Sometimes a bit of an enigma, InTheAirNet’s, Michael Rogerson told IFExpress at the latest APEX meeting in Seattle that ITAN was in the process of developing a few new tricks, “There are too many vendors chasing the same market.” As the interview went on, it was obvious that the ITAN team was thinking ‘outside the box’ and when we got our interview material for the latest “Single-Aisle Solution” we were sure they they were on to something – it ain’t your standard IFE! For starters, it uses an Android-based OS, extolls the virtues of passenger centricity, and features an innovative PCU, but from there the system is unique… even the nomenclature is an eye-opener. IFExpress readers, you had better read this one. Let’s start at the beginning. IFExpress asked a few questions to get the ball rolling:

Q: Please breifly describe the ITAN single-aisle system (and options)for our readers.
A: InTheAirNet has developed an unprecedented modular, scalable in-flight entertainment and communications system called THER – Transporting Home Experience Reliably. This connectivity platform allows customers to mix or match cabin class equipment, buy only the features they want, add capabilities seamlessly when desired, choose any communications pipe, and change it later if needed.

THER comes in four configurations:

Basic – A Flight Attendant Panel (FAP) controls entertainment content that is distributed, via a series of Aircraft Power Entertainment (APE) devices, down the length of the cabin. The APEs supply content to Passenger Entertainment Devices (PEDs), 15- or 22-inch bulkhead monitors and a Wireless Access Point (WAP). Passengers tether their PEDs to their seat’s USB port for charging and access to the aircraft’s music, data, video and movie offerings. Meanwhile, they use their PEDs to access email and Internet via the WAP.

Basic + – Builds upon the Basic system by adding an Aircraft Interface Module (AIM), which provides a single point of connection between aircraft keylines, ARINC-429 data busses and/or GPS data sources. The AIM gives the system all the information it needs to generate moving maps, and interfaces with aircraft passenger systems for reading light and attendant call functionality.

Basic ++ – Incorporates all of the elements of the Basic and Basic + systems, then adds a second Flight Attendant Panel (FAP) and provides each seat with a Passenger Control Unit (PCU). The PCU replaces the USB port, and offers the passenger a single interface point for connecting their smartphone or tablet device, listening to on-board audio through the headphone jack, and both control and status of passenger services, including reading light and attendant call. All while still ensuring that the passenger’s device is fully charged upon arrival.

Display – To the three above systems, InTheAirNet adds Aircraft Embedded Displays (AEDs) in 7- or 12-inch sizes. Compact and lightweight, the AED acts as a controller and video display unit for the passenger, and can be mounted in many different locations. Passengers control their experience through the projected capacitance touch screen interface. Running the Android OS, the AED has all the features of the latest smartphones and tablet devices.

Block Diagram

Q: What aircraft and which airlines have installed the system – or – has there been testing on bizjets and what results have been logged?
A: The complete THER system is in certification now, and the company will start sales activities the first quarter of 2012. Each of the modules will receive PMA to facilitate STCs on multiple aircraft.


Q: Can you describe a bit about the technology behind the ITAN solution and how and why it is better than the competition – installation ease, weight, image quality, seat centricity, etc.?
A: InTheAirNet’s competitors patch Android onto current heavy, expensive legacy systems. Our approach is different. Our completely new distributed, redundant network focuses on connecting passenger smart devices and eliminates the server-based, head-end centric reliance of the past. While it wirelessly delivers Internet and email applications, it saves the heavy bandwith lifting for a USB connection, which also keeps the passenger’s devices charged.

Q: Is this system offerable on Boeing and Airbus? Which aircraft?
A: The scalable InTheAirNet THER system fits all wide bodies, single-aisle and large business aircraft. Editor’s Note: We guess not.

Q: What makes your Android-based system different than your competitors?
A: 1) Our hardware is designed exclusively for the Android system.
2) The software is separated from the Android operating system.
3) Definitely, the system is easier to customize.
4) The THER system provides patented power features.
5) Our system is the lightest weight.
6) Importantly, it is scalable from single-aisle to wide-body aircraft.

Q: Our readers would be interested in weight per seat for various options.
A: The following figures are based on a 150-seat aircraft:
Basic – 300 pounds, or 2 pounds per seat
Basic + – 310 pounds, or 2.067 pounds per seat
Basic ++ – 335 pounds, or 2.23 pounds per seat
Display – 600 pounds, or 4 pounds per seat

Q: What options are available (screen size/quality, overhead monitor options, inseat video, user interface personalization, content service offerings, etc?
A: THER’s options include:
• Various screen sizes
o 7-inch
o 12-inch

15-inch embedded or surface mount displays (Mon15e.pdf, Mon15s.pdf)
• Single or double FAPs 

• Audio distribution

• MAP
• 32 gigabytes of storage space, expandable to one terabyte


Q: We understand you are using the Android OS, does this affect in any way the single aisle product? If so, can you advise links to apps or whatever or website for more introspection?
A: Map App, Content App and WiFi App – see the data sheets and/or website.
(WAP.pdf, PEG.pdf, PEC.pdf)

Q: Are there plans for a new A320neo product? 


A: No. Our scalable system fits both legacy and new assigned aircraft with the lightest, lowest-cost, most reliable system available to the market. (SDU.pdf)

Q: In summary, can you tell our readers a bit about your long term IFE goals and the future of single aisle IFE, and your philosophy on the design?
A: Android’s applications, like Apple’s, have opened up a new world of choices for personal enjoyment, as well as new smart device business applications on aircraft. In addition, for the IFEC market, it has allowed a whole new hardware architecture (APE assy.jpg, AIM assay.jpg) for cabin systems that also turns the business model upside down in today’s PED centric cabin.

InTheAirNet’s hardware approach brings an unprecedented reduction in cabin equipment prices. By focusing on the passenger PED, and featuring a blend of aircraft and personal media content, THER solves the cabin bandwidth issues present in all of today’s IFEC systems.

In the past, we have considered the ITAN hardware as more suited for bizjet applications but with the release of THER, we think they are ready for prime time. They really hit the ball out of the park on this one!

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