Gatwick Airport Ltd. launch the AIRDAT VISA SmartPhone App
London, May 2017 — AIRDAT, a leading provider of systems, training and consultancy services to the aviation industry, this month announced the launch of its latest product — a smartphone audit and training app named VISA, developed in partnership with Gatwick Airport Ltd (GAL).
VISA adds to the growing number of products AIRDAT is developing to help drive higher compliance and safety levels and lower levels of incidents and accidents at some of the world’s busiest airports.
Charles Cardwell, Managing Director of AIRDAT, said: “We’ve partnered with Gatwick Airport for more than a decade to deliver solutions that improve efficiency without negatively impacting safety. The AIRDAT VISA SmartPhone App has been tailored to help GAL meet industry requirements, reduce management time and improve compliance and safety standards across the airport.
“The app was developed with busy airport workers in mind. It provides mobile access to all of their training, booking, points and eLearning information and is linked to the AIRDAT Passport Training Management system. This means users can utilise their existing credentials to login and manage their profiles on the go.”
Ian Chalk, Head of Environment, Health and Safety at Gatwick Airport has been working alongside AIRDAT on the project. Ian said: “We are excited to launch the AIRDAT VISA app. Our goal was to improve performance airside and to provide a central repository for the right level of information to help us achieve that.
“We want to make sure we’re as safe and compliant as we can be — and that those who share that duty with us, i.e., third parties, take this obligation as seriously as we do.
“In the digital age, with people used to working in real-time with everything to hand, I believe the app is going to be a real game changer. It looks simple, but there is a whole raft of complexity behind it. No one needs the complexity — they just want to be able to check someone’s training record, make a note on file or confirm training statuses.”
Although the app is still new to the airport, with both companies working closely to refine its performance, the future plan for AIRDAT VISA is to deliver further time- and cost-saving benefits to the wider airport community: offering real-time, accurate and transferable information on a platform that is accessible on all media.
AIRDAT VISA is available now for download via the App Store for iPhone and the Google Play Store for Android devices. Visit https://www.airdat.org/products/visa to learn more and see our new video.
Published by AIRDAT Tech Team on 02/05/2017
Manchester Airport keep contractors safe with AIRDAT Passport
Manchester Airport implement AIRDAT Passport to induct every contractor working on site.
Today AIRDAT Passport launches at Manchester Airport. The system will be used to induct some 5,000+ contractors who will be working around the airport over the next 12 months and onwards to deliver their £1bn transformation programme. It forms part of the groups Permit to Work process, and will leverage Passports existing integration with the Gemsoft P2W system. It means that contractors are able to register and train their team 24/7, with data being sent to the airports Permit to Work system automatically.
The new scheme provides a registration area for staff/managers to create profiles, then go on to complete the online eLearning contractor induction course. Once completed, training records are written to AIRDAT (that can be seen/verified by individuals, company managers and the airport) and data is passed to the Permit to Work system which validates individuals have the training they require, prior to being placed onto a work permit.
Over the coming months, further training will be added to the system, including ‘in person’ course management and additional eLearning content. Because eLearning courses can be created using a simple, intuitive cloud based platform (no need for local software or a tech team - just a browser and some inspiration) - subject matter experts can directly build, distribute and update courses in no time.
With the advent of AIRDAT VISA, the company's smartphone app which links with Passport, it will make individual training management and airport mobile audit at Manchester more accessible and transparent than ever.
Need to gain control of your airport training schemes? Let’s talk.
Published by AIRDAT Manchester Team on 03/04/2017
10 Promises we made to Luton
Back in April 2016 AIRDAT made 10 promises to Luton Airport and its community (https://www.airdat.org/news#Article43) focussed around improving the quality and experience of booking and attending airside training. So, how did we do?
1 - Enhance training materials - All training materials have been re-written and fully re-designed. Far clearer and more engaging, they now Include live action video and 3D models that help communicate out subject matter, all orchestrated by highly experienced trainers.
2 - Decrease the number of candidates attending each course - When we took over, training was delivered using a coach, with up to 18 people attending. We have reduced course size down to 12, allowing for more 1 on 1 time and a more comfortable training environment.
3 - Increase the number of available dates - Previously, training was once a week. With our full time resource, we tailor supply to demand, training every day of the week as the summer training schedule approaches. This ensures stakeholders have the choice they need and training does not delay a candidate being operationally ready.
4 - Online testing with every session - Previously, testing was performed on paper. Using the AIRDAT Passport system, and a bank of brand new touchscreen chromebooks, we provide a unique test for every person, with photos, video and language support, all stored and auditable.
5 - A new vehicle - For our sessions we use a new, dedicated, air conditioned training vehicle increasing comfort for participants.
6 - Produce and distribute ADP permits the same day - Using our secure card printing systems, we generate and distribute permits on the same day training is completed, removing the need to attend the ID centre separately.
7 - Provide 24hr online booking/reporting and management system - Access to the AIRDAT Passport System has been provided to all stakeholders, allowing them to manage bookings, training, eLearning, retraining, reporting and more - as well as maintain 100% compliance.
