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Study Highlights Growing Confidence in Digital Twin Technology

Aerospace and defense (A&D) investment in digital twin technology has grown by 40% over the last financial year. (Photo: GE)

The aerospace and defense industry is constantly investing in new designs and concepts to improve aircraft efficiency and capabilities and support technological infrastructure. Despite its consistent innovation, this sector is notorious for being responsible for large amounts of carbon emissions in the atmosphere, making the testing and introduction of cleaner technology important to both the industry and the world. A new study from Capgemini has shown that aerospace and defense firms have continued investing in digital twin technologies to help create modern solutions in a greener and more sustainable manner.

Digital twins are digital replicas of physical assets, systems, or processes. Existing only in a virtual setting, digital twins make it possible to test a variety of questions and innovations cost-effectively, as the process does not require undergoing the costly and timely process of developing a physical prototype or simulating physical conditions in an authentic setting. This technology allows for major design questions to be answered and decisions to be finalized prior to the production of a physical prototype- helping lower costs and in many cases the time to market.

This technology could be beneficial to the aerospace and defense industry. The sector is currently facing many daunting challenges, including a skilled labor shortage and an aging workforce that has resulted in firms struggling to maintain the human capital they need. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions have led to increased difficulty for firms as they design new concepts and prototypes. However, perhaps the biggest issue digital twin technology will address is carbon emissions. After all, the aviation industry alone was responsible for emitting over one billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2018. As a notorious contributor to climate change, the industry’s use of this technology will allow it to design more environmentally-friendly concepts at a fraction of the cost, fostering innovation and a movement toward sustainable technology.

The goal to decarbonize aviation is widely recognized as one of importance for the industry, and 67% of companies claimed that decarbonizing the industry was driving investments in digital twin technology. This figure is up from 60% in 2022. As an alternative to burning fossil fuels, firms have been heavily investing in new technologies like electric batteries and hydrogen fuel to power flight- and 75% said that digital twin technology immediately added value to product/system development. This is mainly because it allows engineers to validate steps of the design process virtually, thus reducing testing time for prototypes.

(Photo: Capgemini)

As Capgemini’s study highlights, some of the biggest companies in the sector have begun to acknowledge the advancements digital twin technology will help them make. Max Egorov Nova, Airbus UTM’s Head of Simulation, explained, “Our digital twin allows us to model, simulate, and scale a wide range of situations for critical stakeholders, including drone and aircraft pilots, operators, regulators, and the UTM [uncrewed traffic management] service providers themselves.”

While almost half (47%) of the firms surveyed as a part of the study believed that utilizing digital twin technology in the design phase of new products will help companies yield short-term benefits, its usefulness can extend beyond design. Many believe that developing virtual network environments, in which companies can simulate and analyze the flow of products through a supply chain, can help optimize current systems and proactively counter future challenges. 39% of surveyed firms believe that this technology can help optimize supply chains, and 81% agree that digital twins help improve the reliability of their systems.

As recovery from the pandemic continues, businesses across the aviation industry are “beginning to appreciate that digital twins hold greater value than just creating 3D models of products and solutions. Digital twins’ true potential is being able to accurately simulate every step of the creation process from design, manufacturing, and through real-world operations and applications,” explained Lee Annecchino, Global Industry Lead for Aerospace and Defense at Capgemini. “If greater investment in the technology continues, as our research indicates, digital twins will enable automation at every point on the value chain, generating significant cost reductions and driving innovation.

As the aerospace industry continues to pursue new, climate-friendly technologies to make air transport more sustainable, digital twin technology has shown to be capable of reducing costs of development and giving engineers a better understanding of how new technology will operate and impact the external environment. Investment and use of digital twin technology are likely to continue growing as more firms turn to it as a viable solution to their design needs.

The post Study Highlights Growing Confidence in Digital Twin Technology appeared first on Avionics International.

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Universal’s InSight Receives STC for Hawker 800 Flight Deck Upgrade

Universal Avionics announced that the FAA has granted Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to Southeast Aerospace, an authorized dealer, for InSight flight deck upgrades on the Hawker 800. (Photo: Universal Avionics)

Last week, Universal Avionics announced that Southeast Aerospace received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the FAA for cockpit upgrades on the Hawker 800 using InSight, Universal’s integrated flight deck. This milestone means that Universal’s new technology can help modernize the flight deck of the aging business jet and offer a variety of advantages to operators who utilize the system.

As an integrated flight deck solution, InSight’s new features will make flying safer and easier for pilots. These features include things like a 3D synthetic vision system with advanced mapping capability, touchscreen displays, and embedded electronic charts that display an aircraft’s present position, all of which modernize navigation and flight operations. Additionally, InSight is equipped with dual UNS-1Fw flight management systems, which boast extensive navigation databases and can add up to 2,000 routes and 100 company airports to the system. It is also equipped with LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance).

Universal Avionics finished engineering its InSight display system in 2017. The following year, the company received an FAA technical standard order (TSO) for its electronic flight instrument control display unit (ECDU) for the InSight system. And in 2019, a new “Fly By Sight” navigation system for business aircraft made its debut, merging the company’s ClearVision SkyLens Head Wearable Display (HWD) and the Interactive Flight Management System (i-FMS).

The benefits operators will receive from InSight are extensive. InSight is lighter and has significantly less wiring when compared to existing technologies, which translates to lower maintenance and operating costs. Furthermore, the additional situational awareness provided by synthetic vision and other technological upgrades improves safety for pilots and passengers. Features like interactive digital maps and full engine integration improve the system’s functionality compared to existing flight decks.

