Technology

Telecom Commission Permits Use of Mobile Phones To Make Calls On Flights!

AirWhizzMay 02, 2018 No Comments

Telecom Commission Permits Use of Mobile Phones To Make Calls On Flights!

Aviation Insider

Air travellers in India will now be able to use the internet and make calls on the flight. This is due to the Telecom Commission approving the proposal for In-flight connectivity on Tuesday.

While mobile phone usage will still be restricted during take-off and landing, the Telecom Commission has lifted the ban on the use mobile phones and internet services on the airplane while cruising in the sky.

The in-flight connectivity facility is expected to be rolled out in 3-4 months, once the licenses and back-end agreements are worked out. The telecom department will now have to create a separate category of licensees called In-Flight Connectivity(IFC) provider.

In an article published by us last month, we mentioned how Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India(TRAI) had recommended to the government that in-flight mobile usage and internet services should be allowed under certain conditions.

Here are the highlights of the conditions sent by TRAI –

  • Wi-fi onboard should be provided once boarding is complete.
  • Mobile communication on aircraft be allowed at a minimum altitude of 3,000 metres.
  • Passengers should use internet services in airplane mode.
  • Foreign satellites and gateways should be permitted for IFC providers to operate in-flight wi-fi.

Telecom Commission has accepted all recommendations of TRAI except the use of foreign satellites and gateways because the telecom department wants IFC providers to use Indian satellites for In-flight services and the gateway to be in India.

The prices on which in-flight Wi-Fi will be provided to the passengers will be worked out on a mutual agreement between the service provider and the airline. Passengers may have to pay Rs 200-300 for a 2-3 hour flight and more for international flights.

Major airlines, including Air India and Vistara welcomed the Telecom Commission’s decision, with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu saying he will ensure “earliest implementation” of the proposal.

Globally, many airlines are already offering wi-fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facility when they enter the Indian airspace.

AirAsia, Air France, British Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic are amongst 30 airlines that allow mobile phone use on the aircraft.

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Jetpacks: How You Can Fly Like Iron Man!

AirWhizzApr 30, 2018 No Comments

Jetpacks: How You Can Fly Like Iron Man!

Aviation Insider

The future is finally here! We’ve got tiny supercomputers in our pockets, virtual reality headsets, and now we’ve got actual jetpacks.

The idea of a personal flying machine was thought of as science fiction by comic book enthusiasts and sci-fi movie buffs. But, with the rapid advancement in technology over these past few years, companies have invested in the concept of jetpacks, and finally they are now here.

Before we get into how you can fly like Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man from the Avengers series, let us see how jetpacks came into being.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JETPACKS

The concept of a personal flying personal was first implemented in 1960. Bell AeroSystems engineer Wendell Moore developed the ‘Bell Rocket Belt’ for the U.S. Army, but the only problem with the jetpack was that it could stay in the air for only 21 seconds.

They dropped the idea and for a few years people tried and failed at making the perfect Jetpack.

In 2008 Yves Rossy, a Swiss pilot and engineer, created one of the first actual Jetpacks and flew it over the Alps like a superhero in movies. Despite being called the ‘Rocket Man’ by the media, he did not sell the Jetpack for commercial use. The cost of making it was also very high that time.

PIONEERS IN JETPACK TECHNOLOGY

By 2013 people were introduced to water-powered Jet Packs, but ‘Martin Jetpack’, a New Zealand-based company, introduced the world to a flying machine called the “P12 Jetpack”.

The company’s P12 jetpack has a maximum speed of 74 kilometres per hour and can rise to 3,000 feet.

Another company ‘JetPack Aviation’ build the ‘JB-9’ and demonstrated its effectiveness by flying around the Statue of Liberty in 2015.The ‘JB-9’ can reach a height of 1000 Feet at a speed of 160 Kilometres Per Hour.

BENEFITS OF A JETPACK

Applications of the jetpack are wide due to its small size and ease of handling –

  • Military – Using jetpacks is ideal for search, rescue and extraction of soldiers in the battlefield. Live reconnaissance, minefield avoidance, and ship-to-ship transfers are only a small example of the practical military applications for which Jetpacks can be used.

 

  • First Responders – Jetpacks enable firefighters to reach high floors faster. Police gain an eye-in-the-sky for observation and analysis. Disaster rescue workers can reach survivors in remote or unstable locations when roads are damaged.