8 - Delivery of training through both e-Learning and onsite sessions - Using our integration with nimbleAuthor, training is delivered to the community both as online eLearning and through our ‘in person’ courses. This helps minimise classroom time (and cost) and allows access to materials 24/7
9 - Provide back office support via email, telephone and online ticketing system - Our friendly, helpful team are always happy to help, whichever way you prefer to get in touch!
10 - Simple, clear, consolidated monthly invoicing - We now issue just one invoice a month per company, covering all training, with multiple payment methods available, all itemised to make it easy to identify and match purchases.
In addition to these promises, we also invested in our own dedicated training facility. This took the pressure off existing airport facilities, allowed us to scale with demand and provides a very comfortable & spacious area for candidates, enhancing the learning environment.
We also created combined medical courses for further convenience and we continue to work at enhancing the experience for those managing and attending this training.
If you’d like to let us know how we can do things better, we want to hear from you! Please email the team at help@airdat.org and we will do our very best to help you out.
Thank you to all of the Luton community who have been so supportive during this time, in particular Operations, NATS, Signature the Fire Service and of course our customers, it’s a pleasure working with you!
Published by LTN Training Team on 22/02/2017
AIRDAT Joins the The Airport Operators Association (AOA)
AIRDAT has now joined The Airport Operators Association as an associate member. Founded in 1934, the AOA is the national voice of uk airports, a trade association representing the interests of uk airports, and the principal such body engaging with the uk government and regulatory authorities on airport matters.
The AOA’s members include over 50 airports and more than 150 Associate Members, made up of companies representing a wide range of suppliers in the aviation industry. Working on behalf of these members, the AOA’s mission is to influence governments, regulators and opinion formers at national and international level, in order to secure the policy outcomes that will deliver its vision. This includes playing a leading role in security, economic development, operations and safety and environmental sustainability issues.
AIRDAT is looking forward to supporting events such as the airport safety week, which runs between 8th and the 14th May this year. We are also looking forward to meeting with the other members throughout the year.
Published by Charles Cardwell on 21/02/2017
AIRDAT Support Contractor Induction Training at Gatwick
Big projects require smart solutions.
Gatwick's 2016 Capital Investment Programme plans to invest £1.2 billion over the next five years through to 2021, with £222 million planned to be invested in 2016/17 alone. Supporting the the contractors selected for this work is the job of the Gatwick Contractor Support centre (CSC).
The nimble, dedicated team lead by Damian Wells, work hard to ensure that those operating or looking to operate at the airport are provided with access to everything they need, in order to deliver projects on time and on budget and (most importantly) safely and without impact to the operation.
Part of that remit is providing suitable induction training, and with nearly 5,000 people currently going through this training each year, it’s a significant amount of work.
As the overall demand for this training grew (aligned to the projects occurring around the airport), the CSC needed a support solution that could flex with these requirements, to ensure operations were not impacted.
With AIRDAT already providing systems to the CSC (enabling them to automate training booking, testing, record keeping, and associated billing) - as well as an aviation training specialist, the decision to provide training support was clear.
In January 2017, AIRDAT began providing the venue, equipment and trainers to aid with the surge in demand, supplying nearly 1,500 induction spaces through to February, with support during March now confirmed too.
This means that average wait times for those companies requiring induction courses have been reduced to just 3-4 working days, with the ability for the airport to scale up with further capacity (or down) as and when required.
If you are a company that requires induction training at Gatwick, you can book your training online 24/7 through the Passport system - here
If you’re an airport looking for similar systems or training solutions (large or small - eLearning or in person), we would love to hear from you, so please contact us
Published by AIRDAT Training Team on 15/02/2017
Link AIRDAT Passport with SPLUNK for real time skills resource intelligence
Gatwick connects SPLUNK with AIRDAT Passport to gain visibility of airside handling agent resources in real time.
Every now and then, someone comes up with a great idea to make data even more useful. That someone this time round is the Gatwick Airport Commercial team.
They decided to reference AIRDAT’s Passport database which holds the communities airside training records (from drivers to headset operators), and combine this with data from the airside swipe access points.
These live data feeds were then interpreted using SPLUNK, the airports chosen Operational Intelligence software.
The result is the ability to know the resources and associated skills available at any one point in time. In addition to helping monitor handler SLA’s, when this data is combined with further feeds (such as live flight data) it enables greater refinement of Gatwick's ACDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) algorithms.
Would this level of visability be useful to your airport or organisation? It’s easier than you think. Contact us to find out more.
Published by AIRDAT Development Team on 13/02/2017
Book ADP Medicals & Training in one at Luton using AIRDAT.
One booking, one venue, one invoice - nice one!
Booking training courses and medical checks has never been the most satisfying task in the world. It usually involves several calls back and forth to each provider and those attending to make sure everything comes together, then ensuring that those people are booked out of the operation and have transport to the various different venues…. Oh and of course sorting payment, which may mean supplier forms and PO’s…. Painful!
Let us save you some hassle. You can now book combined medical and Airside Driving Permit courses at London Luton airport, through the AIRDAT Passport system 24/7. No calls (unless you’d like to talk to us!), no messing with calendars and back and forth, just click to book and we will sort your medical and your ADP training in one shot.
