Emma Kelly/LONDON
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has become the first airline to introduce SITA's new AIRCOMServer information management system. The AIRCOMServer, which was developed for SIA but is available to other airlines, is an airborne communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS) message processing system.
The server can support a large number of applications. For flight operations it produces movement, delay and time reports, weather requests, and flight plan and load sheet uplink, while for maintenance and engineering applications it provides engine performance reports, onboard system faults, failure reports and post-flight maintenance reports. For ground services applications, gate/parking assignment and connection and transit information is available.
Gerard Collin, director of marketing and development, SITA Aircraft Services, says the AIRCOMServer is designed to reduce manual processes, allow engine and aircraft performance monitoring, reduce ground times and increase safety and efficiency. The server, which is compatible with all types of ACARS avionics, is a "very modest investment for airlines [from $100,000] which provides rapid access to benefits", says Collin.
The AIRCOMServer, which will compete with Rockwell Collins' Hermes system, is designed to help airlines cope with growing ACARS traffic. ACARS traffic on new aircraft types is typically three to four times greater than older types, says SITA. The aeronautical communication provider is discussing the product with a number of airlines in Asia and the Middle East and expects to secure five customers by year end.
Meanwhile, SITA hopes to have a launch airport to test its wireless GateLink Aircom services by the end of this year. The pilot airport is likely to be a North American one, says Jean-Marie Begis, director of SITA Airport Wireless Services. Gatelink technology offers a number of on-airport and off-airport applications, including for maintenance data downloading, in-flight entertainment loading, gate management services and passenger lists.
SITA had hoped to launch a gatelink trial with British Airways at London Heathrow this year, but the trial has been delayed by aircraft availability, says Begis.
Source: Flight International