Though the Hawker 800 is aging and has been in use since the 1980s, over 1,000 of the type still remain in service today. With the aircraft still heavily utilized for business aviation and charters, Universal’s InSight will help bring improved technology to the decades-old design.

Luke Gomoll from Southeast Aerospace demonstrated enthusiasm for this new technology, explaining, “Hawker 800(A)(B)(XP) owners and operators have a reason to be excited! It has been a long time since this airframe has received this level of attention. The SEA Hawker InSight upgrade is quite comprehensive in addressing multiple obsolete components and brings tremendous value as an upgrade. Better yet, this upgrade is available now using equipment that is available now. So, stop swapping those CRTs and step into a new EFIS with numerous other technology enhancements. Put the fun back into flying!”

Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics since 2019, also commented on the achievement, saying, “The InSight Display System upgrade is a sustainable glass cockpit solution elevating operations for business operators today with enhanced situational awareness, improved reliability, and long-term savings.”

For years Universal Avionics, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., has provided the aviation industry with retrofit solutions, which are now installed on over 35,000 aircraft across the world. The FAA’s approval of the STC for the Hawker 800’s flight deck upgrades marks yet another successful attempt by Universal to bring modernized and improved technology to existing aircraft in service.

The post Universal’s InSight Receives STC for Hawker 800 Flight Deck Upgrade appeared first on Avionics International.

Increasing Insider Cyber Threats Pose Risks to Aviation

77% of organizations across U.S. critical national infrastructure have seen more insider-driven cyber threats in the past three years. (Photo: ICAO)

A recent survey conducted by Bridewell, a cybersecurity services company headquartered in the UK, reveals a concerning surge in insider cyber threats within critical national infrastructure (CNI) organizations. The transport and aviation sectors are particularly at risk. As economic uncertainties loom, organizations are facing budget cuts in cybersecurity, further exacerbating the threat landscape. This research is some of the first conducted by Bridewell that focuses on the U.S.

Bridewell’s Principal Lead Consultant, Chase Richardson, talked about the consequences of these trends—and how organizations can mitigate cyber threats—in a recent interview with Avionics International.

“Over the past decade, cybersecurity has become a mainstay in overall budgets at organizations,” he explained. “However, in in the past 12 to 18 months, we’ve seen a reduction in those budgets with our clients in the aviation sector—as well as those that we surveyed.”

The economic downturn has prompted a reduction in cybersecurity budgets across various industries, including transport and aviation. While cybersecurity had become a significant component of organizational budgets over the past decade, recent financial instabilities have led to budget pullbacks. The economic uncertainty also fuels concerns about an increase in cybercrime within organizations. As employees face job insecurity and financial pressures, a notable 30% of surveyed companies expect an upsurge in internal cybercrime. Simultaneously, approximately 34% anticipate an increase in external cyberattacks orchestrated by tech-savvy individuals driven by economic conditions.

To adapt to budgetary limitations, organizations are adopting different strategies. Outsourcing historically internal cybersecurity activities to third parties can offer potential cost savings, Richardson commented. Companies may also delay cybersecurity projects and assessments, hoping for improved economic conditions in the future.

Additionally, he emphasized the consolidation of vendors as a growing trend. The aviation industry, in particular, has experienced an influx of vendors supplying various components, leading to increased risk exposure. “It’s becoming a tipping point of having too many vendors to try to manage,” he said. Consolidating vendors allows organizations to streamline risk analysis and assessment, resulting in time and cost savings.

Among the numerous cyber threats faced by the aviation industry, ransomware attacks pose the most significant concern. Ransomware can effectively paralyze an organization’s daily operations, impeding access to essential systems and applications.

Bridewell’s survey indicates an average of 24 ransomware-related incidents within the aviation industry over the past year alone. This number likely underestimates the actual occurrence, Richardson noted. “We see those numbers underreported because no company wants to admit when they’ve had these cyber attacks.” It is crucial to acknowledge that ransomware attacks will remain a persistent threat in the aviation industry and elsewhere.

Richardson suggests several strategies to combat the risks posed by insider cyber threats. Firstly, organizations should prioritize maintaining a sufficient cybersecurity budget, even amidst poor economic conditions. Investing in robust cybersecurity measures and staff training is vital to ensure proactive defense against evolving threats.

Additionally, organizations must cultivate a strong cybersecurity culture, emphasizing employee awareness and education on cybersecurity best practices. Regularly evaluating and updating security protocols, conducting cybersecurity assessments, and engaging third-party experts can further bolster defenses.

The alarming rise in insider cyber threats within critical infrastructure organizations, including the transport and aviation sectors, demands immediate attention. Economic uncertainties have led to reduced cybersecurity budgets, increasing the risk of internal and external cybercrime. Ransomware attacks, in particular, pose severe consequences for organizations. By implementing strategic measures such as outsourcing, vendor consolidation, and maintaining cybersecurity budgets, organizations can better defend against insider threats. To protect critical infrastructure and ensure global security and stability, it’s necessary to cultivate a cybersecurity culture and stay informed about emerging trends.

The post Increasing Insider Cyber Threats Pose Risks to Aviation appeared first on Avionics International.

Biometrics, Privacy Concerns, and the Future of Authentication

IDEMIA’s next-generation CAT machine uses biometrics to enable acceptance of digital identity credentials such as Mobile ID. (Photos: IDEMIA)

Biometrics enable fast and seamless authentication or identification. However, as the TSA tests facial recognition in U.S. airports, there have been concerns about privacy in regards to how passenger data is stored.