 

  • Commuting – There’s no need for us all to sit in traffic. Some will drive, some will ride the bus, and some of us will fly.

 

  • Recreation – Imagine having a lake party with your guests showing off some party tricks with jetpacks. It’s a lot of fun and people are already in talks for Jetpack racing.

HOW SAFE IS IT

The Jetpack is built around safety from the start.

Jetpacks safety system is very similar to that of a Formula One car. Plus, whenever you strap on to the machine you will have to wear a flying suit, boots and a helmet. Inside the helmet, a radio system will allow you to converse with air traffic control in the same way as pilots on airplanes.

The ‘P12’ Jetpack mentioned above, also has a parachute system which opens at very low altitude and saves both the aircraft and the pilot in case of an emergency.

HOW CAN YOU GET YOUR JETPACK?

You can fly!

Anyone can be a Rocketeer by strapping on a rental jetpack or by stepping onto a flyboard.

Companies like Fly High Skyboard, X- Jetpacks rent out their flying machines and are a popular attraction at graduation parties and corporate events abroad.

In, fact Martin Jetpacks will soon start selling its ‘P12” jetpack to the public, once it gets its permissions. It will cost $150,000 excluding special gas charges and training cost.

You will need to complete a training course of 20 days. You don’t need a Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) recognized pilots license since the jetpack is classified under the “ultralight aircraft” category.

With machines like Jetpack, you will soon be able to fulfill your dream of flying like your favourite superhero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

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In-Flight Wi-Fi To Soon Become A Reality In India!

AirWhizzApr 19, 2018 No Comments

In-Flight Wi-Fi To Soon Become A Reality In India!

Aviation Insider

A survey conducted by Inmarsat in May, last year, showed that about 86 percent of Indian air travellers would prefer to fly with an airline that offers Internet connectivity. The study also showed that 60 percent of air travellers thought that in-flight Wi-Fi is more of a necessity rather than a luxury service and 45 percent of those were ready to pay for in-flight Wi-Fi rather than in-flight entertainment provided by airlines.

Flyers will soon be able to use data services on flights. The Telecom Commission, which is the highest decision-making body at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is all set to approve the proposal for in-flight data services at its next meeting scheduled on 1st May. The DoT has taken all the necessary permissions from all stakeholders involved including the ministry of home affairs.

Here are the details about the Inflight Wi-Fi System which will be implemented –

  • As soon as DoT approves the plan, airlines would be free to offer Wi-Fi services to passengers.
  • Airlines will initially start with in-flight wi-fi but will slowly get into voice services.
  • The pricing of the services provided would be left to airlines.
  • Mobile calling service would be permitted once the flight is above 3000 meters in the air.

In August last year, the DoT had asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to provide recommendations on how to incorporate in-flight connectivity for voice, data and video services.

Here are the recommendations that were given by the TRAI in January which will be discussed in the meeting scheduled on 1st may –

  • There should be separate In-Flight Service(IFC) providers.
  • These IFC providers should be permitted to use either INSAT (Indian Satellite System) or foreign satellites outside INSAT systems in Indian airspace.
  • Internet services through in-flight Wi-Fi should be made available once it’s announced, that electronic devices are permitted to be used, on the airline.
  • The services can only be used in Airplane mode and an announcement regarding this should be made after boarding is completed and the aircraft is about to take off.

Some international airlines allow passengers to use Wi-Fi free of charge for WhatsApp and other messenger services, which may be implemented on airlines in India because they don’t need much bandwidth. Lufthansa, Emirates, British Airways, and Delta are among the airlines that have implemented In-flight wi-fi services successfully on their international routes.

In-flight connectivity will make the journey more efficient and passenger-friendly. However, there are certain security challenges to be addressed once your phone or a device is connected to a network. The biggest concern is the higher chances of hack, and attack on insecure data and systems.

One more issue is the cost that will go into implementing this system on flights. Fitting the equipment to provide such services in an aircraft could cost around $400,000-$600,000. Initially, the cost to the passenger may be on the higher side.

Once the plan has been approved and the in-flight wi-fi system is implemented, airlines and authorities will need to run many rounds of testing to overcome the above-mentioned issues, but once the technical bugs have been discovered and solved, In-flight entertainment will get a whole new makeover on Indian flights.

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Soon Your Aadhar Will Be Your Boarding Pass! Paperless Flying Is Coming To India!

