Weekly News Summary - June 4, 2004

Europe's broadcast automatic dependent surveillance (ADS-B) activities are multifaceted, and moving ahead on several fronts, according to a Eurocontrol surveillance expert at last month's International Advanced Technologies Conference in Anchorage.

Gunnar Frisk, an ADS-B specialist working on Eurocontrol's ADS program, said that Eurocontrol is working with a large number of its European stakeholders and international partners to bring an initial set of ADS-B ground and airborne surveillance applications – including their supporting infrastructure – into reality.

A European campaign, known as the CRISTAL (co-operative validation of surveillance techniques and applications) is one of the main components of this effort, according to Frisk. While CRISTAL's primary focus is developing ADS-B applications and their requirements, there is also a strong emphasis on harmonization and coordination, both within Europe and its international counterparts.

An example of a CRISTAL's work is the ADS-B trial that is occurring in Innsbruck, Austria, where there is presently a lack of surveillance capability, caused largely by its extraordinary terrain. Since installing more SSRs (secondary surveillance radars) to augment Innsbruck's surveillance coverage, is expensive, Austrian officials are interested in using a wide-area multilateration system along with ADS-B to provide a radar-like separation service there, with a capability down to five nautical miles.

At a high-level, the Innsbruck CRISTAL trial is attempting to validate a fundamental piece in support of Austrocontrol's implementation plans and Eurocontrol's Package I, and generate early stakeholder feedback.

The first phase, which runs through this year, is evaluating operational requirements and surveillance infrastructure. The second phase, planned for 2005, will assess terminal area and airport applications. The third phase, which will consist of airborne applications trials is still to be completely determined, but might occur in the 2005-2006 timeframe.

Major participants in the Innsbruck effort include Austria's ATC organization, Austrocontrol, the Innsbruck airport, Tyrolean and Lauda Air, and Sensis, a major U.S. ATC equipment supplier.

Included in the Innsbruck trial are eight Sensis MDS (multistatic dependent surveillance) ground stations, which detect and identify targets using multilateration techniques over a wide area, that are broadcasting 1090 ES ADS-B. Also included are VDL Mode 4 ADS-B and TIS-B (broadcast traffic information service) transceivers from Sweden-based CNS Systems and Terma. Radar is used above flight level 110.

There is a surveillance display in the Innsbruck tower, and CDTI (cockpit display of traffic information) displays in a Lauda Air B-737, and in the cockpits of a Tyrolean Dash-8, Canadair RJ and a Fokker 70, as well as some GA aircraft and ground test vehicles.

ADS-B (broadcast automatic dependent surveillance) is the core element of Sweden's ATM (advanced traffic management) strategy, and VDL Mode 4 (VHF digital link using mode- 4) is Sweden's favored technology.

Jens Redeborn, a project manager and systems engineer for the Swedish CAA (SCAA) told the recent International Advanced Aviation Technologies Conference in Anchorage that SCAA sees ADS-B and VDL-4 as a cost efficient and flexible way to improve airspace management, by "thinking big, but starting small." This approach is best, in Redeborn's view, since it is a complex process and requires cross-domain expertise.

Redeborn said the SCAA sees VDL-4 as a basic CNS component that supports communications, navigation and surveillance applications in all phases of flight, while avoiding the need to have multiple datalink installations. Furthermore, it is affordable and useable by all user groups, and finally, it can be easily expanded to support the needs of all regions, independent of a ground infrastructure – although it might be enhanced with ground installations in some cases.

For these reasons, the SCAA sees VDL-4 as the optimal solution for ADS-B as well as other data broadcast applications such as ATIS, NOTAMS, weather, radar data, and differential GPS augmentation.

Other important VDL-4 attributes, according to Redeborn, include its ability to support time critical applications, and to work at long range. In addition, it is well tested (since 1993); meets ICAO standards; has European industry support; and transmits in the aviation VHF spectrum of 108-to-137-Mhz.

VDL-4 became operational in Sweden in December 2003 for ADS-B, TIS-B (broadcast traffic information service) and satellite navigation augmentation, and has been used for ADS-B and for A-SMGCS (advanced surface movement guidance and control system) at Stockholm's Arlanda. ADS-B, using VDL-4 is operational at Kiruna, in Sweden's far north, bringing surveillance to that remote area, similar to what Capstone has accomplished in Alaska. By 2005, Sweden will have ADS ground station coverage at all controlled airports and will have area coverage over the entire country down to 3,000 feet, Redeborn said.