The company IDEMIA specializes in identity and security solutions. Its brand recognition primarily stems from its collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), notably through the TSA PreCheck program. As the enrollment provider for TSA PreCheck since its inception in 2013, IDEMIA has registered more than 17 million individuals who have joined the program.

Additionally, the company is widely recognized for providing Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines used at TSA checkpoints. “We are the sole provider of both the CAT-1 and now the CAT-2 machine,” Lisa Shoemaker, Vice President of Corporate Relations at IDEMIA, told Avionics.

“The CAT-1 machine is what is deployed at almost every airport checkpoint lane today. TSA announced the awarding of a contract to produce the CAT-2 machines earlier this year,” she noted. The seven-year contract includes a ceiling of $128 million.

CAT-1 machines verify the authenticity of travelers’ ID cards by cross-referencing with passenger manifest data as well as TSA-managed systems like Secure Flight, a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that identifies low- and high-risk passengers. The TSA officer performs a 1:1 match between the displayed image and the person standing in front of them.

The CAT-2 machine features a mounted camera screen that captures the image of the individual’s face prior to the 1:1 match process. Those enrolled in the Face ID program, currently being piloted in Atlanta, have the option to forego ID insertion entirely. The technology being tested at the airport there relies solely on a facial match.

According to IDEMIA, the next-generation machine uses biometric technology to enable acceptance of digital identity credentials such as Mobile ID.

Travelers can always opt out of the 1:1 face match process and to go through manual processing by the TSA.

A biometric facial recognition platform has been implemented at Frankfurt Airport by SITA, an air transport technology company. “Passengers can use biometric technology to seamlessly pass through each stage of the journey by simply scanning their face,” according to SITA.

“IDEMIA is very proud of the position that we have taken around privacy as we’ve developed all of the applications and tools that our customers use,” Shoemaker remarked. She added that the company firmly upholds the principles of privacy on the edge and privacy by design and does not retain any of the information that is collected. IDEMIA relies entirely on its customers’ policies and practices.

“All of these agencies, whether they are federal, state, or local, have their own laws that govern how they can collect data, what they do with it, and when they can dispose of it,” she explained.

As partners in this domain, IDEMIA maintains a steadfast stance of non-possession of any collected data. Shoemaker firmly believes that such practices should be upheld across the industry. “That’s not always the case,” she said. “I think that’s where some advocates on the other side of the aisle from us on this would have concerns—there’s not necessarily a guarantee that every vendor has that type of policy in place.”

She also remarked that transparency is of paramount importance when a government engages a vendor with different data collection and retention policies. It is crucial for consumers interacting in these spaces to have explicit knowledge of how their information will be handled.

Particularly in collaborations with the federal government, there are comprehensive policies in place to ensure that vendors are prohibited from retaining, selling, or utilizing the data for any unintended purposes. Furthermore, once an application is completed, access to the data is typically restricted.

The post Biometrics, Privacy Concerns, and the Future of Authentication appeared first on Avionics International.

Electric Aviation Continues to Progress in 2023

In this article, we take a look at some of the advancements made in electric aviation since the start of 2023. (Photo: Airbus)

In recent years, the aviation industry has fallen under intense scrutiny for its environmental impact. The industry is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and is also a source of carbon dioxide emissions. Because of this, the industry has begun to invest in new electric and hybrid-electric technologies that will make flying more sustainable. This year has seen some significant milestones for this new technology as it slowly becomes more mainstream in the industry.

Heart Aerospace is one of many firms leading the movement toward electric aviation. The aerospace technology company has been developing a brand-new electric regional airliner named the ES-30. This program received an order for up to 40 ES-30s from aircraft lessor Rockton in early May. This company, which has a mission to accelerate the introduction of more sustainable technology to the aviation industry, believes that the ES-30 will assist operators in becoming carbon neutral, minimizing their impacts on the climate.

Rockton Heart ES-30 at the gate (Photo: Heart Aerospace/Rockton)

An order like this is good news for Heart Aerospace, as aircraft leasing companies own over half of the world’s aircraft fleet. Powered by a battery rather than traditional jet fuel, the aircraft will utilize electric motors to carry about 30 passengers in a standard configuration. The aircraft can travel roughly 125 miles (200 kilometers) on fully electric power but also has a hybrid range of up to 250 miles (400 kilometers) when carrying 30 passengers. However, with just 25 passengers, the ES-30 has the potential to travel up to 500 miles (800 kilometers). Heart’s new aircraft now has 250 firm orders.

Other aircraft lessors have also demonstrated interest in new electric aircraft. In May, Eviation, a firm developing a zero-emissions aircraft (Alice), announced that sustainable aviation-focused regional aircraft lessor MONTE signed a Letter of Intent for up to 30 aircraft. MONTE plans to offer financing and leasing options for Alice to its customers across the world, providing them with both the aircraft and the necessary infrastructure (like charging stations) for smooth operations.

“The need to accelerate technological solutions to climate change, such as Eviation’s Alice, is becoming ever more urgent.” – Loic Questiaux, Sales Director, EMEA, at Eviation (Photo: Eviation/MONTE)

The Alice aircraft is a “clean sheet” design that seats nine passengers. Equipped with an electric propulsion system, the aircraft produces zero carbon emissions during flight. Furthermore, Alice is anticipated to be significantly less expensive to operate when compared to today’s turboprops and light jets, making many new markets available for operators.