Login now to secure your booking - https://passport-ltn.airdat.org/
Published by The LTN Team on 10/02/2017
MADP Prerequisite Course Launches at Luton Airport
Today AIRDAT launch the LTN MADP Prerequisite eLearning course on Passport. Built on behalf of London Luton Airport, the content covers the theory basics of the MADP. It helps ensure those attending have an understanding prior to attending, improves audit, helps reduce time required in the classroom and allows those on shift to access material 24/7.
The Passport System will only let those who have completed and passed the online assessment, book the full training, so please make sure you have completed this prior to looking for the MADP sessions!
Published by Chris Harvey on 09/02/2017
ADP Maintenance of Competency Course Launches at Luton Airport
Today AIRDAT launch the 'ADP Maintenance of competency' eLearning course on the Passport system, on behalf of London Luton Airport. The course is designed to keep drivers up to date with any infrastructure, regulatory or local changes during the 3 yr validity of their Airside Driving Permit. It also provides focus on key safety issues being raised at the time and those core principles that we should never forget.
The course should be taken every 12 months following the issue of your ADP permit, so please check your permit at the next opportunity or head to https://passport-ltn.airdat.org/
Published by Chris Harvey on 08/02/2017
AIRDAT welcome Melbourne Airport
After a rigorous process, Melbourne Airport has selected and subsequently launched AIRDAT Passport and AIRDAT Onboard successfully to their community.
The systems will dramatically reduce the amount of administration involved with airside operator and vehicle licensing, as well as management of airside training for staff - whilst improving record keeping and compliance standards. Melbourne also invested in some specific integration to streamline existing processes, including online card payment processing with ADVAM, eLearning integration with Learning Seat and Learn Connect and a paperless invoicing system that eliminates the need for manual generation of invoices following service provision.
Close to 2,000 members of the Melbourne community have registered for the online services so far, with the remainder expected to be on the system by the end of February.
Melbourne will soon open access to eLearning and ‘in person’ booking areas, as well as the ability for companies to begin applications for their vehicle permits.
The system provides the following key benefits to the community and the airport:
- 24/7 Booking and application function
- Company administrator management area
- Details stored for repeated use (no need to re-enter)
- Advanced reminder notification of re-training/re-permit
- All communications consolidated
- PINS management
- Automated course invoicing
- Full audit capability
- Permit generation
- Online testing
- Consolidated profile for all training (eLearning, In person, practical and time based)
With the launch of AIRDAT’s mobile smartphone application ‘VISA’ in March which will allow staff to manage all of their training, as well as perform mobile audits via a secure QR scan – the solution ensures that CASA requirements are met, management time is reduced and compliance and safety standards are improved across the airport.
The project was delivered on time and on budget by AIRDAT, and led from Melbourne Airports side by Project Manager Mora Kim, who stated ‘The AIRDAT systems will drive greater CASA compliance for Melbourne whilst improving the internal & external training experience. It will provide a single source of truth and help to reduce the operational cost to all parties.’
Charles Cardwell, AIRDAT’s Managing Director who managed the project delivery and attended on site during the roll out commended the company's UK
development team who ‘worked around the clock to ensure the timeline Melbourne required was met without compromising the quality of the end product’ He went on to say ‘We fostered a fantastic working relationship with the Project Team at Melbourne. An immense amount of hard work went into the delivery of this project from both sides, we could not have achieved it without that strong team mentality and support throughout. We look forward to maintaining this as we expand the roll out of services’
AIRDAT provide systems and services that improve safety and compliance standards, minimise accidents and incidents, and streamline processes to reduce operational costs. More information can be found at www.airdat.org
Published by Charles Cardwell on 07/02/2017
Login Changes
Our UK customers may have noticed a new screen today when they log in, where they need to 'Choose an airport'. This is so we can improve the experience and speed of the system, tailor the process for our customers and ensure airports can leverage information in ACDM and and other Operational Intelligence Information systems.
If you only operate/use AIRDAT a one airport, you can bookmark the page you need (information on how to do this can be found here. If you work at multiple sites, the new page allows you to jump between them quickly.
If you need any help, just contact the team at help@airdat.org or 01227 2000 66.
Published by Login Changes on 06/02/2017
New Brand. New Site. New Services.
It's a little over 10 years since AIRDAT launched their first product to the world. A lot has changed over that time. The great thing for our customers is, we've changed too. Next week, AIRDAT launches its new brand, site and eagerly awaited update to its assurance & fleet management system 'Onboard'.
In addition to a shiny new logo, the website has been updated too. Fully responsive, the beautiful new design isn't just about the cosmetics. Everything has been streamlined to get you the info you need, fast.
Our online products have been renamed too. The old three letter acronyms TMS and AOL, now become Passport and Onboard.
Whilst Passport gets a new streamlined registration process, Onboard has been re-designed from the ground up. New features, quicker applications, streamlined processes, everything tweaked and assessed to make sure you can get your tasks completed with the minimum fuss, time and effort.
For those that are with us already, enjoy your free upgrades! For those whose 9 to 5 seems to extend to 6 to 10 - why not come and join us?
If you'd like to know more about the forthcoming updates and how they may affect you, you can contact the team via help@airdat.org, or +44 (0) 1227 200066.
Published by The AIRDAT Systems Team on 22/06/2016
New Insurance Requirements for Gatwick Airport
With effect from the 1/1/2017 the required cover in respect of AVN52 will be £50,000,000.
