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Positive outlook for Latin American aviation

The years of uncertainty for the aviation sector seem to be in the past after two years of threats and recovery, the outlook for airlines and airports looks favorable. 

Many were on red alert due to the Omicron variant, but it did not impede the favorable recovery of the airport sector, it only remained a moment of alarm. 

However, it can be observed that airlines are once again investing in their fleets. Flights that had been suspended are being resumed and, at the same time, new routes are being opened. 

Airports continue to seek comfort for users and are constantly searching for new alternatives to protect travelers. 

In the case of Latin America, José Ricardo Botelho, CEO and executive director of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) reported that the airport sector in Latin America and the Caribbean “is 30% below 2019 levels and 50% above 2020 levels,” according to a November 2021 passenger traffic report

Increase in passenger traffic…

Colombia exceeded the goal of 30 million passengers during 2021, where the airports that mobilized the most passengers were Bogota Airport with 22,091,102 passengers, Rionegro with 7,916,646 passengers, and Cali with 5,211,765 passengers. 

At the same time, Civil Aeronautics authorized 97 new routes connecting different destinations nationwide. Internationally connections were authorized from other airports to 90 outbound destinations from the United States, Chile, Brazil, and other countries in Central America, South America, and North America. 

In Panama, the opening flow is 85% above countries such as Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Thanks to the progress of vaccination, Panama’s tourism is favored. Likewise, José Ricardo Botelho affirms: “We are working to bring back the flow of passengers and reactivate tourism in Panama. The country has great potential with its geography, history, and natural attractions. 

On the road to automation… 

Although the recovery of airports in Latin America is favorable, there are challenges that no one can expect. With the opening of new routes and the increase in passenger traffic, sanitation and contagions are becoming a challenge. 

However, thanks to the automated processes of GP Nauticals’ SUITE, PAX AIMS becomes a low-touch solution for boarding ticket validation, thanks to the checkpoints, ticket scanning will avoid crowds and virus contagions.

It also helps to lay the groundwork for the automation of processes for advance migration lists and the financial control of airport passenger fees. 

Automated processes are undoubtedly a competitive advantage, which can overcome such challenges at the level of controls and administrative processes. 

That is why GP Nauticals’ SUITE allows you to centralize and automate the airport’s invoice control and collection processes. To create strategic and consolidated alliances for the constant improvement of the airport sector. 

 

Technological evolution at airports

We all wait for the future to come, yet we live in it. During of the pandemic, we were to observe that transformations at the technological level are irreversible. The impact of technological progress has given rise to new opportunities for change and what seemed distant is now part of our daily environment.

Although the airport sector was one of the most affected, new opportunities for transformation and growth have been generated. 

Technological innovations have been the protagonists that have emerged along the way to safeguard the health of passengers, being a fundamental resource for the end of travel restrictions around the world.

It’s expected that over the next few years, airports will adopt new technological forms to adapt to the behavior of users. Given the evolution, they have experienced this in recent times.

We are talking about new forms of entertainment, administrative invoicing, sanitary requirements, concessions to stores, franchises, and more… It is a time when paper processes will be left aside to make way for digital and automated processes.

Given the new challenges that the airport sector may face, omnichannel sales will be the main protagonists in a few years. The physical space will remain to strengthen the experience, but the purchase processes will be automatic.

According to a study carried out by the company Bain & Company, it shows that “omnichannel customers spend twice as much as customers of physical stores and have a satisfaction index twice as high”.

About the above, you may ask yourself: What does it have to do with strengthening the airport sector?

For airport administrators and executives, it becomes an advantage to obtain non-confidential information from users. This is to automate the boarding processes, registrations, delays, entries, and exits, all in one place.

Although physical establishments will not disappear, these will be the strengthening vehicle to improve passenger experiences, and if you add the window of automated processes, that experience will be more enriching. That is why airports will need to work on their focus on improving budgets for digital enhancements.

A palpable example is the GP Nauticals suite that manages to integrate various automated services, which are adjusted to the digital transformation needs of the airport and nautical sector.

With a tool like AERO AIMS, through its management module for monitoring and recording the sales of your commercial dealers (stores), you can evaluate the performance of each one, as well as the type of item it is.

Of more interest to passengers in transit through each terminal, which allows the institution to reinforce commercial and marketing strategies that support its clients.