Both of these aircraft orders highlight the increasing pressure the industry and its stakeholders feel to roll out cleaner technology. As Loic Questiaux, Sales Director of Eviation explains, “The need to accelerate technological solutions to climate change, such as Eviation’s Alice, is becoming ever more urgent. Just one month ago, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that the planet is likely to pass the threshold of 1.5C warming over pre-industrial temperatures by the early 2030s, a tipping point for the planet’s climate. By supporting groundbreaking innovations such as Alice, MONTE is helping to advance much-needed innovation in confronting one of the greatest challenges facing mankind.”

The progress made in the electric aviation space during the course of 2023 can be seen beyond aircraft orders. Many firms aiming to develop electric aircraft have received more funding to help design, build, and launch new technologies. One of these firms is Dovetail Electric Aviation, which is currently working to develop its own electric propulsion system. While it successfully completed ground tests in February, Dovetail received further good news in April when Australia-based Regional Express (REX) announced it would be acquiring a 20% stake in the company. This follows the partnership they started back in July 2022, in which the two companies collaborated to certify the retrofitting of electric engines on existing aircraft.

“This equity participation agreement comes on the heels of the successful completion of initial ground tests involving Dovetail’s small-scale Electric Propulsion System (EPS), marking a major milestone in the company’s mission to convert turbine-powered aircraft to electric, emission-free propulsion.” (Photo: Dovetail/REX)

Now an investor, Rex will appoint one of its board members to Dovetail’s board. As part of the strengthening relationship between the two companies, Rex will provide a testbed aircraft to support maintenance and overhaul activities associated with the new system.

The mission to produce and launch electric aircraft has made significant progress during the course of this year. From increased funding to new aircraft orders, it seems operators and investors alike see the importance that this developing technology has for improving the sustainability of air transport.

The post Electric Aviation Continues to Progress in 2023 appeared first on Avionics International.

EMMA Systems Seeks U.S. Expansion: A Q&A With the Co-Founders

EMMA, a new platform that leverages AI and ML to transform airport operations, is looking towards expansion in the U.S. EMMA made its debut at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport. (Photos: EMMA Systems)

EMMA Systems, a company backed by Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), is planning to expand its advanced AI and ML platform, EMMA, in the U.S. EMMA, short for “Environmental and Movement Monitoring for Airports,” was initially introduced at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport and has garnered interest from 70 airports worldwide.

This platform aims to revolutionize airport operations by leveraging AI and ML technologies. By effectively managing various data points, EMMA provides valuable insights into flight patterns, including taxi and turnaround times. This enables airports and stakeholders to make informed decisions, significantly reducing delays and improving overall efficiency. EMMA is also highly adaptable in order to meet the unique operational requirements of different airports.

Inefficient communication between airports, airlines, and air traffic controllers often leads to time and revenue losses, as well as suboptimal processes. EMMA addresses these challenges by improving coordination and providing greater visibility into all aspects of airport operations. As a result, it enhances efficiency, increases on-time arrivals and departures, and contributes to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.

Flight delays have long been a persistent issue in the aviation industry. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation reveals that between January 2019 and February 2023, 5.8% of flights (equivalent to 1.6 million flights) experienced delays caused by circumstances within the airlines’ control. These delays have significant financial implications, with the annual cost estimated at $33 billion.

Due to the approaching summer travel season, U.S. airports will once again face scrutiny, particularly because of the challenges posed by outdated systems and the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers. EMMA’s entry into the U.S. market presents a compelling solution to these issues. The company’s co-founders will initiate their U.S. venture in Silicon Valley, where they plan to engage with key stakeholders in aerospace, aviation, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Although breaking into the U.S. aviation industry can be challenging for startups, EMMA’s co-founders view the current landscape as an opportunity for innovation. They firmly believe that the existing aviation model in the United States needs to change, and they are eager to contribute to its transformation.

As the demand for air travel continues to grow, the need for better solutions becomes increasingly pressing. EMMA’s advanced platform and its ability to optimize airport operations have the potential to reshape the industry, ensuring more efficient and reliable air travel experiences.

Below, check out our question-and-answer session with the two co-founders of EMMA Systems: Wisam Costandi, CEO, and Mohammad Hourani, COO.

Avionics International: How does EMMA leverage AI and ML to transform airport operations and the commercial aviation sector?

WISAM: EMMA leverages AI and machine learning to optimize airport operations and enhance collaboration among stakeholders where they can communicate through a single platform. Today, the aviation industry relies on archaic, legacy systems that are vastly inefficient, and in many cases, stakeholders are not talking to each other from a systematic point of view.

When compared to other industries, aerospace and defense has one of the lowest investments in R&D, yet the aviation industry is striving for cost-efficient innovations to improve operations. Airports already have plenty of data from the various stakeholders, so the question is how to capture and use this data, and ultimately transform it into meaningful information that can be used for better decision-making and optimization.

EMMA brings seamless information and data sharing to all stakeholders, so the data is not siloed within divisions, thereby increasing efficiency in the operations while reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Then, we add a level of intelligence and predictability through our AI so if unforeseen circumstances arise, stakeholders are notified well ahead of time.

MOHAMMAD: During the flight cycle, several procedures occur repetitively, such as landing, taxiing in, turnaround, taxiing out, and take-off. By utilizing historical data, we have the potential to forecast taxi-in times based on specific circumstances like weather conditions or peak hours. Regrettably, a substantial amount of historical data currently stored in the database remains unused.

By accurately predicting these activities, we can proactively identify disruptions or potential delays for specific flights. This valuable information can be shared with the relevant partners, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve their overall decision-making process.

Avionics: Can you provide more details about EMMA’s ability to manage data points and provide insights into flight patterns, taxi time, and turnaround time?