AirWhizzApr 13, 2018 No Comments

Soon Your Aadhar Will Be Your Boarding Pass! Paperless Flying Is Coming To India!

Aviation Insider

Imagine taking a flight from any major airport in India without having to produce a physical copy of the boarding pass, waiting in long security queues for manual checking and frisking or waiting to get your passport stamped.

All you need to do is share an image of your face along with your fingerprint scan at a designated kiosk located at the entrance of the airport and then simply walk through the airport and board your flight. The security checks will be automated via the automated body scanners and high-end cameras to run the background check and match your face and fingerprints with an existing database like Aadhaar.

A system which is implemented at airports in cities like Miami, London, Frankfurt, Dubai, and Sydney will soon become a reality in India.

The government will approve of this paperless flying experience by the end of this month. Once its approved airports all over India can start implementing this system. In fact, This hi-tech movement could start being implemented by July at the Bangalore and Hyderabad airport.

Bangalore and Hyderabad airports have implemented this pilot project successfully and could be the first airports to adopt this system in the coming few months. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has started preparing bid documents and will issue tenders which will be available for bidding by the end of this year.

However, the existing paper-based boarding system will still be there since linking Aadhaar to air tickets is not be mandatory.

This system is being developed under the air transport IT and communications service provider SITA and have named it ‘Smart Path’. Smart Path uses biometrics for identification along a passengers journey through the airport. It can be integrated easily into an airlines system and airport infrastructure.

To implement this system airports will need to install self-service equipment like check-in kiosks, baggage dropping units and specially designed gates for secure access and boarding. When implemented this system will make quick deployment easy and cost-effective. Smart Path helps airport authorities by finding data about passengers directly from the government’s database. This will allow greater transparency during immigration and border checks.

This system will make it easier for passengers who link Aadhaar to air tickets at the time of booking.  Passengers can breeze through the airport since they will only need their phone to show e-boarding pass at the security check and the boarding gate which will be scanned.

Apart from passengers, it will also help airport security and staff to identify the authenticity of the passenger and their ticket. Once the flyer is granted entry, the passenger will go through biometric authentication while clearing security and then at boarding gates, thus streamlining the whole security process at the airport.

The paperless initiative is being adopted all over the world, and we at AirWhizz, are continuously working towards implementing it in India because we believe that flying paperless is the future of air travel.

If you want to know more about how flying paperless will be beneficial for you, follow the link!

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Technology That Will Transform The Way We Fly In 2018!

AirWhizzApr 02, 2018 No Comments

Technology That Will Transform The Way We Fly In 2018!

Aviation Insider

Leaving on a Jet Plane is about to become faster, more efficient, and way more comfortable!

Taking a flight can be a tough ordeal even for the most seasoned travellers! Cramped seats, crowded airports and the time it takes to get through all the checks is annoying, to say the least.

The future of air travel, however, looks a lot more promising. The advent of new technologies is making advances that even a decade ago were unfathomable. They will redefine the way we experience flying.

We’ve all heard the big catchphrases –  Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Big-Data and Internet Of Things (IoT).

But what do they mean and how do they affect the way we fly?! Truth is, we are only scratching the surface of their potential and many more benefits are yet to be realized.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how these tech breakthroughs are being applied in aviation and in enhancing Passenger Experience (PAX).

1.ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being embraced by industry to improve the passenger experience. Today airlines and airports use Chatbot’s with AI technology to communicate effectively with passengers.

AI allows simple queries to be handled swiftly, freeing up customer service professionals to tackle more difficult issues effectively.

Beyond Chatbots, AI technology has the potential to revolutionize the travel experience. Imagine having access to a 24-hour personal travel assistant who can predict your travel choices, knows your preferences and can create a personal experience for you.

AI travel assistants are the future!

2.REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGY

Turbulence is the largest cause of injuries to passengers and crew. And for nervous passengers, it’s a nightmare.

Today, pilots use multiple sources of information to manage turbulence inflight, from weather radar and charts to information from other pilots and air traffic controllers.

To reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries, Airport authorities are developing a turbulence sharing information platform containing real-time, aircraft-sensed turbulence reports in collaboration with multiple airlines around the world.

On top of that Aircraft manufacturers are developing a new technology that emits pulses of laser lights from the plane’s nose which will measure the wind speed along the direction of the laser allowing pilots to avoid turbulence while flying.

