Vietnam Airlines announced its intention to purchase 50 narrow-body Boeing 737-8s in a multi-billion-dollar deal. The announcement coincides with U. S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Vietnam for key talks on trade and closer diplomatic relations.
“In line with Vietnam Airlines’ 2025-2030 fleet strategy and vision for 2035, aircraft investment is a crucial strategy that underpins the momentum of the airline’s recovery and supports a prosperous outlook,” Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the board of directors of Vietnam Airlines said. “The new narrow-body fleet will allow us to expand our high-quality services on Vietnam Airlines’ domestic and Asian routes, as well as further modernizing our fuel-efficient fleet.”
“Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, and the 737 MAX is the perfect airplane for Vietnam Airlines to efficiently meet regional demand,” said Brad McMullen, senior vice president Boeing Commercial sales and marketing. “We value our historic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, dating back to 1995 when the airline first leased 767s.”
U.S. and Vietnam officials said the announcement will bolster jobs in both countries and strengthen the bilateral economic partnership. Building on Boeing’s long history of collaboration with Vietnam’s civil aviation industry, the carrier’s 737 MAX fleet will support the country’s goal of becoming a leading aviation hub.
Growing demand for single-aisle aircraft has driven Vietnam Airlines to acquire an additional 60 aircrafts by 2030 and about 100 aircrafts by 2035, including the Boeing 737 MAX, which has between 150 and 230 seats. Over 1,150 aircrafts from the Boeing MAX family are used by 70 airlines worldwide. Vietnam Airlines boasts a fleet of 100 aircrafts, including 65 narrow-body aircrafts, serving 97 routes to 21 domestic and 29 international destinations, connecting Vietnam and the rest of the world.
President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Michael G. Whitaker to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Michael G. Whitaker is currently the chief operating officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle. In this role, Whitaker overseas all commercial and key business operations. Whitaker served as Deputy Administrator at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 2013–2016. There, he brought industry and government together to drive the successful transition of the nation’s air traffic control system from radar to a satellite-enabled surveillance technology (ABS-B). Prior to Supernal and his tenure at the FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, India’s largest travel conglomerate and operator of its largest and most successful airline, IndiGo. There, he oversaw strategy and operations for four affiliate travel companies. Whitaker also spent 15 years at United Airlines in a variety of roles as director, vice president and senior vice president. His broad portfolio at the airline included commercial alliances and joint ventures, international and regulatory affairs, and strategic counsel to the chairman and CEO on international matters. Whitaker began his more than three-decade aviation career as a litigator, then as assistant general counsel of international and regulatory affairs at Trans World Airlines (TWA). He is a private pilot and holds a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He serves on the board of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes aviation safety globally.
Aviation applications are more connected and more data-driven than ever before. Modern flight decks need to accommodate these needs and provide pilots with real-time information in an easily accessible and actionable format. Honeywell Anthem is a next-generation, modular and highly intuitive integrated flight deck that can be customized for virtually every type of aircraft, from passenger planes and business aircraft to defense, general aviation, and advanced air-mobility (AAM) vehicles. The highly intuitive and modular/scalable system architecture is enabled by TTTech Aerospace’s open standards-based high-performance TTEthernet network solution (implementing Deterministic Ethernet technology) guaranteeing safe, secure, and reliable data transfers in the avionics network.
“TTTech Aerospace’s open standards-based TTEthernet solution is a great fit for the data backbone network in Honeywell Anthem, as it enables faster integration, system and application software upgrades, and technology insertions for a future-proof platform thanks to its high performance, determinism, and modularity. TTTech Aerospace contributes not only certifiable switches and end systems but also development tools and test equipment enabling a shorter time-to-market for building a DAL A-level avionics network,” says Andrew Barker, vice president/general manager – avionics business enterprise at Honeywell Aerospace.
TTEthernet is a commercial implementation of deterministic ethernet that uniquely allows three traffic classes based on open international standards to use one physical medium without interference (standard ethernet according to IEEE 802.3, rate-constrained traffic according to ARINC 664 part 7, and time-triggered ethernet according to SAE AS6802). This ensures optimal use of bandwidth and guarantees that safety-critical messages (e.g., weather conditions, airport traffic news, system alerts) are transmitted at the pre-scheduled time while opening the rest of the available bandwidth for non-critical messages (e.g., video feeds or non-flight-critical apps). In the space sector, TTEthernet has also been baselined for deep space missions in the International Avionics System Interoperability Standards (IASIS) by NASA, ESA, CSA, and JAXA and is being implemented among others on NASA’s Gateway.
TTTech Aerospace’s TTEthernet offering for the aviation market is based on the main building blocks of the TTE-Switch Module A664 Pro and the TTE-End System A664 Core IP. It includes very powerful network configuration and qualifiable V&V software tools supporting the setup and integration of TTEthernet networks.