A dispensation period has been given between now and the 31st of December 2016 for Companies that have $50,000,000 already in place. This dispensation period will end on the 31st of December 2016 and relevant Companies will be expected to have the new required cover in place from the 1st of January 2017.
Note: Companies working for Gatwick Airport Limited on Gatwick Airport Limited construction projects only will not need to evidence this cover. Companies working for Gatwick Airport Limited (non construction works) must continue to have £5,000,000 in effect in relation to AVN52.
Please refer to the supporting document attached for more details.
GAL Airside Insurance Decision Map.pdf - 23.pdf
Published by AirDAT AOL Team on 15/04/2016
Struggling to get your airport training schemes and operator licensing in order? We can help.
There are so many elements to consider when looking to effectively manage even the smallest training scheme or Airside/Vehicle operator programme.
People, companies, trainers, penalty schemes, defects, documents, stakeholders, permits, training material, rooms, competency, assessments, audit… the list goes on and on.
In the past, using file boxes, an excel spreadsheet and a bit of luck might have cut it. But with increasing staff numbers, more complex requirements, higher targets and tighter control, something a little more robust is required.
The great news is, AirDAT have the online software products and expertise to help bring things under control, and keep them that way.
Why not check out our latest video here – then get in touch via help@airdat.org or 01227 2000 66.
Published by AirDAT Systems Team on 22/02/2016
AirDAT commit to increased support for Growing London Luton Airport
In November 2015 AirDAT was awarded the contract to deliver all onsite Airside Driver, Manoeuvring Area, Free Ranging and Runway training to the community at London Luton Airport, as well as the online systems to support this.
Since that point, the team have been covering interim training requirements, re-writing material, collecting training assets, purchasing equipment and configuring systems to accommodate the new scheme, and are on track to push out re-worked elements from April 2016 onwards.
What has been made clear in the few months of interim cover, is that there is a higher level of demand for this training, most likely on account of the record growth and huge scale of works (£110 million) going on at the airport to help improve the passenger experience and increase capacity to 18 million passengers (a 50% increase on numbers currently enjoyed)
In order to ensure supply meets demand for the future, AirDAT have committed to a full time resource on site at Luton, and in addition are looking to source their own training venue to take pressure off the already oversubscribed training centre which caters for the existing courses.
This means we will be able to offer courses every day of the week and cover the increased demand in the run up to the summer schedule. Once implemented, AirDAT will have 3 trainers covering these requirements and in addition will provide:
• Enhance training materials - Including live action video and 3D modelling that will help communicate out subject matter, orchestrated by highly experienced trainers
• Decrease the number of candidates attending each course for more 1 on 1 time and a more comfortable training environment.
• Increase the number of available dates to ensure stakeholders have the choice they need and training does not delay a candidate being operationally ready.
• Online testing with every session. A unique test for every person, with photos, video and language support, all stored and auditable.
• A dedicated, air conditioned training vehicle increasing comfort for participants
• Produce and distribute ADP permits the same day as training is completed, removing the need to attend the ID centre separately.
• Provide 24hr online booking/reporting and management system to all stakeholders, helping you to maintain 100% compliance.
• Delivery of training through both e-Learning and onsite sessions.
• Provide back office support via email, telephone and online ticketing system with our friendly, helpful team.
• Simple, clear, consolidated monthly invoicing for all your training, with multiple payment methods.
All these improvements and changes will be rolled out over the coming months and we are looking forward to welcoming you.
If you have any questions, queries or suggestions in the meantime, please do contact us via help@airdat.org or 01227 2000 66.
Published by The AirDAT LTN Team on 18/02/2016
AirDAT launches eLearning. Author, Distribute, Launch & Track…. from anywhere.
Today, AirDAT launches its newest feature, online eLearning. The new functionality will allow airports, businesses and their trainers to quickly and easily create online course material, using a very (very) simple online eLearning authoring tool called nimble®Author.
Want to know what the two clocks in the picture are about? Watch our video here!
Once completed, distribution can be targeted to relevant candidates, based on airport, company or even qualifications.
Candidates can learn at their own pace, studying anywhere, anytime and minimising wasted travel costs and time. Once successfully completed, training records are written straight to AirDAT and permits/certificates/ reports can be generated as required. As AirDAT’s TMS already records and manages traditional ‘in person’ training, time/competency based qualifications, practical exercises and online tests – you can now have everything you need, all in one place.
Put together by Gatwick Airport, our introductory course ‘Annual Fire Training’ is available now for existing AirDAT users following login, in the ‘My Details’ area. For new users, access is just a short registration away.
Our thanks go out to the team at nimble® for making this integration possible and for their continual development of simply the best cloud based eLearning authoring tool on the market.
Want to build your own courses and revolutionise your training schemes? Lets talk.
Published by The AirDAT Tech Team on 05/11/2015
How to save money, the environment….and lives.
Its not often an idea comes along where everyone benefits, so when it does, you need to shout about it.
For quite some time, on completion of Fire Training, Gatwick Airport have issued out small paper cards that detail important information such as emergency telephone numbers, assembly points and how to respond to an incident.