SCAA is also working to demonstrate how general aviation and other non-commercial aircraft operations – including military – can be improved with ADS-B. It intends to do this with large scale operational trials and demonstrations in the Östgöta terminal area, where numerous types of aircraft operate, so that a number of operational scenarios can be presented and evaluated.

Outside of Sweden, a number of European ADS-B activities involving VDL-4 are underway as well, Redeborn reported, including NUP (the NEAN Update Program Phase II), the MEDUP (Mediterranean Update Program), MFF (Mediterranean Free Flight), and the SEAP (South European Pre-Implementation ADS Program).

SEAP is planning for a large scale deployment of VDL-4-based ADS in Spain and Portugal. The program's main partners include the European Commission, AENA (Spanish Aviation Authority), NAV Portugal, the Swedish CAA, BAE Systems, INDRA (a Spanish information technology company), and Boeing.

There is also a joint Swedish, Russian and Finish VDL-4-based ADS-B effort to assure the interoperability and standardization of different interfaces, applications and networks, including an aligned ADS-B implementation platform between Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg and Moscow.

Outside of Europe, Mongolia is moving to implement VDL-4 for domestic use, with ground stations already installed at Ulaanbathaar and Muren, and VDL-4 avionics being installed on a Fokker 50, an AN24, and an MI-8 helicopter with CDTIs (cockpit display of traffic information). Mongolia also wants to use a VDL-4 SMGCS (surface movement guidance and control system) at Ulaanbathaar's airport. 06-04-2004. (Top)

CMC Electronics Inc. is enhancing its new electronic flight bag with a content manager that automatically packages and transfers updated changes via Internet, a wireless connection or a secure USB (universal serial bus) memory stick.

The Content Manager was developed by CMC Electronics along with Montreal-based On-Board Data Systems to support the content definition, configuration management and data distribution services to maintain the currency of documents and applications in its CMA-1100 EFB, regardless of its airport location.

With the system, fleet managers can assemble and manage their customized document libraries on their desktop PC, and then simply drag and drop the updated material to automatically package and transfer the updated information. 05-30-2004. (Top)

CMC Electronics is bringing out a second-generation class-two electronic flight bag for airlines and business jet operators, designed to “bridge the gap” between off-the-shelf PC tablets and fully integrated class-three EFBs.

Designated the CMA-1100, CMC's new EFB consists of a self-contained electronic display and processing unit, and a companion power and expansion module unit, all of which is certified to DO-160D standards. The display is surrounded by software-definable, FMS-style line-select keys, but also has a "film-on-glass" touch-sensitive screen, giving pilots a choice on how to access or navigate through its various functions. As for applications, the CMA-1000 offers electronic charts and moving maps, checklists, performance calculations, real-time weather, cabin surveillance video, and more.

CMC Electronics launched its new line of EFB products last year, but also retained responsibility for its former Northstar aviation sector products, including the CT-1000G EFB, after its Northstar Technologies' subsidiary was sold to Brunswick Corporation. 05-28-2004. (Top)

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has ordered additional carry-on baggage X-ray screening systems form Rapiscan, an OSI Systems company.

The screening systems are outfitted with software called Threat Image Projection or TIP which randomly projects an image of a weapon or contraband material, in luggage as it is inspected, to help train security personnel, and to check their performance. 05-29-2004. (Top)

Smiths Detection will work with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to examine a number of easy-to-implement enhancements that can improve the speed of passenger screening.

Starting in June, Smiths Detection and the TSA will test improvements, such as the ability to have cleared carry-on bags to continue unimpeded to their owners, while an x-ray machine operator stops the conveyor belt to view the image of another bag. New image enhancing monitors that allow operators to more rapidly and efficiently examine the luggage contents will also be tested. 05-29-2004. (Top)

EMS Technologies says its four-channel high-speed satcom system has been installed for the first time on a Global Express aircraft.

Two EMS AMT-50 antennas were integrated with an EMS HSD-128 high-speed data terminal and two EMS HSD-X High Speed Data extension units on the airplane to provide 4-channels of Swift-64 service. According to EMS, this configuration gives an operator up to 256 kbps speeds for data transmission, Internet access, email, and videoconferencing, and allows data transfers at speeds up to 100 times faster than a traditional Aero-H satcom system.

The Global Express installation was accomplished by Savannah Air Center in Savannah, Georgia. 06-03-2004. (Top)

AirTran and JetBlue have adopted Sabre Airline Solutions' new browser-based modules for some of their operations control and crew tracking requirements at remote locations.

