Tag: operators (Page 1 of 6)

Eve Air Mobility and SkyScape announce first urban ATM agreement in Japan

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore – February 20, 2024 – Eve Air Mobility (NYSE: EVEX) and SkyScape, a Japanese vertiport development and management company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, have announced an agreement to use Eve’s Urban ATM (air traffic management) as a part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) concept of operations published by the Japanese government. The announcement makes Skyscape Eve’s 13th Urban ATM customer and it becomes its sixth Urban ATM vertiport customer as the company continues to grow its business globally.

Eve’s Urban ATM software solution is a key enabler to the efficient implementation and scalability of urban air mobility (UAM) by providing services for air navigation service providers, urban authorities, fleet operators, vertiport operators, and other UAM stakeholders. The solution includes UAM flight coordination, vertiport automation airside support, airspace flow management and conformance management.

As part of the agreement, the two companies will collaborate in a number of different ways including promoting Urban Air Mobility in Japan and the test and trial of Urban ATM software including data collection and sharing. The companies will also work together on showcasing eVTOL design and testing, vertiport design, operation certification and future autonomous operation development at SkyScape locations including their planned country research site known as the “Integrated Aviation Center” (IAC) when it opens in the future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pratt & Whitney expands site at Eagle Services Asia facility in Singapore

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Singapore, February 19, 2024, PRNewswire – (Singapore Airshow) Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, today announced the official opening of a 48,000 square-foot expansion of its Singapore based engine center, Eagle Services Asia (ESA). The facility will grow its GTF capacity by two-thirds this year.

The transformative technology insertion applied across both ESA sites integrates robotics, automation and machine learning to increase efficiency, lower stress on machine operators and increase safety for key MRO processes.

These innovations include fully automated high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor stacking, a Receive-in-Check Cobot that augments the work done by human inspectors and a robotic arm to install and remove HPC bearing sleeves.

ESA, a joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Pratt & Whitney, is a member of the Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO network. Since introducing GTF MRO capability in 2019, the facility has already completed over 500 GTF engine overhauls.

Forward-Looking Statements

Maersk and Air Cargo News highlight global trends in 2024 air cargo market

February 2, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The air cargo sector is undergoing a demand slowdown due to global macroeconomic conditions. Post-Covid normalisation as well as global geopolitical crises, most notably in the form of military conflicts, have been the root cause.

Looking ahead, there is little confidence that this situation will improve drastically in the near term. This is partly due to rising interest rates and the termination of key government support programmes.

With customer demands getting more nuanced, a high level of flexibility seems to be the need of the hour. Air freight operators need to be nimble and provide solutions that lower operating costs and save time.

Here’s a quick fly-by of air cargo trends in 2024…

Click here to read the full story!

Solaris wins new hydrogen bus contracts in Barcelona and Essen

February 2, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

The CAF Group company has consolidated its leading position in the thriving hydrogen city bus market with two new contracts for the supply of 57 vehicles for a combined value of over 40 million Euros for Barcelona, Spain and Essen, Germany. Solaris’ experience in rolling out hydrogen technology has seen 40 operators in 10 European countries already place their trust in the company, having won orders for in excess of 700 vehicles.

Supported by the ongoing development of the hydrogen vehicle market and the increasing orders for hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses, Solaris has intensified its business activity in this segment over the recent months. In fact, in connection with this technology, last year Solaris made a major investment constructing a new building exclusively to manufacture hydrogen-powered buses.

Solaris’ substantial backlog, which includes supplies to various operators in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Slovakia, illustrates the current relevance of this market. While 99 hydrogen buses were registered in Europe in 2022, pending official data for 2023, at the end of the third quarter of the year a total of 137 new bus registrations had already been made in Europe, representing a 38% increase compared to the 12 months in the previous year. If we add the data for the last 3 months of 2023, the figures would undoubtedly reveal how strongly this sector has grown and how much Solaris has contributed to this situation. Just a few years ago, specifically in 2018, not one single hydrogen bus was registered in Europe.

European Union implements new customs procedures

January 10, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has notified customers that the European Union (E.U.) has implemented its new customs pre-arrival security and safety program, supported by an extensive advanced cargo information system known as “Import Control System 2 (ICS 2)”. This regulation will replace the current regulation ICS 1.

From June 2024, all goods moved by Maritime transportation which are destined for, or transiting the E.U., Switzerland, Norway, and Northern Ireland will be subject to new entry regulations – ICS2. Economic Operators (EOs) or Shippers will have to declare safety and 2 security data to ICS2, through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).