Helpful as they were, the documents were easily lost or torn, came with a fairly hefty annual print bill, and lets not talk about the number of trees required in the process! In addition to all of this, with development at the airport moving at breakneck speed, much of the information became out-dated not long after issue.
A solution was required, and Gatwick responded. The EHS information has now been moved to an online, responsive website. Perfect for those on the move with a smart phone, the site delivers all the content you need 24/7 and always fully up to date.
Access the site on a desktop and if you still want a printed version to carry, you can generate one from here (even with fold guides!)
The new site will save
• Money that will be re-invested in other health and safety initiatives
• The environment through zero print consumables
• And with it’s up to the minute accurate information, possibly lives too!
To view the new site, head to www.gatwickvisa.com Want to achieve the same? Contact us and let our team help you out.
Published by The AirDAT Tech Team on 27/10/2015
We are hosting an EASA Auditing in Aviation Course
AirDAT will be hosting a 2 day training course on auditing in aviation at the Sofitel Hotel, Gatwick on the 9th and 10th of November.
To book spaces on this course please follow this link. Further details on the course can be found below but if there is anything else you need to know please contact the team at info@airdat.org
Auditing in Aviation
Audits are of increasing importance for aerodromes and authorities when it comes to implementing management systems. They are an essential tool for identifying and developing potential improvements as part of the continuous improvement process, particularly with regards to the required enhancement of quality and safety management systems.
The focus of this training course is on the basic principles of auditing, audit procedures and techniques. This enables the participants to conduct audits in their own organization or to prepare for an upcoming audit (e.g. by an authority or external organization). The audit criteria could be safety, quality or environmental aspects at aerodromes.
The participants have the possibility to practice what they have learnt in exercises including topics of particular practical relevance.
Target Audience
This 2-day course course is intended for beginners in auditing, for example, responsible for auditing operational processes or external companies as part of the safety management system. This course also addresses authority personnel responsible for auditing companies as part of the certification and oversight process (e.g. as required by EASA regulations for aerodrome authorities).
Meet your trainers:
Jan Walther: Mr Walther is an aviation consultant and project engineer with extensive expertise in airport operations, apron management services, ground handling, safety management systems for aerodromes and state safety management in Germany as well as auditing of safety management systems.
Wolfgang Jöres: On the basis of his commercial pilot license and his engineering degree, Mr Jöres has been working in aviation for more than 30 years, mainly in leadership positions. In his diverse positions Mr Jöres acquired an in-depth knowledge of operational, technical, economic, and regulatory aspects in aviation, e.g. modification of aircraft, special mission operations, and airspace infrastructure. Today he acts as an aviation consultant for special mission operators, and as an aerospace auditor.
Course Content
Management systems and derivation of auditing basics
- Audit objectives based on quality management and in particular referring to safety management systems
- Planning and preparing of audits
- Definition of audit criteria
- Conducting the audit
- Analysis and evaluation of audits
- Tracking of identified correction measures and their effectiveness
Additional topics include:
- Auditor competences
- Questioning techniques and communication as well as social soft skills
At just £859 for the two days including all materials, refreshments and lunch, it offers superb value. In addition, we have also secured exclusive rates on parking and accommodation with Sofitel, details of which can be found on the booking form
Published by Training Team on 07/09/2015
Need to identify incident hotspots? Just click with AirDAT
Identifying and reporting on key incident areas has always been a fairly arduous, inaccurate process. Ten people will describe the same place in ten different ways, meaning that when you come to generate a report on problem areas, they no longer help identify key areas of concern.
Well, no more. AirDAT has taken the time to integrate their points management system with Google maps. This means that when recording an offence/incident, you open up a map of the airfield and simply click to identify the location.
In the background, your reports begin to write themselves. We overlay the reported issues using a heat map, against a satellite image of your airfield. Compare by overall, scheme or company (with options for many other comparisons, such as time of day or by specific incident type). Visualise your data live, and secure a greater understanding of what is happening on the airfield and where.
Still reporting using text and spread sheets? It’s the 21st Century! Come and join us, and make your life easier.
Published by System Team on 14/07/2015
How to make your airside drivers 2.5 times better
The figures are in and it is official. We were asked to run a comparison of those involved in incidents/accidents where points were issued. This was to be referenced against those trained by/using the AirDAT system and those who were not.
The results were astounding. In a community where we cover around 75-80% of total drivers, those we did not train/manage accounted for 71% of all the points offences issued.
We all know there are lies, damned lies and statistics, but whichever way you look at it, these figures are pretty definitive.
If you want a safer operation with less incidents and greater levels of compliance, use AirDAT.
Published by Training & System Team on 13/07/2015
New AirDAT Training Management System goes live!
AirDAT’s training management system is 10 years old. From humble beginnings, offering just the ability to run a single online test, the system has grown with the industry and the requests and demands placed upon it.
It now provides services to over 20,000 users from nearly 1,700 companies. Some time ago, we realised that the way people were using the system and what they wanted to do with it was changing. We had a choice of either sitting still and working within the confines of what we had, or investing to keep AirDAT TMS the leader in its field. Being who we are, we went with option 2, the results of which have been put live to all our customers today, for free.
A beautiful, modern responsive flat design has been applied to the site, and a full, well thought out adjustment of key features and functions to make the system even more intuitive.