MOHAMMAD: EMMA has robust capabilities when it comes to managing data points and offering insights into flight patterns, taxi time, and turnaround time. Here are some details:

Data Management: EMMA is designed to seamlessly integrate with multiple data sources from various airport stakeholders, including ATC (Air Traffic Control), airlines, airports, ground handlers, and other relevant entities. Upon receiving data, EMMA performs thorough validation processes to ensure data accuracy and reliability. Subsequently, it utilizes this validated data to predict the key timestamps throughout the flight cycle. This integration with diverse data sources empowers EMMA to provide comprehensive and reliable insights into flight operations.
Flight Patterns: By analyzing historical flight data, EMMA can identify patterns in flight routes and timings. It can detect if there is any potential disruption or delays on a certain flight.
Taxi Time: EMMA leverages historical taxiing data, considering factors like airport layout, taxiway congestion, and prevailing weather conditions, to provide accurate predictions of taxi times. It considers many variables to anticipate potential delays or bottlenecks during taxiing operations.
Turnaround Time: EMMA examines historical data related to aircraft turnaround, including ground handling processes, servicing, refueling, and cargo handling. As a result, it can identify areas for improvement and suggest measures to minimize turnaround time, leading to more efficient operations.
Insights and Reporting: EMMA utilizes advanced analytics and algorithms to generate insights and KPI reports based on the analyzed data. These insights help airlines and airport authorities make informed decisions about resource allocation, operational improvements, and contingency planning.

Overall, EMMA’s data management capabilities, combined with its ability to provide insights into flight patterns, taxi time, and turnaround time, offer significant advantages in optimizing operational efficiency and facilitating proactive decision-making within the aviation industry.

WISAM: While 80% of the world has never flown, this percentage is decreasing. In the coming years, there will be a tremendous growth in aviation as air travel becomes more accessible to the world. The amazing post-Covid recovery is accelerating this trend. This means we need innovative, data-driven solutions quickly to ensure the industry’s growth is sustainable.

Avionics: What specific features and capabilities does EMMA offer that make it a groundbreaking platform for airport operations?

WISAM: There is a clear lack of innovation in the aviation sector. With legacy players acting as gatekeepers to innovation, coupled with the slow sales cycle in the industry, it is difficult for start-ups to grow and innovate in this vertical. There is a lot of investment in R&D required and the ROI is not always immediately realized in the short-term. Fortunately for us, we have some of the newest and most progressive airports in our region looking to deploy advanced solutions, starting with our first deployment at Hamad International Airport (HIA). Our versatile technology stack allowed us to rapidly deploy our information-sharing platform giving graphical visibility to the operations. We realized the potential of what we built, and we were able to continue our product development thanks to a grant from the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, that allowed us to develop the AI aspects as well the messaging tool and the collaborative decision-making. QSTP’s Tech Venture Fund provides seed funding and follow-on capital to start-ups like ours that they see as having a high potential for global growth.

Beyond our technology, our deployments are turnkey. We work with airports on a gap analysis, concept of operations (ConOps), and of course their technology platforms. Our holistic approach ensures that all the stakeholders are on the same page. We understand that deploying a new tech platform without having all the players trained and on board is a waste.

MOHAMMAD: At EMMA, our approach is distinct from other legacy solution providers as we strive to develop innovative, agile, and affordable solutions tailored for airports and airlines.

We prioritize the following key aspects:

Data Sharing: EMMA serves as the single source of information, ensuring consistent and reliable data sharing among all stakeholders involved.
Predictability: By harnessing the power of data, EMMA leverages predictive analytics to anticipate key timestamps and potential delays, empowering proactive decision-making.
Configurability: Recognizing the unique characteristics of each airport, EMMA offers full configurability, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to diverse airport requirements rather than relying on rigid customization.
Communication: EMMA facilitates seamless communication and messaging among stakeholders, eliminating the need for outdated means of communication. This ensures efficient collaboration and coordination.
Data Privacy: We prioritize the confidentiality of airline data. EMMA incorporates role-based permissions, enabling precise control over data-sharing and ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive information.

Can you elaborate on EMMA’s configurability and how it adapts to the varying operations of different airports?

WISAM: Each airport is unique with its own operating procedures and IT systems, making flexibility a key element of the EMMA platform. On the backend, our integration bridge allows us to connect and bring in a wide array of data sources. On the front end, it’s also highly configurable giving the users access to the data they require as per the standard operating procedures. Beyond that, we need to abide by each country’s local and civil aviation regulations.

MOHAMMAD: EMMA’s configurability lies in its ability to adapt and accommodate the varying operations and requirements of different airports. Here are some specifics on how we achieve this:

Customizable Parameters: EMMA provides customizable parameters that enable airports to define and adjust various operational variables according to their ConOps or other specific needs. By tailoring these parameters, airports can fine-tune EMMA to align with their unique operations.
Modular Architecture: EMMA is built with a modular (Microservices) architecture, allowing for the addition or removal of specific functionalities as per the airport’s requirements. This modular design ensures that EMMA can be scaled, configured, and extended with ease, accommodating the evolving operational needs of airports.
Integration Capabilities: EMMA is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and data sources at airports. It can integrate with various information systems, such as airline systems, ground handling systems, and airport databases, enabling efficient data exchange and ensuring compatibility with the airport’s existing infrastructure.
Configurable Reporting and Analytics: EMMA provides configurable reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing airports to define and generate reports specific to their operational metrics and key performance indicators. This flexibility enables airports to obtain valuable insights tailored to their unique operations and requirements.

The post EMMA Systems Seeks U.S. Expansion: A Q&A With the Co-Founders appeared first on Avionics International.