Additionally, the PAX AIMS service allows the audit of passengers that can be found in the airport facilities. To improve the processes of boarding and passenger control, as well as compliance with the health requirements to which they may be subject.

All this through checkpoints that allow boarding passes to be scanned, speed up validations for duty-free purchases, and in one way or another allow dealers to validate boarding lists automatically and accurately.

It can also be integrated with the other SUITE services that will support you in digital transformation.

 

If you want to know more about our services, do not hesitate to contact us: GP Nauticals.

 

Technology in the airport sector

A new year begins, and expectations for all sectors worldwide are preparing to face a new moment. New goals are on the horizon and, technology will be a fundamental part of the development of new projects.

Such is the case of the airport sector, which has used technological advances to safely manage administrative processes. Also take care of the health of each passenger, providing new protocols to avoid large-scale contagion.

For a few months, airports have started technological development, and today, we tell you what some of them are.

Biometric technology

Thanks to facial recognition, the airport administration will be able to reduce waiting times and long queues at check-in, security controls, baggage claim, and those waiting processes that can be tedious.

To date, a survey conducted by IATA shows that at least 73% of passengers are willing to share their data to optimize waiting processes at the airport.

Artificial Intelligence

 The use of artificial intelligence to manage the flow of passengers is also one of the options that have been implemented at different airports for some time.

The London’s Gatwick airport, which will implement this technology to improve the safety of its operations, and provide a better travel experience to its passengers.

Artificial intelligence is linked to ‘Big Data’, where the flow of information will be key to managing data and passenger behavior and optimizing their strategies.

Smartphone integration

 Today, most people around the world have a smartphone. The use of mobile applications will be the first step to manage connectivity with organizations and automate airport services.

These are just a few examples of new technologies that are already being used at airports. Therefore, the use of new technologies is and will be a fundamental part of the growth of the airport sector, where innovation will serve to create new experiences.

The best private jets

At present, aircraft manufacturers are in the difficult task of being more and more innovative and offering not only greater performance in their aircraft but also filling them with the greatest possible comfort to please the most demanding customers.

Gulfstream G500

With this aircraft, ultramodern business aviation makes sense as it has an excellent balance between performance and comfort with the best technology. This jet has been equipped with 2 high-performance engines that allow it to reach a speed of 903 km / h and is perfect for intercontinental routes. In addition, its interior design can be configured to enjoy a kitchen in the stern, bedroom illuminated by panoramic windows, and tables for meetings or meals. Depending on the internal layout configuration this jet can accommodate from 10 to 19 passengers.

Gulfstream 600

This aircraft equipped with ultra-quiet Pratt & Whitney engines is capable of reaching a speed of 1,102 km / h, obtaining more than 20 world speed records and offering its passengers the opportunity to cover long routes such as New York and Dubai or London Beijing.

The comfort of its internal design allows it to accommodate up to 19 passengers and comfortably sleep up to 10 passengers. In addition, it has a kitchen and compartments for the crew. Furthermore, your passengers can enjoy up to 4 seating areas.

Gulfstream 650ER

This legendary jet has broken one-speed record after another, being the best aircraft in its class to cover longer nonstop routes, being able to fly from Singapore to Arizona. Regarding the interior design, this aircraft has 4 environments for work, entertainment, relaxation, and meals. Combining its refined design with the greatest comfort and innovation with handcrafted seats that allow its passengers to relax and enjoy each flight.

Dassault Falcon 8X

French manufacturer Dassault brought its experience from military fighter jets to business aviation, offering a unique aircraft full of efficiency, flexibility, range, and comfort. The interior design of this jet is configurable to satisfy the most demanding customers.

They can choose a comfortable 3-area cabin with a shower and space for the crew to rest, or a more spacious lounge, reducing space at the entrance or better, one more entrance large with a great kitchen.

Also, offers high-speed connectivity with satellite communication. This jet is capable of saving up to 20% more fuel than any other aircraft in its category.

Bombardier Global 7500

This jet stands out in its category for being the largest and longest-range business aircraft. Offering 4 luxurious interior areas with a full-size kitchen, a crew suite, and a full-size master suite with a true shower in the private bathroom.