Paving the transition for ONE Customers At ONE, we are in the process of upgrading our systems to capture and process mandatory information, such as the 6-digit HS code, place of receipt and House Bill of Lading data ensuring we can support all our customers with their ENS submissions. Additionally, we are providing extensive training to our Magentians across all regions to equip them with the necessary information to support you, our customer during this transition. Watch out for further updates and announcements on our progress in 2024.

For more information on the upcoming ICS2, click on the link below.

https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0_en

The new Pilatus PC-24 Super Versatile Jet is here!

October 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Beginning with new aircraft deliveries in 2024, Pilatus has extended the payload-range capability of its Super Versatile Jet to achieve a maximum range with six passengers of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 kilometers). Pilatus also incorporated an array of new interior amenities, including a large side-facing divan which can be converted into a bed!

The new PC-24 features a 600 pound (272 kg) increase in full fuel payload and maximum payload capacity. This enables operators to increase the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm (370 km) with six passengers on board. The PC-24 now offers a full fuel payload of a single pilot plus 1,315 pounds (596 kg), and features a class-leading maximum payload capacity of 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg).

Pilatus engineers conducted an extensive flight test campaign to expand the entire envelope for the higher design weights. At the PC-24’s maximum take-off weight, balanced field length at sea level is only 3,090 feet (941 meters), allowing the use of very short and even unpaved runways.

Divan and Inflight Entertainment System

Already offering the largest cabin volume in its class, the interior of the new PC-24 has also been given a number of enhancements to improve the overall passenger flight experience. Ambient sound levels have been reduced through optimization of passenger service unit ducting, noise absorbing panels, and tuned engine accessory air intake ducts. Cabinetry, storage areas, and the Welcome Center have all been refined to optimize the vast amount of space in the PC-24’s cabin.

Pilatus partnered with Lufthansa Technik to incorporate a new integrated Cabin Management System (iCMS) featuring a 10″ touch screen controller with 3D moving map, four high fidelity cabin speakers with a sub-woofer option, mood lighting, USB ports, and a media storage server.

Finally, in a first for this class of business aircraft, Pilatus is offering the option of a large side-facing divan that is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) in length, and can be converted into a bed in flight.

Predictive Maintenance

All PC-24s from serial number 501 onwards will be equipped with a new feature to enable predictive services. The automated data transmission of key aircraft data directly to Pilatus upon landing will be analyzed and, if necessary, a predictive recommendation is made to the operator.

Rolls-Royce makes Halunder Jet safer and more efficient thanks to NautIQ

September 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Ensuring engine reliability at sea

To keep a sea-going vessel like the Halunder Jet running reliably and sustainably, the crew need access to a host of relevant data on its condition. That’s where the Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (OTC: RYCEY) mtu NautIQ Foresight can help.

In the North Sea, the crew onboard the Halunder Jet – a high-speed catamaran operated by ferry company FRS – is transporting passengers between Hamburg, Cuxhaven and Heligoland harbour in Germany.

With just four hours on Heligoland island to visit the ‘Tall Anna’ sea-stack, watch guillemots and gannets, or engage in some duty-free shopping, visitors want to make the most of every minute secure in the knowledge that they’ll be back on the mainland in time to catch their onward connections.

Uptime and reliability, therefore, are top priorities for the Halunder Jet’s operators, closely followed by cutting fuel consumption – an increasingly important consideration amid rising fuel prices and growing environmental awareness.

KiwiRail re-opens rail line to Napier in cyclone Gabrielle recovery milestone

September 18, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

The reopening of the rail line to Napier – allowing rail freight to once again get to Napier Port – is an important step for the Hawke’s Bay cyclone recovery, KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says. Scheduled freight services resumed Monday, September 18, following a seven month pause after the rail line was badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Cargo that is typically carried by rail includes chilled and frozen meat, wood products such as logs, pulp and timber, food products and imported machinery and consumables used in manufacturing. Following the cyclone in February, KiwiRail reopened the Palmerston North – Gisborne Line to Hastings at the start of April. Temporary Container Terminal sites were also set up in partnership with Napier Port, transport operators and cargo customers so that freight could be railed to Hastings, then trucked to Napier.

The section of line between Hastings and Napier, particularly around Awatoto, was badly damaged in the cyclone, with track and embankments washed away, and major damage to Bridge 217, which lost piers and spans in the floods. The work included rebuilding two-metre-high embankments, replacing 800 sleepers, 140 metres of rail, laying 3,000 cubic metres of formation (the rock foundation under the tracks) and 3,500 tonnes of ballast.