While both airlines have been users of Sabre's traditional flight operations' applications, these new Web-based, open-systems, called FliteTrac Web and CrewTrac Web, allow their personnel at airport ramp and gate positions to access necessary operational information more easily than was possible previously.

According to Sabre, FliteTrac Web's controlled actions include inputting gate information, flight times, fuel data, shift log information, cargo load information, and flight delays. A recent enhancement also allows retrieval of updated weather information for pilots.

JetBlue is using Sabre's CrewTrac Web in addition to FliteTrac Web, which allows its pilots and flight attendants to access their schedules, check in for flights, and review schedule changes and available assignments at remote locations too.

Sabre sees the implementations of these systems by JetBlue and AirTran as an indication that the industry is moving away from proprietary communications systems and networks and towards more open systems.

Frontier Airlines also will soon be implementing its FliteTrac Web, Sabre says. 06-04-2004. (Top)

Kuwait Airways has selected RM Rocade's integrated crew planning and control suitee. The airline will access the application via the Internet from Automated Systems Company that is hosting and operating the system as an ASP (application service provider). 05-29-2004. (Top)

Rockwell Collins to provide the pilot controls on Boeing’s new 7E7. This contract is in addition to Boeing's previous decision to have Collins supply the airplane's cockpit displays, its communication and surveillance systems and its core network cabinet.

The 7E7's pilot control system has four major assemblies, including its control stand, as well as control assemblies for pitch, roll and yaw. Each assembly will be developed using a modular approach for easier installation and maintenance, and with the objective of providing 7E7 pilots the look and feel of a B-777.

The control system work will be accomplished by Rockwell Collins' Kaiser Electroprecision business unit in Irvine, California.

Rockwell Collins was previously awarded the aircraft's head-up and head-down display systems, communication and surveillance systems, and core-network cabinet. The Collins' supplied 7E7 communications and surveillance systems include advanced VHF, HF and satellite voice and data, terrain awareness and warning, weather radar, and TCAS (traffic alert and collision avoidance). Also, as a sub contractor to Smiths Aerospace, Rockwell Collins will provide the Ethernet switches and end systems that make up the common data network for the aircraft.

In addition, Collins' core network cabinet on the 7E7 includes the necessary file servers, routers and avionics interfaces that will support Connexion by Boeing's broadband connectivity capability. 06-04-2004. (Top)

The FAA has certified Cessna's model 680 Citation Sovereign midsize business jet that features a fully integrated Primus Epic avionics' suite.

Cessna is also offering customers a fully certified level D flight simulator prior to first customer delivery. FlightSafety International has already received FAA approval for a Citation Sovereign simulator and will begin training Citation Sovereign customers at its Wichita facility immediately, Cessna says.

Aerolitoral, a Mexican regional airline, received its first ERJ 145 from Embraer. The airline ordered five ERJ 145s with options for up to 25 more last December. 06-03-2004.

Copa Airlines took delivery of its first B-737-700. The airline expects three more 737s this year. 06-03-2004.

Air Sahara took delivery of its third B-737-300 from Ansett Worldwide. 06-03-2004.

Finnair added a sixth MD-11 to its fleet. 06-03-2004.

China Southern Airlines took delivery of its second B-737-700. 06-03-2004.

AirTran selected Rolls-Royce BR715 engines for its six new B-717-200s. 06-03-2004.

Air India says it will lease 14 B-737-800s to launch a low-cost carrier to be called Air India Express. 06-02-2004.

Air New Zealand ordered eight B-777-200ERs and two B-7E7-8s, all powered by Rolls-Royce engines. Four of the 777-200ERs will be purchased and the other four leased from ILFC. The first five will be delivered by April 2006 and the final three in the last half of 2006. Delivery dates for the two 7E7-8s are still unknown. The airline also took options to purchase 42 more aircraft including 777-200ERs, 777-200LRs, 7E7s and 777-300ERs. 06-02-2004.

A new air taxi company, iFly ordered 75 new A700s from Adam Aircraft. The A700 (click here for specifications) is a new four-passenger aircraft, with an aft-located lavatory, powered by a Williams International FJ33-4A turbofan. The airplane is scheduled to be certified in early 2005, with first deliveries beginning shortly afterward. IFly was started by former American CEO Robert Crandall and People Express founder Donald Burr.

06-01-2004.

Kenya Airways received its first B-777-200ER from Boeing. 06-01-2004.