Collins, Iridium Collaborated On New Business Jet Cabin SATCOM System

Collins Aerospace has unveiled a high-speed satellite communications (SATCOM) system for business jet cabins utilizing the Iridium Certus 700 broadband satellite service. (Photo: Iridium/Collins)

Collins Aerospace has unveiled a high-speed satellite communications (SATCOM) system for business jet cabins utilizing the Iridium Certus 700 broadband satellite service.

The Collins Aerospace IRT NX SATCOM system is aimed at enabling global coverage for cabin connectivity for business jets of various sizes. Bombardier, which in May announced that all Challenger 3500 aircraft will be equipped with Iridium Certus connectivity as a baseline feature, will serve as the launch customer for the IRT NX system. The Collins system will begin being installed on Bombardier business jets during aircraft production in the second half of 2023, and also will be available for upgrading in-service Bombardier business jets.

Collins Marketing Manager-Business Aviation Olivier Durand told Avionics International that the company worked closely with Iridium in developing the new SATCOM system. “In order to come with a fully operational solution, close collaboration with a satellite network provider is essential both for the development of the hardware and the activation and testing of the service,” he explained. “Collins and Iridium have been working hand-in-hand to achieve that in time for the launch customer roll-out.”

Collins has characterized the system as “enabling real-time access to news, productivity and voice calls over IP, matching passengers’ demand for seamless connectivity.”

The Iridium Certus platform uses Iridium’s constellation of 66 “cross-linked” satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), providing global connectivity.

“Our solution will enable current non-equipped aircraft to offer inflight productivity and connectivity to passengers with office-like on-ground connectivity,” Durand said. “The IRT NX SATCOM system enables data rates up to 704 Kbps, allowing passengers to benefit from reliable in-flight internet browsing capabilities, as well as email, instant messaging, and voice calls over IP, regardless of their terminal’s geolocation.”

He noted that “the small form factor of the antenna makes this solution available to a large range of plane sizes as a main solution for cabin internet connectivity or as a backup of a higher-speed solution.”

Iridium Executive VP Bryan Hartin said the Collins IRT NX system “turbocharges” inflight connectivity offerings. “The lightweight, low-cost, truly global IRT NX is going to be incredibly beneficial to aviators no matter where they fly,” he explained.

Durand said Collins is seeking additional customers for the system. “We are also working on other OEM platforms as there is significant interest from operators of various airplane types and models,” he explained.

The post Collins, Iridium Collaborated On New Business Jet Cabin SATCOM System appeared first on Avionics International.

OXCCU Raises $22.7M in Series A Financing to Commercialize SAF

OXCCU raised nearly $23 million in Series A financing to commercialize sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. (Photo: OXXCU)

OXCCU TECH LTD recently announced that it has raised $22.7 million (€18 million) through Series A financing to bring a promising and cost-effective sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the market. With support from several major investors, including leaders within the aviation industry, OXCCU believes that it can bring a more affordable alternative fuel to the market for commercial use.

OXCCU is a spin-out company of the University of Oxford with a mission to create novel catalysts and reactor designs that will convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons that can become things like fuel, plastic, and chemicals. The team also helps petrochemical, surfactants, synthetic lubricant, and plastic markets meet regulations enforced to improve the sustainability of these industries. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the company has begun working with investors across the world to finance its attempts to use carbon dioxide in an alternative aviation fuel.

The $22.7 million that OXCCU raised in Series A financing came as a result of collaboration with many critical investors. Clean Energy Ventures, a firm that funds businesses looking to employ new, cleaner technologies, contributed to this project alongside other investors like Aramco Ventures, Eni Next (a venture arm of Italian energy company Eni), Braavos Capital, Kiko Ventures, Trafigura, and even United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund. With this financial capital, OXCCU will scale its catalytic approach of converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into SAF and thus accelerate its new product’s introduction to the market.

The new fuel in development promises to address a key objection that current operators have to utilizing SAF. This alternative fuel is notoriously expensive, making large-scale adoption of this technology unattractive to airlines and transport companies. Part of the reason SAF is so expensive is because of the two-step process needed for its creation, which involves a Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) and Fischer Tropsch (F-T) reaction. However, OXCCU’s technology consolidates these steps into one catalytic conversion. This simplification greatly lowers the cost of production and thus the cost customers would pay to use the fuel.

Daniel Goldman, co-founder of Clean Energy Ventures, explained the importance of OXCCU’s innovations in the aviation industry, explaining that this “breakthrough is exactly what we need to turn the emerging SAF market into reality and cost-effectively cut carbon emissions from fuel production at scale. OXCCU’s process is unique in the emerging SAF industry based on our evaluation of dozens of technologies. We see extraordinary potential for this technology to mitigate new aviation fuel production emissions at gigaton-scale in the near future, and we are pleased to lead an extraordinary consortium of industry leaders to support the company in its commercialization and deployment.”

Now supplied with more financial capital, OXCCU’s team is optimistic that its cost-effective solution will perform successfully in the market and help make air travel a more sustainable industry.

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OPINION: Optimizing Local Airports for Advanced Air Mobility

In the era of advanced air mobility, local airports can change how the public travels and usher in Aviation Net Zero 2050. This article was contributed by KinectAir CEO Jonathan Evans. (Photo provided by KinectAir)

Over 5,000 public-use airports, heliports, and seaplane bases dot the U.S. landscape. Nearly 3,300 of those are part of the national airport system and eligible for Federal funding, and almost that many have general aviation facilities. This ubiquity, according to McKinsey, means “90 percent of the population lives within a 30-minute drive of a regional airport”—even shorter to any public-use airport. NASA adds that only 30 airports out of those 5,000 serve over 70% of all travelers. Smaller, local airports are a wildly underutilized, but already-scaled, infrastructure in place, ready to be optimized.