In addition, the site has been re-coded from the ground up and now resides on our new private cloud infrastructure. In plain English – performance has been massively improved and capacity for expansion is managed. This means that as a user, you have more functions and the site is now quicker and easier to use… as a person, it means you may have time for that sandwich today.
Want to make your life easier? Contact us to find out how AirDAT can streamline any airport training scheme and improve standards.
Published by System Team on 08/07/2015
London Luton Airport comes online with AirDAT's Training Management System
London Luton Airport are now using the AirDAT Training Management System, allowing stakeholders to book, manage and track all Airside Driving Permit training for airside road and aprons.
Because of increasing demand as the airport enjoys growth figures of over 18% compared to last year, the airport required a system that would minimise the impact on airport assets and resources when running such schemes.
The change means that stakeholders now have 24/7 access to organise their training, with clear visibility of supply, months ahead. It also provides the airport with a complete database of training and the ability to manage points schemes & verify training records whilst out and about.
In the months ahead, the system will be tasked with other training courses, such as MADP and Runway, and use of the tools on the system expanded to help minimise administration, keeping trainer focus on content delivery, in turn helping to increase the standard of operation around the airport.
AirDAT are also supplying on site trainers to cover this requirement, further reducing the demand on Luton resources and allowing the airport teams to focus on their core roles.
If you would like to streamline any training schemes at your airport (landside or airside) – please contact us, and we can show you how we can help.
Published by Systems & Training Team on 07/07/2015
European Aviation Safety Agency - EASA, Does your company comply?
EASA - Are you compliant? – AirDAT Can Help You.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been set up to act as the new regulatory system in Europe and a partner for equivalent authorities worldwide. EASA has been established to champion the highest common standards of safety and environmental protection in the civil aviation industry.
This means some of the CAA's existing processes and protocols will change. Are you compliant?
Contact AirDAT (help@airdat.org) for our invaluable and cost effective consultancy services.
EASA - Are you compliant? – AirDAT Can Help You
Published by International Team on 17/04/2015
UAE set to be busiest air corridor in world by 2020
Capa says 170m passengers to pass through UAE airports over the next 5 years.
The UAE aviation sector will witness strong growth over the next five years as passenger traffic is poised to jump by nearly 70 per cent, making UAE the biggest aviation hub in the world.
According to a forecast by aviation think-tank Capa, UAE passenger traffic is expected to jump from over 101 million in 2014 to 160-170 million per annum by 2020, making the UAE the world’s busiest airport system.
Thanks to strong expansion of the local carriers Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways, UAE airports have been expanding their capacities to accommodate the growing inflow of passengers.
Dubai International handled record 70.5 million passengers last year, becoming the largest airport by international passengers worldwide.
It expects to reach 79 million this year.
Capa reckons that Dubai’s two airports – Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airport – will handle between 98.5 million to 103.5 million passengers by 2020.
As an aviation hub, Dubai has already surpassed some traditional hubs like Amsterdam, Singapore or Hong Kong and us set to rival the largest international markets such as Tokyo, London, New York and Paris which handle more than 100 million passengers or more per year across multiple airports.
The two airports are also expected to overtake Atlanta and Beijing by 2020, making it the biggest aviation hub in the world.
According to ACI World figures for 2013, London was the world’s largest airport system by passenger traffic, handling 139.7m passengers followed by New York (112.16m) and Tokyo (104.6m).
Dubai Airports CEO Richard Griffiths recently said Dubai Airports will start to approach its natural passenger capacity limits as traffic exceeds 90 million passengers per annum.
The emirate is investing $32 billion (Dh117.44 billion) in the second stage developments of its Al Maktoum International Airport and the related Dubai World Central aerotropolis projects.
Dubai was followed by Ab Dhabi with just under 20 million passengers passing through the airport last year.
Capa sees Abu Dhabi passenger traffic to grow at the fastest pace compared to other airports in the UAE, expanding 50 per cent over the next three years to reach 30 million per annum by 2017 and 40 million by 2020.
Sharjah also rode high on the back of low-cost carrier Air Arabia, receiving 9.5 million in 2014 – an increase of over 12 per cent year-on-year.
These numbers, according to Capa, are expected to reach 16 million by 2020 and 25 million per annum within 20 years – thanks fast growing Air Arabia, opening a new runway, taxiway and air traffic control facility which are enough to handle its needs for the next 15 years.
Published by International Team on 02/03/2015
AirDAT offers Airside Driving Risk Assessment Refresher product
Things change quickly in aviation. With the huge amount of investment we have experienced in recent years from airports as they struggle to keep up with demand and make improvements to appeal to an ever growing, selective market, the airside environment can change drastically from one day to the next.
Add to this changes in regulation, operation and possibly the very services your company is delivering, and very soon the risk assessment that was in place to cover your operation at a particular airport, can become out of date.
AirDAT have provided Airside Driving Risk Assessment consultancy services to companies for several years, and these are usually taken up by those companies who are new to the environment, would like to expand their understanding, or are time limited when it comes to the preparation of this important document – especially when it is related to an application to operate airside.
With this in mind, AirDAT have now created a Risk Assessment refresher product, that is available to those customers who have previously utilised our consultancy services.
