Toyota’s start as a loom manufacturing company – and will serve as a home to full-time residents and researchers.

Toyota did not disclose costs for the project.

Executives at many major automakers have talked about how cities of the future could be designed to cut climate-changing emissions from vehicles and buildings, reduce congestion and apply internet technology to everyday life. But Toyota’s plan to build a futuristic community on 175 acres (71 hectares)near Mt. Fuji is a big step beyond what rivals have proposed.

The proposal highlights not only Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda’s ambition, but also the financial and political resources Toyota can bring to bear, especially in its home country.

Toyota expects 2,000 people will live at the city initially, with construction slated to start next year. Toyoda called the project “my personal ‘field of dreams.’

“You know if you build it, they will come.”

Toyota said it has commissioned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the community. Ingels’ firm designed the 2 World Trade Center building in New York and Google’s offices in Silicon Valley and London.

Toyota said it is open to partnerships with other companies that want to use the project as a testing ground for technology.

(Reporting by Jane Lanhee Lee and David Shepardson; Writing by Joe White; Editing by Dan Grebler)

Watch the 30 second Woven City YouTube video by clicking HERE!

Boeing-Built Satellite to Offer Greater Asia-Pacific Coverage

A Boeing [NYSE: BA]-built satellite called JCSAT-18/Kacific1 will provide affordable internet access and other communications services to underserved parts of Asia and the Pacific islands.

The satellite launched today from Cape Canaveral, Florida at about 7:10 p.m. It will enter service several weeks after on-orbit tests and moving to its final geostationary orbit position over the Asia-Pacific region.

Built on Boeing’s 702 satellite platform, JCSAT-18/Kacific1 has two separate payloads for two customers, SKY Perfect JSAT of Tokyo and Kacific Broadband Satellites Group of Singapore. The satellite will deliver internet services to a potential market comprising hundreds of millions of people in more than 25 countries, including remote islands in the Pacific and the far eastern part of Russia.

“JCSAT-18/Kacific1 is going to make a difference in the lives of millions of people throughout the Asia Pacific region,” said Chris Johnson, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. “We are proud to support SKY Perfect JSAT and Kacific as they seek to bring positive change through connectivity in regions that have been traditionally underserved.”

JCSAT-18/Kacific1 is the 13th satellite Boeing has built for SKY Perfect JSAT and the first satellite built for Kacific.

Collins Aerospace’s ARINC Rail Solution to Integrate Operations for Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority

  • New Passenger Information Management System will create a single technology information delivery platform for Link light rail vehicles, Sounder Commuter Rail trains and Tacoma Link light rail vehicles
  • Secure, scalable and flexible to meet future agency expansion needs for all transit modes

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 11, 2019) – The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority – known as Sound Transit – will be streamlining its operations and improving the passenger experience via a new Passenger Information Management System (PIMS) being implemented by the ARINC rail solutions team at Collins Aerospace Systems, a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

PIMS will transform operations for Sound Transit’s Link light rail vehicles, Sounder Commuter Rail trains, and Tacoma Link light rail vehicles by integrating information services for all three transit modes into a single enterprise solution. Doing so will enable real-time data acquisition and processing to predict train arrival, which can provide passengers with reliable and accurate audio and visual message delivery on all rail cars and transit platforms. In addition, the solution will offer a Google Transit Feed to be used by Sound Transit to transmit messaging to the general public via the Internet. This open architecture-based solution provides the scalability and flexibility required for any future agency expansion needs across all transit modes.

Along with the strict and rigorous requirements for sustained operations, open integration and prediction/arrival train calculations, cybersecurity for the PIMS project and other critical digital systems is at the forefront for Sound Transit. The ARINC cybersecurity team will be performing security hardening and implementation services aligned with American Public Transportation Authority guidelines and best practices throughout every stage of the project from the design phase to system commissioning and throughout revenue service. Applying these tools and techniques will reduce vulnerabilities within the PIMS systems and applications on a continuous basis.

“As the current provider of Sound Transit’s train control system, we will leverage technology and provide new applications that build upon our current passenger information product suite to quickly design, integrate, secure and install the next generation PIMS solution,” said Frank Koren, director of Business Development within the Information Management Services division at Collins Aerospace. “Sound Transit has committed to significantly expand its transit services, which comes with the need to provide ongoing high-quality customer experiences. Our proven track record of developing cutting-edge customer information systems will help them ensure they do so for years to come.”

Collins Aerospace is providing Sound Transit with a Passenger Information Management System to help streamline its operations and improve the passenger experience.

Boeing 702X Satellite Offers Unique Multi-Mission Flexibility

  • Matured design enables delivery to customers in less than three years
  • Boeing software reallocates bandwidth to meet real-time changes in demand

PARIS Sept. 9, 2019 — Boeing [BA] unveiled its 702X family of software-defined satellites, highlighting a 1,900kg variant for geosynchronous orbit. The 702X technology enables operators to adapt to changing market conditions by dynamically allocating bandwidth.

The 702X builds on Boeing’s existing success with the 702 series satellites. The 702X platform incorporates a mature design, with a medium Earth orbit version already in production. Advanced manufacturing processes dramatically reduce cost and schedule risk while allowing the 702X to be delivered to customers within three years.

The 702X satellites will allow operators to distribute capacity to a variety of end users, connecting businesses, ships, airplanes, autonomous vehicles and broadband internet users around the world. “Satellites are, and will continue to be, an integral part of our data-driven society,” said Eric Jensen, vice president of Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Satellites. “The 702X gives our customers the tools necessary to evolve with the market.”

The 702X is available to customers today. Boeing estimates the first 702X geosynchronous variant will be operational as soon as 2022.

Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense and @BoeingSpace.