KiwiRail also railed steel casings to Hastings from Christchurch for replacement bridge piers on Bridge 217 – which have been driven 30 metres into the riverbed. The rebuild of Bridge 217 is temporary, in order to get rail freight moving as quickly as possible. A permanent new bridge will be designed and built over the next couple of years.

Thaicom contracts Airbus for a OneSat flexible telecommunications satellite

September 11, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Toulouse, France, September 11, 2023 – Thaicom PCL (THCOM), a leading Asian satellite operator and space technology company, has selected Airbus Group SE (AIR) for its new generation software-defined high throughput satellite.

Airbus will provide one of its latest designed satellites – a fully reconfigurable OneSat. This Thaicom satellite will provide extended connectivity in Ku-band over the Asia-Pacific region for millions of users. Thaicom has launched and operated eight geostationary satellites. This is Thaicom’s first flexible satellite, allowing for more adaptability on coverage, frequency and capacity which is crucial in such a dynamic region.

Positioned in orbit at 119.5° East, this state-of-the art satellite will enable Thaicom to propose to other partner operators a share of its satellite’s payload capacity, lowering their costs and still ensuring they have separate control of their individual payload capacity and flexibility.

Airbus will design and manufacture the satellite, and also provide ground control segment components. Airbus plans to deliver the satellite in 2027.

Airbus OneSat can be fully reconfigured in orbit, capable of adjusting the coverage area, capacity and frequency “on the fly” to meet evolving mission scenarios. It builds on the heritage of Airbus’ ultra-reliable Eurostar geostationary telecommunication satellites and the company’s constellation expertise with OneWeb. Development of the OneSat programme is supported by ESA, as well as the French Space Agency (CNES), and the UK Space Agency.

Garmin receives certification for GFC 600 digital autopilot in Beechcraft King Air F90 aircraft

August 26, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Olathe, Kansas, August 23, 2023 — Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced it has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC^™ 600 digital autopilot in Beechcraft King Air F90 aircraft. The GFC 600 digital autopilot is optimized for turbine aircraft, delivering superior in-flight characteristics that reduce workload and bring new operational capabilities such as Vertical Navigation (VNAV)¹, automatic Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) switching when paired with a GTN Series navigator, enhanced go-around capabilities including missed approach sequencing — and much more.

The GFC 600 certification for the King Air F90 provides owners and operators with an autopilot upgrade that boasts superior integration potential with G600 and G600 TXi^™ flight displays, the GI 275 electronic flight instrument, as well as the GTN^™ and GTN Xi Series of navigators. The self-contained autopilot controller incorporates backlit keys and a bright, sunlight readable display that depicts autopilot status and mode selection. An intuitive built-in control wheel also provides convenient adjustment of aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed modes. When the level button is selected, the aircraft automatically returns to straight-and-level flight.

Environmentally hardened autopilot servos designed for harsh operating conditions contain brushless DC motors offering improved performance and reducing maintenance requirements when compared to decades-old servo designs on the market today. In addition, these servos offer more torque to help pilots better respond to demands required of turbine aircraft.

Standard mark-width (6.25-inch) design of the GFC 600 mode controller ensures the autopilot controller allows for routine installation into the aircraft’s avionics stack. In King Air F90 aircraft, GFC 600 will require a G600 TXi or G600 flight display.

In addition to traditional autopilot capabilities such as altitude hold, vertical speed and heading modes, the GFC 600 includes:

Premium functions and advanced capabilities such as altitude pre-select² and indicated airspeed hold mode.
Ability to select, couple and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC and back course approaches.³
Built-in GPS roll steering capability eliminates the need for external roll steering converters and allows for smoother navigation tracking when installed with a compatible navigator.
Level Mode button, which automatically engages the autopilot to restore the aircraft to straight and level flight.
Underspeed and overspeed protection.
Yaw Damping (YD) mode minimizes yawing oscillations while also helping to maintain coordinated flight.
Flight Director command bars can be displayed on a flight display such as the G600 and G600 TXi.
Coupled ‘go-arounds’ for pilots to fly during missed approach sequencing. A remotely installed go-around button commands the Flight Director to display the appropriate pitch attitude required for the missed approach procedure and activates a loaded missed approach when paired with a GTN 650/750 or GTN 650Xi/750Xi navigator.
Included pitch-trim servo adds automatic trim and improved manual electric trim.
Control wheel steering is available, which allows the pilot to adjust pitch, roll, altitude hold, vertical speed or airspeed references using the control yoke while the autopilot is engaged.

Here’s a quick fly-by of air cargo trends in 2024…

Ensuring engine reliability at sea

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