Techbytes Nov11

B4YOUBOARD App

The B4YOUBOARD mobile app is now available to users of Android phones, including the Samsung Charge, HTC Evo 3D and the Motorola Droid Bionic. HMSHost Corp. launched its B4YOUBOARD smartphone mobile app in May at JFK International Airport’s Delta Terminal 3. More recently, B4YOUBOARD landed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport’s Lindbergh Terminal. Now, travelers can use the B4YOUBOARD app on their Android or iPhone to order food and have it delivered directly at the gate while they wait for their flight; www.hmshost.com.

“Experience on call” App 

Recent improvements to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Facebook page increased the numbers of its fans and followers.  The LAX Facebook fan page, which first launched in April 2009, now has more than 28,300 fans. LAX operated two Facebook fan pages under two accounts – one under “Governmental” and the other under “Places”.  Fans did not have the option to “check-in” under the governmental fan page.  Now with one LAX primary page, fans and followers can now check-in, receive up-to-the-minute information on airport conditions, videos, photos, flight delay, and travel-related news; www.facebook/LAInternationalAirport.com.

iFlex Trial 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announces the successful completion of the first iFlex trial between Johannesburg and Atlanta. The iFlex concept provides for a greater and more flexible choice of routes on long-haul operations which cross multiple flight information regions to deliver shorter flight times, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced CO2 emissions while maintaining safety. With iFlex airlines will be able to fly more optimum routings that take maximum advantage of wind conditions; www.iata.org.

JetCharters.com App

JetCharters.com offers its web-based private jet services to mobile devices with its new applications for iPhone and Android powered devices. These apps are designed to connect the private flyer with ideal aircraft and operators for any trip. JetCharters.com applications make arranging private aviation easier by allowing travelers one-click access to aircraft near their current location. Using the “View Planes Near Me” feature, charter consumers can view planes in their general area no matter where they are; www.jetcharters.com.

OAG alerts

OAG alerts is a web-based system that eliminates the need to manually log into a database and search for specific changes. It is ideal for airline revenue management and network planners; airport route development and ground handling managers; and administrators in all sectors of the tourism industry, says the company. Now, OAG customers can easily define their automatic schedule change alerts by carrier, route or code share partnership, and amend their alert parameters as often as they choose; www.oagaviation.com.

OpsAir

Grey Wall Software LLC introduces OpsAir, an operations and incident management software service dedicated to the aviation sector including airlines, airports, and MRO’s. Using the latest in cloud-based web technology, OpsAir is the new idea in collaboration and management for time-critical aviation operations, according to the company. OpsAir digitizes real time interactive communication, decision-making, and task execution to provide aviation teams with the tool they need for everyday operations and management of unplanned incidents. OpsAir scales to every situation and requires no hardware or installation; www.opsair.com.

Real-time Tracking

Amadeus is working with SITA to empower Amadeus Altéa customers with real-time baggage tracking information and worldwide baggage reconciliation to passengers, while reducing the costs associated with mishandled baggage. BagMessage is a unique service used by more than 500 airlines and some 200 major airports. The result of the collaboration is a single, integrated environment which allows airlines to provide passengers with real-time status updates regarding the location of their baggage through multiple channels; www.amadeus.com.