Optimization is increasingly likely as the components of the advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem come together. This includes viable electric and hybrid conventional take-off and landing (eCTOL) aircraft that will be able to use these fabled local airfields, eSTOLs that can extend a travel network to community sports fields or barges in a metro bay, and even eVTOLs eventually arriving to let us hop between urban rooftops. Add to that the promising and certifiable paths to new powerplants in hydrogen-based fuel cells, aviation-grade hybrid and electric motors, dramatic turbogenerator improvements, and increasingly SAF-powered fleets for today’s aircraft, and you have a portfolio of emerging aviation technologies combining to form the art of the possible in AAM this decade.

But perhaps the greatest technological innovation providing the Information Age scaffold to this blossoming ecosystem is software.

By simply employing the state-of-the-art mobile, cloud, and emerging AI capabilities available to connect the humans and machines that embody an aviation system, there is an order of magnitude of optimization and efficiency to achieve in the Part-135, propeller-driven aircraft charter market today. These are the machines, like the Pilatus PC-12, that can land and take off in much shorter distances than even small private jets, unlocking the full potential of these local airfields in “our backyards.”

Filling in the massive spaces of geography and time—left in between what’s provided for in the increasingly saturated and centralized hub-and-spoke airline system—will be a decentralized and accessible point-to-point mesh network of air travel. Right-sized, efficient aircraft flying to precise demand at a regional scale between smaller, hyper-local airports will fill that mesh. And soon, the electrification, digitization, and automation ushered in with AAM will make on-demand, private, clean, frictionless, and direct air travel available to the masses.

The legacy hub-and-spoke system will not disappear, of course, but its massive inefficiencies will be mitigated by the point-to-point mesh network becoming more available and convenient. There’s an analogy here with how Airbnb and others offer a digitally-driven mesh network and marketplace for accommodations, enabled by a mobile platform and by existing physical homes everywhere, while large hotel chains still have a commercially viable place in the market. In a similar manner, a network of regionally localized and owned, professionally operated, smaller-format propeller-driven aircraft may become the proverbial ‘largest airline in the world.’ That will happen because of our ubiquitous, distributed airport infrastructure, the fragmented market of small Part 135 operators ready to serve such a networked marketplace, and the digital empowerment in the mobile supercomputers we all hold in our hands—allowing us to summon these aircraft to and from our own personal geography.

There’s plenty of hope and skepticism around how all of this will unfold. The complexity of aviation’s interconnected systems feeds a complicated narrative, and there are truly no single-source answers. But the FAA itself is moving forward with concrete steps, such as funding smaller airports like Bend and Medford in Oregon to upgrade their control towers and other infrastructure, with an eye toward increasing regional activity. And some 6,700 AAM aircraft with $45 billion in sales value have been ordered or optioned in less than two years.

Profound complexity and tech debt

The problems with hub-and-spoke passenger air travel today are largely a result of the profound complexity inherent in many critical and interwoven aviation systems. Some the public sees, but most is hidden in operational layers. Consider the vast array of systems: FAA airspace; air traffic control and pilot certification systems; multiple communications, beacon, and satellite systems; aircraft avionics, navigation, and instrumentation systems aligned with many networks; weather and flight service stations; airport and runway infrastructure; TSA security systems; passenger needs in the air and on the ground; and, notoriously, airline scheduling systems for passengers, crew, ground personnel, aircraft, routes, and certified maintenance. This is not an exhaustive list.

What’s more, many of these systems must interface with each other and manage interoperability between legacy hardware and software, and newer technologies. The sheer number of vendors involved is overwhelming, as are the possible points of failure. Vulnerabilities become both buried and magnified. In recent years, TSA systems disruptions have caused widespread boarding pass issues, weather systems outages meant pilots couldn’t retrieve vital data, airline weight and balance systems crashing caused nationwide delays, database file corruption in the NOTAM system shut everything down in January, and repeated ticketing and scheduling issues—including Southwest’s now infamous software and network problems—stranded thousands during the busiest travel holiday of the year.

From an analog to a digital level of service

The rise of a point-to-point air travel ecosystem is part of a larger innovation movement toward a sustainable and fully digital level of service that puts interoperability, ease, and affordability first—while increasing safety and reducing points of failure.

But today’s terrain is uneven ground, where antiquated systems, like the one issuing NOTAMs and METARS in cryptic reams, exist alongside the elegant and robust precision of GPS and Cat III “auto landing” ILS. Likewise, almost everywhere in the world, pilots still carry a piece of plastic to prove licensure, although Europe has reintroduced work to create a digital pilot license system interconnected to key data, and Australia has recently made it a reality. Indeed in the U.S., passengers may be flying with digital IDs before pilots do. The leap to digitization is happening with electronic flight bags (EFBs) and logbooks, thanks to excellent mobile tools like ForeFlight and others. But only now, in an effort to increase aircraft availability and lower maintenance costs, is the U.S. military engaged in a proof-of-concept for analytics-driven aircraft maintenance. And only now is a Swedish university working on AI-driven air traffic control assistance that can calculate delays, predict disruptions, and dramatically increase efficiency.

As in an industry like banking, the digitization goal in aviation is interoperable systems management—where automation and intelligence will guarantee full trust that secure transactions are taking place with speed and clarity. Unsurprisingly, the FAA rightly considers cybersecurity essential as commercial and business aviation integrate next-gen wireless communications.