TTTech Group has been applying Deterministic Ethernet solutions successfully across a wide range of industries for more than two decades. This expertise has been the basis for TTTech Aerospace’s mature TTEthernet product line explains Werner Köstler, member of the executive board – Aerospace at TTTech: “Our TTEthernet solutions are fully DAL A certifiable, offering data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s and allow scaling to larger vehicles and system extensions for future applications. We have been working with Honeywell on system architectures based on deterministic networking solutions since 2000 and have successfully collaborated on a wide range of groundbreaking projects in the aviation and space sectors, from engine controls and civil avionics to the NASA Orion spacecraft. We have also jointly contributed to the standardization of Deterministic Networking technology (TTP in the SAE AS6003 and Time-Triggered Ethernet in the SAE AS6802 standard). We are proud to continue our long and successful partnership with Honeywell and to be a part of their future-oriented Honeywell Anthem flight deck solution.”
IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Falkonry, Inc. a California-based Industrial AI software company that provides automated, high-speed data analysis to the manufacturing and defense industries. The AI-based, self-learning solution continuously monitors large volumes of data for assets, machines, systems, and industrial processes to discover and analyze unusual behavior and causes of failures.
Over the past two decades, the growing scale of assets, machines, and fleets has generated unprecedented amounts of data, making real-time operational monitoring highly complex and hindering immediate operational enhancements, such as maintenance and process adjustments. By leveraging Falkonry’s automated and self-learning AI, organizations can democratize intelligence, enabling operational users to take timely actions to prevent asset downtimes, quality issues, and emission violations and automate process and workflow improvements. The addition of the Falkonry self-learning anomaly detection solution to existing IFS enterprise simulation and AI-based scheduling and optimization capabilities further evidences the company’s strategy to use AI pervasively to provide end-to-end intelligent insights in EAM (Enterprise Asset Management), across ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), MES (Manufacturing Execution System), PSO (Planning, Scheduling, Optimization), FSM (Field Service Management) and ESM (Enterprise Service Management) technology to increase people and asset productivity.
Headquartered in California, USA, and regional presence in Mumbai, India, Falkonry was founded in 2012 by CEO Nikunj Mehta. The company has customers across North America, South America, and Europe, including the U.S. Navy and Air Force, Ternium, North American Stainless, Harbour Energy, and SSAB, demonstrating its focus on industries in industrial manufacturing and Defense agencies.
IFS CEO, Darren Roos, commented: “Falkonry is unique in the market because its technology is agnostic and also it does not require data scientists. These are great differentiators for Falkonry that means the solution is both scalable and low-cost to implement—two fundamental attributes that very much align to our own values.” Roos added: “Falkonry’s technology can be applied in all industries, and whilst the team has some hugely impressive references in IFS’s focus markets on asset performance management, manufacturing execution systems, servitization, and configurable workflows, we see a really broad addressable market to capitalize on.”
Nikunj Mehta, CEO of Falkonry, commented: “The convergence of artificial intelligence and industrial processes has become increasingly crucial for organizations seeking to enhance productivity through data”. He added: “We are thrilled to join forces with IFS and looking forward to combining our unique strengths to provide a truly compelling value proposition to our existing customers as well as IFS customers.” He concluded: “Becoming part of IFS will enable us to further innovate and extend the value we create for our customers.”
“Today’s enterprise is continuously collecting asset performance data, making it a challenge across a multitude of industries from manufacturing to service to put it in the right context and take action in real-time. Organizations using artificial intelligence and machine learning models with their data for self-learning asset performance anomaly detection will generate critical insights faster, boosting productivity and business performance,” said Brian O’Rourke, IDC Research Manager, EAM and Smart Facilities.
This acquisition follows soon after the IFS acquisition of Poka, a provider of connected worker technology that empowers factory and field operatives to work smarter, safer and drive productivity. The combination of Falkonry and Poka with IFS Cloud makes IFS the most compelling vendor for organizations wanting to establish the most progressive and effective Smart Factories of the future.
IFS expects the acquisition of Falkonry to complete in Q4 2023.
Bombardier recently introduced its new Advanced Avionics Upgrade (AAU) for the Bombardier Vision flight deck, a new avionics software and hardware enhancement that boasts the latest technology to enhance situational awareness and offer advanced visualization features. Powered by Collins Aerospace and available for in-service Global 5000, Global 6000, Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft equipped with the Bombardier Vision flight deck, the AAU is designed to take in-service Global aircraft to the next level by providing avionics features currently available on in-production Global 5500 and Global 6500 aircraft.