Is capable of connecting some of the widest routes such as New York – Hong Kong or Singapore – San Francisco, and has been equipped with GE Passport engines that offer higher efficiency, lower emissions, and lower maintenance costs.

Cessna CJ4

This jet has a friendly flight deck with the latest technology and excellent ergonomic improvements. It has optimized meteorological tracking using a Multiscan RTA-4112 radar system from collins Aerospace.

Equipped with view skylights, upgraded seats Also, a wireless cabin management system that gives your passengers instant control of lighting.

Window shades, and interior temperature, this aircraft is a business jet ready to satisfy to its passengers.

 

Zara Rutherford, the pilot of the moment

Zara Rutherford, the pilot of the moment at only 19 years old, is the teenage pilot everyone talks about. Due to her interest in becoming the youngest woman to fly all over the world alone.

Rutherford landed on December 11 in Seoul from Russia. For Zara, the journey began in August, when she departed from the Koktrijk-Wevelgen Airport in western Belgium, where the journey around the world began.

Who is Zara Rutherford?

Zara Rutherford is a young woman of British-Belgian descent, only 19 years old, is the daughter of pilot parents, and seeks to become the first young woman to travel the world alone. In this journey, he seeks to pass through the five continents and also, visit around 52 countries.

Rutherford began this journey on August 18, where he departed from Belgium on a plane called “Shark-080” and has since made landfall in Mexico, Russia, Alaska, Taiwan, and other countries.

For Zara, it has been more than an adventure and expresses that: “I was trapped in Alaska due to visa and weather problems for a month and I was trapped in Russia for a month due to visa and weather problems.”

More than a world record …

Rutherford seeks to break the record of Shaesta Waiz, who 4 years ago flew alone around the world at the age of 30. Today, Travis Ludlow is the youngest person to fly alone in the world. He did it in 149 days, this same year and at just 18 years old.

 Zara, in addition to wanting to break the world record, seeks to motivate the new generation of women to take an interest in studying and working in the aeronautical industry. It also invites you to prepare to be part of the present of aviation, sending a message of equality.

Zara hopes to finish its journey around the world in mid-January. If you want to know more about her trip, you can follow her on her Instagram @fly.zolo

 

 

Thailand plans to open a national shipping company

Thailand plans to open a national shipping company, to minimize dependence on foreign vessels. The announcement of this new plan was made by the Ministry of Transport of Thailand, adding that another objective is to encourage commercial exchange in Thailand.

Although it is still in the study phase, Saksayam Chidchob, Thailand’s Transport Minister, said that the Thai port authorities have already received instruction to assess the viability of a shipping line during the next month.

If feasible, the national shipping company would have three independent branches, the first for cargo movement in the Asian region, the second for cabotage, and the last for exchange with other regions worldwide.

Subsequently, once the feasibility tests have been carried out by the competent authorities, they may be presented to the cabinet during the first months of 2022.

If the procedure is positive, the creation of a national shipping company in Thailand would begin in the middle of the year.

As mentioned in previous lines, it is not only about the independence of foreign ships, but also about promoting maritime trade in Thailand.

In this way, strengthening logistics ties with the Thai Gulf and the Andaman Sea is part of the plans to expand and strengthen connections.

Read the full note at Portal Portuario.

 

 

 

Rolls Royce’s new marine automation portfolio

Rolls Royce presented its new marine automation portfolio called MTU NautLQ the last September 14. The new range of products is made for ship control systems and platform management for all types of ultra-modern vessels. As well as older ones, thus allowing the collection and analysis of both own and third-party data with great efficiency and reducing the risks of obsolescence.

The creation of the new Rolls Royce product portfolio is part of the Power Systems business unit that seeks to provide efficiency. Forward-looking integrated state-of-the-art automation solutions that will contribute to developing more sustainable vessels, minimizing fuel consumption and emissions of CO2.

All the products of the MTU NautLQ family have been developed with the last technologies’ software. That allows easy integration and updating, facilitating the optimal operation of the equipment, and that can be included in both commercial, naval, and recreational boats.

With this type of innovative solution, Rolls Royce seeks to integrate all vessel systems, turning them into a single intelligent global system. Offering data for predictive maintenance, and helping the crew onboard to operate with maximum efficiency, reducing the chances that some component fails.