What’s really happening here is that—amid a behemoth legacy ecosystem until recently unchanged in a profound way since the advent of the Jet Age—a modern, connected, and higher-fidelity ecosystem is emerging. And it’s doing so through the complexity, positioned to thrive on the legacy scaffold.

AAM aircraft, flying as fortified and dynamic IoT devices on a massive point-to-point, software-defined mesh network, is the birth of digitally-native aviation. The orders-of-magnitude of efficiency available to such a system will make it as affordable and accessible as the airlines are today, with an arc ever-evolving towards a truly more sustainable, resilient, and democratized aviation system for all of us.

Can point-to-point support a sustainable future?

When the makers of digitally-native aviation describe the point-to-point model leveraging thousands of in-place airports to optimize on-demand travel for the general public, skeptics and big airline supporters inevitably go for the environmental jugular.

The NYT cited an advocacy group based in Brussels, noting that “private jets are 5 to 14 times more polluting than commercial planes and 50 times more polluting than trains.” But none of the fuel consumption equation stories out there offer full studies that take all relevant variables into account. They do not account for the far more efficient propeller-driven fleets that we are optimizing for today and the eCTOLs arriving to the network soon. Nor do they consider fleet optimization with software and demand-gen to reduce the inefficiency of empty legs in charters.

The point-to-point model is already making extraordinary strides to a green future and to Aviation Net Zero 2050 when you look closely at key variables: the capability of hybrid and fully electric models coming out of Electra.aero and BETA flying into local airfields and being charged at renewables-based charging stations; the current efficiencies of Pilatus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); the proximity and streamlined nature of local public-use airports; and the software-defined, demand-driven ops that will radically optimize all levels of purchasing, ticketing, scheduling, ops data visibility, and actionability.

Moreover, the false comparisons between big airlines and smaller craft completely ignore energy consumption and pollution driven by every aspect of hub airport operation itself. The reduction in the airport commute alone would be a significant reduction in environmental footprint. Full context is key to knowing the truth. The move from the carbon-spewing present to an emission-reduced future in aviation will come from point-to-point, every bit as much, if not more, as from the enormous transformation the airline-based hub-and-spoke system will need.

CBS, citing Hopper, recently noted that “more than 75% of flyers are worried about their flights being disrupted by delays or cancellations” this summer. And a nationwide survey from KinectAir just found that almost two-thirds of Americans would consider flying out of a local airfield if it is closer than their nearest large commercial airport. The companies working toward AAM on all fronts and unlocking the value of local airports will ensure we won’t need to worry in the summers ahead.

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United Signs Deal With Panasonic Avionics for Astrova IFE

Panasonic Avionics just signed an agreement with United Airlines as its first customer in the Americas for Astrova, its new in-flight engagement (IFE) solution. Pictured above is the Astrova seat-end solution. (Photo: Panasonic)

United Airlines has selected Panasonic Avionics as one of its suppliers to provide upgrades to the passenger experience. This decision, which reflects United’s commitment to a positive in-flight experience for passengers as a part of its United Next plan, will put the latest in-flight entertainment (IFE) technology in many of United’s mainline aircraft.

United Airlines made history in recent months for placing the largest widebody aircraft order by a U.S. carrier in the history of commercial aviation last December. This order was for two types of Boeing jets—the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX. When combined with options the carrier can exercise for additional aircraft, this order expands United’s backlog to over 200 new Boeing aircraft alone. Additionally, with hundreds of narrowbody aircraft expected in the coming years and a promise to retrofit all existing A320 and 737 family aircraft by 2025, the carrier is in need of new technology to enhance and modernize the passenger experience.

During the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, United became the first airline in North America to purchase Panasonic’s new Astrova IFE solution. With plans to install the system on select Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLR aircraft, this agreement marks a significant milestone in both the Astrova program and United’s mission to update the cabins within its fleet. It also follows United’s previous deal to install Panasonic’s X Series and NEXT IFE on various narrowbody and widebody aircraft.

By equipping aircraft with Astrova, United will benefit from several advancements that will help improve the passenger experience while reducing operating costs. The 4K OLED technology of the system, combined with an infinite contrast ratio, will allow for the display of sharper and higher-quality images. Panasonic’s newest Bluetooth technology will be another feature of Astrova, allowing for an immersive audio experience for customers. 100W of DC power will be available to passengers through a USB-C outlet, ensuring that personal electronics can remain charged at any point during the flight.

In the announcement, Ken Sain, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of the deal. He explained, “Our partnership with United Airlines reflects our shared vision to take the passenger engagement to a whole new level. We are confident that Astrova will connect passengers to United more effectively than any other IFE solution, and we will continue to optimize passenger engagement with a cabin experience that keeps pace with innovation in the consumer technology space. Panasonic Avionics will perpetually update the passenger experience, introducing new products that bring enormous value and a major competitive advantage to United Airlines.”

While Astrova will help improve the passenger experience, it will also help United reduce costs associated with maintenance and operations. A removable peripheral bar will allow United to add new, upgraded features quickly, making the carrier more receptive to new ways to improve the cabin experience. Astrova is also lighter than existing systems, helping the carrier reduce fuel burn.

With United looking to expand its fleet and update existing aircraft, Panasonic’s new Astrova system seems to provide the carrier with a modernized experience for passengers and a maintenance-friendly design that will allow United to innovate the passenger experience further into the future.

Panasonic recently introduced a new global software development center in India. The company plans to invest in state-of-the-art laboratories to test new passenger experiences for a range of aircraft types.

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