Our team will work with you (or your new Managers) to work through your existing documentation and highlight the changes that have occurred since it was last reviewed. The slightly shorter process than the initial meeting is reflected in the pricing that is offered at £200.
If it is time to renew your operators licence, or if your assessment requires a periodic update, the Airside Driving Risk Assessment Refresher service is for you. If you are a new company to aviation or require a full initial consultation, we can still provide these at the same competitive rate of £350.
To make a booking, please contact the team.
Published by New products team on 12/02/2015
Dubai is now officially home the world’s busiest international airport
Dubai likes to do things big. Now the city in the United Arab Emirates with the world's largest mall and the world's tallest building can add world’s busiest international airport to its list of superlatives.
According to data from Airports Council International, Dubai officially now surpassed London's Heathrow for international passenger traffic.
Almost 69 million passengers passed through Dubai International Airport over the 12 months ending in September of 2014, compared with 67.8 million at Heathrow. By 2020, Dubai authorities expect that figure to increase to 98.5 million passengers.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport still holds the world record for overall airline passengers, at over 72 million a year.
But Dubai’s passenger growth has been meteoric, if you consider that in 2007, only 34.3 million passengers passed through the airport.
Much of the increase can be attributed to Dubai’s thriving economy and the city becoming a growing tourist destination, with attractions such as indoor ski slopes, international sporting events, and the world’s tallest building and biggest mall. It was the fifth most visited city in 2014, closely behind London and Paris and ahead of New York.
As if that's not big enough for you, the UAE recently announced plans to allot $32 billion to expand Al Maktoum –the second airport south of the city, which will be able to handle 120 million passengers –making that the busiest airport in the world when completed in 2022.
Published by International news team on 12/01/2015
Happy Christmas - AirDAT’s gift to you? Time. You're welcome!
We are nearly there. UK airports are already bustling with the estimated 6 million of us that will spend Christmas abroad and the pressure is on to ensure that the second busiest season for the industry goes without a hitch.
Being part of that operation can be stressful. Making sure you have the right person in the right place at the right time with the right training without fail, can be logistical nightmare.
Just in time for Christmas, AirDAT deliver another present to our customers. A completely new Training Management System. With over 200 new features, our team spent hours looking at every detail of the old system to see if, and how, it could be improved. Our developers sat in on numerous training sessions, evaluating where time could be saved from registration, to instruction, assessment, permit issue and feedback, and the results of the adjustments are overwhelming.
Because registration has been simplified and we have minimised the information required, the validation sequence for assessments has been shortened, the test system has been streamlined and there is no need to run multiple systems for photo and permit generation, trainers are saving a huge amount of time on the administrative aspects of delivering out training.
In addition, when planning and organising courses, the new system automatically calculates which rooms and which trainers can be utilised (no more thumbing through different calendars) and it helps those looking to book a course by filtering and organising bookings, simplifying the process and meaning company managers can sort out their requirements in a fraction of the time.
So for Christmas 2014 - AirDAT’s gift to you - time! What more could you ask for?
Published by Dave Perry, AirDAT Training Director on 19/12/2014
Looks, brains, support and character - AirDAT is your perfect partner!
Today, AirDAT launched its new Training Management System. After an 18 month upgrade project, the new site was released during early hours of the morning and promises a bright future for users, the industry and the company.
A completely new build from the ground up, the system uses the latest, most secure technology, and has been moved to a cloud platform to ensure that delivery of service remains flawless for our customers, regardless of the pressure placed on it.
With a completely new design to the brochure site, and a further re-design of the logged in areas coming in the beginning of 2015, the system projects an extremely modern feel. But as we know, it’s not all about looks - it’s what’s inside that counts! With over 200 new features and upgrades for customers, from the ability to generate dynamic permits and certificates from within the software (no need for 3rd party tools now) - to a new skills management area that monitors competencies required against those held, there is plenty to shout about.
As you would expect, every detail of the design has been considered so that use of the system remains intuitive and there is no need for hours of training. Of course, the support team are there for anyone that may need a bit of guidance, and with a 24hr call centre and ticketed email support, you can be sure if you do have a question, it will be answered by our friendly team in no time.
AirDAT Managing Director, Charles Cardwell commented ‘This is a landmark moment for AirDAT. The new TMS system places us in a fantastic position for 2015. There really isn’t anything else out there that delivers the quality and range of features that TMS does, and in such an effortless manner.’
Clearly enthused about what has been created by the designers and developers over the last 18 months, he went on to comment ‘We are constantly improving. With a full re-design of the logged in areas of the site coming at the beginning of the year, the ability to author, disseminate and deliver eLearning courses and a mobile app coming in 2015, it is going to be a fantastic year for the company. We are looking forward to keeping those smiles on our customers faces’
If you would like a demonstration for the new product, there is no time like the present. Contact the team now, and we can get you up and running!
Published by Rupert Willis, AirDAT Business Manager on 18/12/2014
New guidance around vehicle age and emissions at Gatwick
Do you need to know more details regarding the maximum age and emission standards for vehicles accessing Airside at Gatwick?