3.BIOMETRICS FOR SECURITY AND CHECK-IN

A seamless and convenient experience through the airport terminal is slowly becoming a reality thanks to biometric technology.

International Air Transportation Authority’s “One ID” project is rapidly moving travel towards a day when face, iris, or fingerprint recognition will provide the key to a smooth travel experience.

One ID works by creating a match between a unique biometric characteristic, a passenger’s passport and their flight booking. Once the match has been made passengers can then proceed through the terminal checkpoints from the security to the plane without having to show travel documents.

Recently the Airports Authority of India announced that they will be introducing Biometric boarding system at 3 Indian airports (Varanasi, Vijayawada and Kolkata) for the convenience of the passenger. This system will make security check-in smoother and quicker by securely identify travellers through Aadhaar number, passport or other documents.

4.BLOCKCHAIN

Blockchain is a recent invention with immense potential for widespread application and one that airport authorities believe offers benefits for passengers and airlines.

Only a few people are aware of this but, from the moment you search online for an air ticket to the time you arrive at your destination, the airlines you are travelling with is just one of the various partners involved in the aviation value chain. Each member of that chain takes a profit margin.

Organisations around the world have begun to look into the possibilities of implementing blockchain payment system to reduce the costs for all partners involved in the value chain because blockchain payments are faster and more efficient. Apart from reducing the costs, which could benefit passengers, other advantages include greater transaction speed, resilience, and protection from fraud.

5. 3 DIMENSIONAL SCANNERS

High-definition, three-dimensional CT scans of luggage may soon replace static X-ray images at airports as part of a wave of new technology designed to speed up security lanes while improving detection of weapons and explosives.

While CT scans have been used for the past 10 years, the new machines are smaller, more powerful and faster. And with travellers increasingly concerned with airport security, this new tech gives security personnel a tool for keeping travellers safe while on the move.

 

Modern technological innovations in air travel are slowly coming to India and we at AirWhizz are continuously trying to implement it and bring it to you as a passenger. From real-time flight updates to providing information about airports and airlines, we help you plan your air travel all the way.

Download the AirWhizz App and Fly Stress-Free!

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‘Green’ Buses Will Soon Ferry Passengers To The Hyderabad Airport!

AirWhizzApr 02, 2018 No Comments

‘Green’ Buses Will Soon Ferry Passengers To The Hyderabad Airport!

Aviation Insider

A few months back, The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) had operated a battery-enabled electric bus on the Hyderabad Airport stretch on an experimental basis for a period of one month. The officials operated the bus from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to (RGIA) in Shamshabad to Secunderabad for few weeks to check the efficiency.

They found that the experience was encouraging!

To build on that positive experience, TSRTC announced on Saturday that they will be introducing 40 electric buses to ferry passenger to RGAI in Hyderabad. The electric buses will be introduced in the next 4 months as part of phase 1.

According to the officials at TSRTC, these “Green’ buses will be powered by battery operated electric motors and will not cause pollution, unlike other regular vehicles. Officials have also said that these buses will be cheap so that it is easier for the common passenger to commute to the airport. The fare for these electric buses will be the same as those for public AC buses. Nobody will be charged an additional fare. This new fleet of buses will replace the current buses operating on the airport route. The project work on this project has already started and has been given to a private agency.

Below are a few pointers about the specifications of the bus and its operation –

  • Each bus will be 12-Meter-long low floor AC ‘Green’ bus.
  • It is being manufactured by a Chinese company – BYD
  • Each bus will cost Rs 2.4 crore, with a seating capacity of 40 passengers
  • The bus will be operated by the private agency for 12 years and the TSRTC will pay the agency
  • Maintenance, appointment of driver and fuel will the responsibility of the agency, but the conductor will be a TSRTC employee

This initiative is being implemented in phases with the phase 1, of introducing 40 green buses, to be completed within 4 months. The phase 2 of this project will see 60 more electric buses being introduced depending on the response and experience of the passengers.

There is a need for such initiatives in the country since India is the world’s 5th largest auto market. Shifting to electric vehicles will reduce harmful vehicle emissions by 37%. This project will also help the governments aim to make India shift completely to electric vehicles by 2030 and make the country emission-free by 2040.

The Green buses will be introduced in a few months but before that, if you are looking to travel to the Hyderabad Airport, look no further!