Boeing is unveiling its new 702X family of software-defined satellites. All 702X variants, such as the small geosynchronous orbit model shown here, will provide satellite operators the flexibility to reallocate bandwidth through software updates in real time to meet changes in market demand. (Boeing photo)

JetBlue Introduces Core Experience on Airbus A320 Aircraft

Second and Final Phase of Airbus A320 Interior Cabin Restyling Ushers in New Era of Comfort and Connectivity for JetBlue Customers.

The Most Legroom in Coach® Now Features the Widest, Most Comfortable A320 Seats, Larger Seatback TVs with Even More Entertainment, Expanded Gate-to-Gate High-Speed Internet on Nearly Every JetBlue Route—and More!

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190320005524/en/

The restyling effort has been several years in the making, with the latest aircraft marking the first to receive this all-new 2019 design. The aircraft, named “If You Can Read This, You’re Blue Close,” re-joins JetBlue’s fleet today, with roughly a third of JetBlue’s A320 aircraft scheduled for restyling completion by the end of the year.

“JetBlue rocked the airline industry in 2000 with seatback television and all leather seats. In our first makeover since, this incredible new onboard experience represents what the founders would have done if they were launching JetBlue today,” said Marty St. George, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, JetBlue. “The new experience brings together technology, entertainment, and comfort with the great service JetBlue customers love so much.”

For most of the airlines 100+ destinations the A320 restyling will bring the upgraded JetBlue experience to their city for the first time.

A major focus of the restyling is keeping customers connected throughout their flight, including a new inflight entertainment system, high-definition seatback televisions, in-seat power outlets with USB ports and continued free gate-to-gate Fly-Fi high-speed internet with an expanded coverage area – including throughout the Caribbean and Latin America where Fly-Fi had not been available until now.

The Widest Seat Available For the A320

In 2019, JetBlue will outfit its A320 aircraft with the Collins Meridian seat, customized for the airline’s needs and featuring a number of design elements with customer comfort in mind:

  • Expanded seat width of more than 18 inches, the widest available for the A320.
  • The most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (a).
  • Enhanced cushion comfort.
  • Adjustable headrests, a new feature for JetBlue’s A320.
  • Contoured seatback design at knee level creating additional living space for every customer.
  • Redesigned seatback stowage options, including an innovative elastic grid to accommodate a variety of customer items.
  • At least two easy-to-reach power connections at every seat.

“We are proud to partner with JetBlue on its A320 restyling project by supplying our Meridian Seat,” said Cynthia A. Muklevicz, Vice President, Account Management, Interiors for Collins Aerospace. “Meridian offers passengers industry-leading comfort and living space through an intense focus on ergonomic design supported by optimization of the underlying seat structure.”

IFE

Also in 2019, JetBlue will build on its reputation as an industry leader in inflight entertainment options with Thales AVANT and ViaSat-2 connectivity. With this system, JetBlue will offer customers aboard its restyled A320s expanded entertainment choices in nearly every region the airline flies (b). JetBlue is the only major U.S. airline with seatback entertainment screens at every seat on every aircraft.

  • 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screen at every seat.
  • More than 100 channels of live television with DVR-like pause and rewind functionality.
  • Expanded collection of on demand movies, TV shows and video content, plus new gaming features.
  • Destination-specific content allowing customers to enhance their travel experience.
  • Picture-in-picture function
  • Enhanced, 3D flight map offering multiple ways to track time to destination.
  • Personal handheld device pairing capabilities for use as a remote or gaming controller.
  • Expanded Fly-Fi connectivity, providing coverage to nearly the entire JetBlue network.

“Thales is proud to have been a business partner with JetBlue since the beginning of their IFE evolution. The airline has reimagined the flying experience, and with our custom-designed AVANT IFE solution, we’ve helped JetBlue reimagine their customer experience on the A320 platform,” said Philippe Carette, Chief Executive Officer, Thales InFlyt Experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the airline to create new opportunities that wow their customers with a unique and personalized inflight experience.”

“Thales is proud to have been a business partner with JetBlue since the beginning of their IFE evolution. The airline has reimagined the flying experience, and with our custom-designed AVANT IFE solution, we’ve helped JetBlue reimagine their customer experience on the A320 platform,” said Philippe Carette, Chief Executive Officer, Thales InFlyt Experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the airline to create new opportunities that wow their customers with a unique and personalized inflight experience.”

“JetBlue continues to be an industry leader in its approach to inflight internet—bringing free, high-speed connectivity to every customer onboard,” said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Aviation, Viasat. “We’re honored to once again partner with JetBlue on inflight connectivity, giving them access to ViaSat-2, the world’s most advanced satellite network, enabling all JetBlue customers to enjoy fast Fly-Fi service on more routes where JetBlue flies.”

Completing The 2018 Phase

The first phase of JetBlue’s A320 interior cabin restyle began in spring 2018 and modernized the airline’s so-called “classic interiors” with products that matched those found on the airline’s newer A321 aircraft – features such as more modern seats and larger seatback TVs. More than a dozen A320 aircraft have been restyled with these products so far and several more are scheduled for completion in the coming weeks. This spring the restyling will fully transition to the 2019 version of onboard products for all aircraft going forward.

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 42 million customers a year to 100+ cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of more than 1,000 daily flights. For more information please visit jetblue.com.

(a) JetBlue offers the most legroom in coach based on average fleet-wide seat pitch for U.S. airlines.

(b) Fly-Fi is available on all JetBlue-operated flights. On ViaSat-2 equipped aircraft, Fly-Fi may not be available on portions of some routes. On all other aircraft Fly-Fi may not be available while operating outside of the contiguous U.S., or until the aircraft returns to the coverage area.

JetBlue Corporate Communications
Tel: +1.718.709.3089
corpcomm@jetblue.com

Source: JetBlue