These innovations have been developed thanks to the collaboration of Rolls Royce Power Systems and Sea machines Robotics, which will continue to work in alliance to develop cutting-edge technology that analyzes all the data of the ships and intelligently controls the information.

Source: 

https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2021/14-09-2021-world-premiere-for-rolls-royces-mtu-nautiq-marine-automation-portfolio-at-dsei.aspx 

 

The Panama Canal turns 107 years old

The Panama Canal turns 107 years old. This route is the commercial transit road through which more than 1.1 million vessels have passed that worldwide has served as a transit before making landfall at their destination.

Last August 15 was the 107th birthday of the Panama Canal, which since 1914 has served as a port transit for ships. It is a recognized route because it helps reduce distances, costs, and time in the transportation of goods.

At the same time, the Panama Canal has been a response to the economic empowerment of Panama, being a sustainable organization in the face of current conditions.

The environmentally friendly Panama Canal…

“The world is demanding that companies offer services and products that have a low carbon footprint, so we are going to make investments to adapt to that reality, in line with our environmental tradition,” says Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, administrator of the Panama Canal

In 2030 it is expected to be a carbon-neutral organization, strengthening its commitment to the environment.

At the same time, the organization ensures that the route has helped to minimize CO2  by more than 830 million tons. This is because ships save fuel by passing through a shorter route and moving a greater amount of cargo volume.

 Without a doubt, its large-scale growth has managed to last over time and promises to continue to be a profitable and sustainable route for the millions of ships that transit the sea.

Read the complete note in Mundo Marítimo.

Avianca earns diamond certification

Avianca earns diamond certification from APEX Health Safety, for approved the biosafety protocols implemented by the Colombian airline.

The APEX Airline Passenger Experience Association established an evaluation standard to verify biosafety and hygiene protocols worldwide.

After the audit, the reconnaissance was carried out to guarantee a safe trip to the passengers.

“The health and safety of our clients and our son take priority. That is why, receiving this certification fills us with pride and satisfaction ”.- Adds Diego Pinto, Avianca’s Director of Safety.

What is the Diamond Certification?

The diamond certification is the highest recognition that an airline can receive, for demostrated commitment and providing optimal and safe trips. Prioritizing the health and well-being of its passengers with the correct sanitary conditions.

The APEX Health Safety and SimpliFlying certification validate compliance with hygiene protocols, and that’s why Avianca wins a diamond certification.

Through prioritized programs in the client for the “COVID-19 certification”. Where they encourage airlines to go beyond to guarantee a safe trip.

Dr. Joe Leader, CEO of APEX Said: “Passengers flying with Avianca can do so knowing that the airline has passed our comprehensive COVID-19 safety review covering all stages of the customer’s flight journey.”

Today, more industries are coming together to provide a satisfactory experience to users.

Read the full note in Aviación al Día.

 

The best airports in quality of service

The Airports Council International (ACI) with the travel technology company Amadeus. Have unveiled the winners of the ASQ 2021 award highlighting the best airports according to the testimonies of their passengers.

Despite the impact that covid-19 has generated in the industry, 89 airports around the world won 108 awards for the quality of airport service. This time the ‘best hygiene measures by region’ were also evaluated, where they have recognized the security measures of 33 air terminals.

This award recognizes the success of airports responding to the intense focus on hygiene in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic. The new category also complements ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation program, launched in 2020, which has resulted in more than 275 airports being accredited.

“The ACI Airport Service Quality Awards represent the highest possible accolade for airport operators around the world… This year more than any other, the awards recognize airports that have listened to their customers and adapted services and experiences they offer to meet changing needs and expectations in very difficult circumstances, ”said ACI’s global CEO, Luis Felipe de Oliveira.

Toronto Pearson was named the best airport in North America for the fourth consecutive year and was awarded the best hygiene measures award, followed by the Victoria Airport, Canada, and the airports of Atlanta, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Tampa in the United States.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the measures are taken by the airports in Quirós, Costa Rica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic was awarded.

 

For their part, the European airports of Elche, Granada, Menorca, Pamplona, ​​Murcia, Santander, Nikola Tesla, Faro, Joao Paulo II, Porto, Helsinki-Vantaa, Keflavik, Skopje, and Tallinn were also recognized, among other airports around the world. world.

 

Learn more at ACI.