Please note the policies below:
Maximum Age and Emission Standards For Vehicles New to Airside
Applications for Permanent Airside Vehicle Permits for vehicles new to the airfield will only be considered for vehicles up to 10 years old ( all dates refer to date of manufacture) when compliant with the following standards:
The European Union (EU) has introduced engine design standards with the objective of reducing emissions from vehicles and equipment. Any new or replacement vehicles or equipment for use airside at Gatwick, if less than five years old, must meet or exceed Euro 4 standard. Any vehicle from five to ten years old must meet or exceed Euro 3 standard.
Maximum Age and Emission Standards for Existing Airside Vehicles and Equipment
This information relates to any vehicle or piece of equipment with access airside and holding permanent airside vehicle permits (AVP). Dates referred to are from the date of manufacture.
The maximum permitted age for diesel and petrol fuelled equipment is 11 years from the date of manufacture (not including re-manufacture) except where the following applies:
Where vehicles that are less than 3.5 tonnes Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) are fitted with abatement technology, including oxidation catalysts, continuously regenerating traps (diesel), three way catalysts (petrol) or particulate filters they are permitted to be used on the airfield for 15 years from the date of vehicle manufacture (not including re-manufacture). These vehicles must meet or exceed Euro 3 Emission standards as a minimum or the equivalent.
The maximum permitted age for diesel and petrol fuelled Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs), Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs), specialist vehicles, off-road equipment and airport plant where such vehicles are over 3.5 tonnes MAM and fitted with abatement technology, including oxidation catalysts, continuously regenerating traps (diesel), three way catalysts (petrol) or soot filters, is 20 years from the date of vehicle manufacture (not including re-manufacture) providing that such vehicles meet or exceed Euro 3 Emission standards as a minimum or an equivalent.
Alternatively fuelled vehicles such as Compressed Natural Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, electric vehicles, fuel cell or hybrid are subject to a 20 year age limit at whatever MAM.
Non powered equipment will not be subject to any restriction regarding maximum permitted age however all such equipment must be able to be and be maintained in a safe condition.
Operators that have vehicles or equipment that fall outside the above categories or who wish to operate re-manufactured vehicles or equipment should contact drivinglgw@gatwickairport.com for enquiries or advice and possible dispensation. Gatwick Airport Ltd seeks to identify less efficient vehicles and monitor their use airside. Dispensations, when given will be for a maximum one year period.
Certain vehicles and equipment used only in exceptional or essential circumstances and not required as part of the licence holders normal operation may be used for a period in excess of 20 years subject to agreement with Gatwick Airport Ltd Airside Operations. The absolute age limit shall be 25 years. Such vehicles must meet Euro 2 Emission Standards as a minimum or an equivalent. A temporary dispensation up to 3 months may be considered for operational requirements. Applies to Airport, Airlines or Aircraft Engineering Departments only.
Under exceptional circumstances where temporary replacement vehicles need to be used a waiver to these restrictions for a maximum period of three months may be permitted, subject to approval by Gatwick's Airside Operations Department.
Temporary Airside Vehicle Pass Applications
Applications for temporary vehicle passes (TAVP) are not subject to emission or age limits but must be fit for purpose with a current MOT where appropriate. Limits apply to the number of applications that may be made for temporary vehicle passes on an annual basis. Each company is limited to a quota of 10 TAVP per rolling annum. This means that one vehicle registration equals one TAVP quota. Each TAVP is valid for a period of 1 to 5 days, although there is a maximum of 25 days per quota / vehicle registration per rolling annum.
Published by AirDAT's LGW Team on 27/10/2014
Want to increase your vehicle quota at Gatwick?
Want to know how to apply to increase your vehicle quota, no problem. Just follow these simple steps:
Log back into your Airside Operators Licence application on our site
Head for the ‘Applications’ tab and view your application for Gatwick. Look for the ‘Request Vehicle Quota Increase’ Milestone. Select the ‘Request’ button.
Download, complete and forward the completed application form to request your increase.
If this is agreed you will be advised and the ID Centre will be informed of your new quota.
You may then make contact with the ID Centre to organise extra Airside Vehicle Passes (AVP’s).
Published by AirDAT's LGW Team on 22/10/2014
Heathrow's New Terminal 2.... It's open is it?
You know something has gone extremely well in aviation when there is little mention of it in the likes of the Daily Mail and the Sun.
The first champagne corks were popped open at a bar next to check-in as early as 8.30am at Heathrow's bright new Terminal 2 on Wednesday. But not, as a spokesman hurried over to point out, by airport management or staff. Caution, contingency planning and a thorough dose of public humility had marked the buildup to the opening of the £2.5bn terminal.
AirDAT are proud to be associated with facilitating this smooth opening, supplying staff working on behalf of Arup to deliver out stakeholder training to all those operating at the Queens Terminal, in a major training programme that began many months before the doors officially opened to the public.
The task was to deliver out familiarisation and technical training to nearly 20,000 individuals that covered every inch of the T2 operation, ensuring stakeholders knew where things were and how they operated from the moment the doors opened.
We received fantastic feedback, both from our partners at Arup, and from the Stakeholders that attended the training, and special thanks go out to Peter Clay, Narcisa Rodrigues and Simon Heath who headed up our presence at Heathrow.
At AirDAT, we love large scale challenges, so if your plans demand the type of response that was demonstrated here, resulting in clear, tangible results, please contact us.
Published by AirDAT's LHR Team on 09/01/2014