America West will buy 10 A320s and seven A319s for delivery in late 2005 and 2006. The airline will also lease four A320s and one A319s for delivery in early 2005. All of these aircraft will be powered by IAE V2500s. In announcing the deal, America West essentially cancelled an earlier deal for 15 PW6000-powered A318s. 06-01-2004.

Vietnam Airlines has signed a preliminary agreement for 10 more A320s. 06-01-2004.

Air France has reportedly delayed delivery of its first A380 by half a year. 06-01-2004.

The German charter operator Cirrus Aviation ordered a second Learjet 40 from Bombardier. 05-29-2004.

The China Flight Inspection Center of Air Traffic Management Bureau of General Aviation of Civil Aviation of China ordered two Citation XLS business jets to be used for flight inspection missions. Both aircraft will be delivered in the second quarter of 2005. 05-26-2004.

Qantas signed an order with Aviation Partners Boeing for 12 blended winglet shipsets for 737s with options for an additional 42.

AeroCentury Corp. extended the lease of a Twin Otter to Loganair for an additional 24 months. 05-26-2004.

Frontier took delivery of its 26th A319, leased from ILFC. The airline's fleet now consists of 10 B-737-300s, 26 A319s and five A318s. 05-26-2004.

Dassault Aviation introduced its Falcon 900DX, a large cabin tri-jet that fills a niche between Falcon's 2000EX and 900EX models. Among other features, the 900DX comes with Dassault's EASy flight deck as standard equipment. 05-26-2004.

Air Luxor received two A320s from Ansett Worldwide, which will be used by Air Luxor Lite, Air Luxor’s new low-fare subsidiary. 05-25-2004.

Air Tahiti ordered one ATR 42-500 and four ATR 72-500s, plus two options. Deliveries are scheduled between this coming November and December 2008. 05-25-2004. (Top)

AirTran flew 670 million RPMs in May, up 20.8% over the year-ago period, while capacity increased 20.5% to 968.4 million ASMs. For the five months ended May 31, RPMs increased 22.5% to 3.35 billion, and ASMs grew 20.5% to 4.73 billion. 06-03-2004.

Continental flew 5.4 billion RPMs in May, up 11.9% over the year-ago period, while capacity went up 13.8% to 7.23 billion ASMs. For the five months ended May 31, RPMs increased 13% to 25.5 billion, and ASMs climbed 9.2% to 34.5 billion. 06-03-2004.

ExpressJet flew 619.7 million RPMs in May, up 27.4% over the year-ago period. Capacity was up 24.1% to 862.9 million ASMs. For the five months ended May 31, RPMs increased 38.7% to 2.77 billion, while ASMs climbed 32.7% to 4.12 billion. 06-03-2004.

Frontier reported net income of $12.6 million for its 2004 fiscal year, compared to a loss of $22.8 million last year. Annual revenues increased 37% to $643.7, while total operating expenses climbed 21.6% to $609 million. The airline had a loss to $5.7 million during its fourth fiscal quarter, down from a $13 million loss in the year-ago period. Revenue climbed 45.2% to $172.1 million and operating expenses increased 30.9% to $179.3 million. 06-01-2004.

Malaysia Airlines earned 461.1 million ringgit ($121.4 million) during its 2004 fiscal year, up 37.2% over 336.5 million ringgit earned in FY03. Annual operating revenue declined 1% to 8.59 billion ringgit while operating expenses fell 1.6% to 8.58 billion ringgit. For the fourth quarter ended March 31, Malaysia’s net profit rose 244.3% to 294.5 million ringgit from 85.8 million ringgit. Operating revenue climbed 23% to 2.43 billion ringgit against an 18.3% rise in operating expenses to 2.3 billion ringgit. 06-01-2004.

United reported a net loss of $127 million for April, compared to a previously reported loss of $375 million for April last year. 05-29-2004.

According to NBAA, EBACE 2004, a three-day business aircraft exhibition held in Geneva, May 25 through 27, registered a record 6,487 attendees, an 8.4% increase over last year’s total of 5,984. 05-29-2004.

IATA member airlines flew 36.3% more international RPKs in April, compared to April last year, while international ASKs climbed 17.2% over a year ago. Regionally, Asia/Pacific airlines' RPKs were up 74.8% for the month, Middle East airlines flew 64.2% more, North American airlines had a 36.6% year-over-year increase, European airlines' RPKs rose 20.4%, South American carriers recorded an 18.3% rise and African carrier's traffic climbed 12.1%. 05-29-2004. (Top)

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