SINGAPORE, 5 NOVEMBER 2009 - Global Internet protocol (IP) networking solution provider H3C has implemented an advanced network infrastructure for the Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO).
HAECO, which maintains three hangars at Hong Kong International Airport, is leveraging the next generation data network to improve aircraft maintenance turnaround time. H3C’s network has also boosted its operational efficiency and allowed it to meet airlines’ strict service level agreements.
New network improves service and quality
The aeronautical engineering group is focused on providing comprehensive aeronautical engineering services to airlines and operators. Its new third hangar is equipped with a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure that is designed to facilitate efficient access to digitised maintenance material and engineers’ ERP systems. This third hangar became operational in September.
Benny Tse, assistant general manager of MIS department, HAECO, noted that the IT department has to manage a huge amount of information pertaining to aircraft operation and maintenance. These professionals search for a way to ensure timely access to the right information at the right time to the right user.
“An integrated network infrastructure that guarantees seamless interoperability across our overall network is crucial to our operational productivity and meeting our aircraft turnaround service and quality requirements,” said Tse.
Caters precisely to requirements
HAECO uses information technology (IT) for various tasks such as supporting and monitoring its aircraft inspection processes. Its goal is to speed up this process without compromising on quality or safety. H3C appeared to be the right provider as it could deliver a 10 gigabit ethernet (GE) solution promising high performance capabilities and growth potential. These solutions can support voice VLAN applications allowing HAECO to roll out a voice over IP (VoIP) solution in the near future.
HAECO engineers now rely on the advanced 10GE data network backbone to quickly access applications, manuals and engineering drawings. The company also intends to leverage the power over ethernet (PoE) ready hardware to plug-in and power additional devices directly from the LAN. With this capability, HAECO will be able to eliminate the need to run extra power cables throughout the hangar.
“The network infrastructure designed and built by H3C offers total interoperability and carrier grade reliability. The H3C switches installed throughout all three hangars deliver easy manageability and sufficient scalability for the next five years, with the whole system offering one of the highest price-to-performance ratios in the industry,” said Tse.
H3C ensures the smooth operation of the network through its Intelligent Management Centre (iMC). According to Davis Hui, general manager of H3C HK/Macau, the company succeeded in delivering seamless interoperability over the entire infrastructure. Its client can now run critical applications in all three hangars without latency or performance issues.
The new network infrastructure also supports all of the specialised aircraft maintenance applications for HAECO.
Tse added that this partnership has helped it set a new era of unparalleled performance, efficiency and safety.