The new AAU software allows for the installation of Bombardier’s revolutionary Combined Vision System (CVS), which integrates the best features of the Synthetic Vision System (SVS) and the Enhanced Vision System (EVS) in a single view to reduce crew workload and achieve unmatched situational awareness with the clearest view through the toughest weather. A Global 6000 business jet is the first aircraft to receive the upgrade, which is currently being installed at the Wichita Service Center.
“The new software upgrade for the Bombardier Vision flight deck is a game changer and we are delighted, along with Collins Aerospace, to bring our operators aircraft to new levels of operational excellence,” said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President, Aftermarket Services & Strategy, Bombardier. “The Bombardier Vision flight deck has been an important staple on Bombardier Global aircraft for years, and the addition of the Advanced Avionics Upgrade (AAU) ensures our business aircraft continue to be renowned for their impeccable safety, reliability and performance.”
“The primary objective of this upgrade, and our long-term collaboration with Bombardier, is to proactively provide information to the flight deck that improves safety and confidence in decision making,” said Marc Ayala, senior director of sales, Business & Regional Avionics, Collins Aerospace.
On top of the Combined Vision System, operators can add other sought-after optional enhancements to their new avionics package, such as ADS-B in/Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) and Airport Moving map/SVS Taxi mode. A brand-new, state-of-the-art weather radar will also be offered, enabling the Vertical Weather and Predictive Windshear featured options.
Important safety and performance-enhancing capabilities with the AAU include Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) with improved message logic; an Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) that sets the industry standard for system integration, quantity and quality of information; updated weather enhancements with XM/SXM Graphical Weather/DataLink Graphical Weather; further improvements to the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) that provides updates to the head-up display (HUD), primary flight display (PFD) logic and Synthetic Vision System (SVS) for enhanced operational performance and more.
Installation of the AAU on in-service Global aircraft is available across the complete Bombardier service centre network. Bombardier’s recently expanded network of service centers features locations across the U.S., Europe and Asia, including state of the art new buildings in Singapore, Miami Opa Locka, Melbourne, and London Biggin Hill. These state-of-the-art facilities employ factory trained technicians to ensure a seamless upgrade process. Bombardier also has 34 Mobile Response Team (MRT) vehicles, all equipped to support Learjet, Challenger and Global business aircraft, and connected to Bombardier’s 24/7 Customer Response Center and Customer Support Team.
Luc Tytgat has been appointed acting executive drector of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with effect from September 1, 2023. Tytgat replaces Patrick Ky, who is leaving the agency at the end of his second five-year mandate.
Tytgat joined EASA as director of srategy and safety management in January 2015 after having been responsible for air transport and space domains in the European Commission.
In his role at EASA he successfully increased the level of safety intelligence and developed a better and more agile regulatory framework. He set the strategic direction for key challenges faced by the sector, such as the need to reinforce the Agency’s role in countering climate change and emerging safety risks such as cybersecurity, conflict zones and health. EASA’s research and innovation as well as international cooperation activities also expanded significantly under his guidance.
“I am honored to be entrusted with leading EASA through this transition period,” Tytgat said. “My task in the coming months is to ensure that the Agency continues to deliver on its many projects and that our operational and reputational position remains intact, so that the new executive director can begin the new role at full speed.”
Tytgat will be succeeded as director of strategy and safety management by Maria Rueda, formerly managing director at CAA International (CAAi), who will take up the role from October 1, 2023. Rueda joined the UK CAA’s international cooperation and training arm in 2011 and rose to lead the organization in 2015. Earlier, she held senior positions at Deloitte and had been business development director at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Patrick Ky’s tenure
As executive director, Ky led the Agency through the second half of its 20-year history.
His primary objectives for the Agency were simplification and innovation. This led to a faster and more efficient rule-making process, that retained its robustness but was also aligned with the needs of different aviation communities. This also allowed industry to innovate at a faster pace.
“I am proud of my legacy,” Ky said. “EASA is now a worldwide reference point for aviation safety. We have been consistently on the forefront of innovation and have simplified and adapted our rules to meet the needs of the entire aviation industry.”
Roadmaps were established for General Aviation, to recognize the different risk profile of these operations, and for Rotorcraft, to tackle the root causes of accidents and make these operations safer. In recent years, the Agency has repeatedly been first in the world to publish regulations and guidance on drones and air taxis.
The Agency’s international footprint also grew substantially under Ky’s leadership.
Ky steered the Agency successfully through a series of crises, including the tragic accidents of MH-17, Germanwings and the Boeing 737-MAX. More recently, he took decisive action to restart aviation during the COVID pandemic by agreeing the Aviation Health Safety Protocol together with its sister agency the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The process to appoint a permanent successor for Patrick Ky is in progress, under the auspices of the European Commission.
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