Download the AirWhizz App to get notifications on when to leave based on real-time traffic updates and book your Ola/Uber ride to the airport from the app itself. Fly Stress-Free!

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Meet Kempa,The Humanoid At The Bangalore Airport!

AirWhizzMar 31, 2018 No Comments

Meet Kempa,The Humanoid At The Bangalore Airport!

Aviation Insider

Flying into the Bangalore Airport? Get ready to be greeted by “Kempa” the Robot!

Passengers reaching the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bangalore will soon be able to meet “Kempa”. The humanoid robot will be installed to offer airport directions and information on tourist places in Karnataka.

Kempa has been named after the Bangalore’s International airport and is currently being tested by Bengaluru based start-up Sirena Technologies. Once it is installed, the city’s International Airport will join several other airports around the world, which use robots for assisting passengers, scanning luggage and issuing boarding passes.

Priyank Kharge, the Karnataka ministry of Minister for Innovation & Technology tweeted a video, announcing that Kempa will be giving information on Karnataka tourism in the Kempegowda International Airport. The video goes on to show how other than suggesting places to visit in the state, the robot also engages with passengers in English and Kannada.

The robot will give information about flights, check-in details, things to do at the airport and so on to help the passengers. Kempa will tell you about Karnataka and the famous places you can visit, besides the state’s heritage and culture. Artificial Intelligence is being used for the first time at Indian airports to help passengers.

Sirena Technologies have been successful in testing humanoid robots in the field of education, where AI robots help kids by teaching different subjects and life skills and the company is one of the many companies to benefit from the government’s startup policy. The robot is completely developed in Bangalore.

Humanoid robots like Kempa are no strangers to helping travellers around the world. In Japan and other countries, Kempa’s robot colleagues are seen assisting customers in shops, hotels, and airports. Lufthansa Airline has recently introduced a humanoid robot, ‘Josie’ in Terminal 2 of the Munich Airport for check-ins, scanning passengers’ baggage and issuing boarding passes.

Kempa will be installed at the Bangalore airport soon! In the meantime, if you are flying and need information about the airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz app and get all the information about your flight and the airport on the move.

Travel smart and Fly Stress-Free!

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Kiosk Check-In System Implemented On Bangalore Buses For Passenger Convince!

AirWhizzMar 29, 2018 No Comments

Kiosk Check-In System Implemented On Bangalore Buses For Passenger Convince!

Aviation Insider

With the recent announcement of toll collection starting at the Devanahalli toll booth for cars travelling to the Bangalore International Airport, many have speculated that the time to reach the airport will increase due to increase in the traffic, especially during peak hours.

Well, BMTC is here to save the day!

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation(BMTC), is going to collaborate with Bangalore International Airport Limited(BIAL), to install automated check-in kiosks in Vayu Vajra buses on the Electronics City-KIA route. This has been done for the convenience of frequent flyers and make the BMTC’s transportation services popular.

As many as, 160 people have checked in from the bus so far. This is the second such pilot project. Earlier, a pilot was run on the KIAS-9 (Kempegowda Bus Station-KIA) route, which saw 600 people use the facility.

By feeding in their booking number, passengers can choose a seat on a touchscreen installed in the bus and have their boarding pass printed. This will allow them to go straight for security checks at the airport and bypass check-in queues. The automatic check-in kiosk is installed near the middle door of the bus.

This system will help those passengers who are in a hurry to the airport or do not have access to the internet for web check-in. This facility is also very useful for passengers with just carry-on baggage as they can head straight to the security.

On an average, a passenger takes 1 hour to travel to the airport. To save time they can use this facility and travel in peace to the airport especially during peak hours of traffic.

The option is available for passengers travelling on Air Asia, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet flights.

BMTC has seen a fall in the number of passengers travelling on their Vayu Vajra bus route after the entry of app-based cabs. This initiative will surely attract and motivate passengers to use the bus services with check-in and Wi-Fi facilities.

No wonder there has been a great response to Kiosk Check-in system. This system will help frequent flyers who travel between their office and the airport on a regular basis.Passengers can hope that Bangalore International Airport Limited will extend the facility on buses at other routes.

Wondering what time to leave for the airport?

Download the AirWhizz app and get real-time notifications on when to leave for the airport based on live traffic updates and status of your flight. Never miss a flight again and fly stress-free!

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