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Lufthansa Systems introduces new Aerodrome Mapping Database
High-precision data for airport moving map applicationsWith Lido/AMDB, Lufthansa Systems has developed a highly precise Aerodrome Mapping Database which enables the moving map application of the Onboard Airport Navigation System (OANS) of modern aircraft to generate airport maps which enhance the situational awareness of the flight crew during taxi operations. Lufthansa is the first customer for Lufthansa Systems’ Lido/AMDB. During taxi operations, pilots have to know what runway or taxiway they are on - especially at night or in poor weather this knowledge is important. Traditionally the cockpit crew acquires that information by looking out their windshield. Modern EFBs incorporate an airport moving map that displays an airport’s runways, taxiways and structures to help pilots identify and anticipate the airplane’s location on the surface. With GPS technology it is even possible to show pilots their actual position on the airport surface. Lido/AMDB from Lufthansa Systems is offered to airlines using an integrated Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) airport moving map application in their cockpit or an airport moving map application installed by the aircraft manufacturer. The highly accurate database describes the spatial layout of an airport. This includes the geometry of runways, taxiways or buildings as well as further information characterizing those items and their functions which are stored as so called attributes (e.g. surface type, name/object identifier, runway slope). With this data, pilots are supported during all weather conditions while using an airport map in the navigation display. In order to produce accurate airport data, the database is generated using geo-referenced satellite images. In these images, every point is linked to its real coordinates so it relates the coordinates of a GPS signal to the airport map. Only this way, the position of the aircraft can be displayed correctly in the chart. The image data is then being aligned and expanded with Lufthansa Systems’ own airport data extracted from the aeronautical information publications (AIP) and other sources. The production and revision process for Lido/AMDB meets the highest industry standards in terms of quality and process management. The airport coverage can be customized depending on the requirements of different fleets and applications. In the near future, Lufthansa Systems’ own Airport Moving Map application (Lido/AMM) will also be available for EFB class 2 and class 3. It will support the prevention of runway incursions, enabling flight crews to orient themselves during taxi operations. Lido/AMM will be integrated into the Lido/eRouteManual electronic navigation charts to smoothly and efficiently support cockpit work-flows.
NetLine SP: An attractive package for low-fare and regional airlines
Lufthansa Systems has recently launched NetLine SP - a package for operational planning and control specifically geared towards the needs of start-up, low-fare and regional airlines. Their resources are usually limited, so they need cost-efficient products with a fast implementation and professional service. NetLine SP – short for NetLine Service Providing – is a good example of Lufthansa Systems’ successful strategy to closely observe the market, detect airlines’ requirements early and provide them with products that deliver added value. NetLine SP can reduce airline IT operating costs in this field by up to 30 percent compared to operation the solution in-house. That means a quick return on investment. The new product combines the NetLine operational planning and control solution with hosting in the Lufthansa Systems data center. Airlines benefit from a low investment and a short amortization period. The package comprises the proven planning solutions NetLine/Sched for medium and short-term flight scheduling, NetLine/Crew for crew management and NetLine/Ops for operations control and covers all key processes of airline operations. If desired, an airline can select additional modules including maintenance control or slot management, or special services such as project support or user training. The airline therefore gets full service, while costs remain low and billing is transparent. Therefore these customers can apply their limited resources to their core business. NetLine SP also offers short implementation times of between one to six months after contract signature, depending on the airline’s level of preparation. The carrier can therefore use the systems soon and profit from the advantages early. Besides these advantages NetLine SP comes with a professional and fast customer service. And if the carrier grows, NetLine SP has the capacity to accommodate more aircraft, more flights and more passengers. Carriers also benefit from the fact that implementation, hosting, training and support are provided from one source, which reduces complexity. NetLine SP is an idea coming at the right time for airlines looking for new ways to enhance their efficiency. Lufthansa Systems has the industry experience to understand their needs – and to transform them into innovations airlines can really use.
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