Seattle, Washington hosted this year’s IFE and content extravaganza and if you didn’t attend we hope to paint a summary picture for our readers in this edition and the next as well. Furthermore, we will cover many of the bigger stories in detail in the forthcoming months. Watch for show pictures on our website via Flickr. Lastly, we want to thank APEX and their management team for a great expo. Boeing, Panasonic, & Astronics for wonderful evening entertainment, and finally, all the vendors who pay for the show. You rock!
Speaking of trends, here are a few we noticed: Open Platform Apps, Ka Band Buzz, Connectivity – to satellites and the ground, Distributed cabin Wi-Fi to multiple platforms (iOS, Android and Windows), and Seat-Centric style Entertainment.
We wanted to highlight offerings and new developments from suppliers who invited us to drop by and check out their wares. This is the first of the two summary articles in no particular order:
KID-Systeme is back with a new logo and the next iteration of their seat power box installed in the Recaro economy seat bar. The module contains no fans and airline interest has recharged the system as it provided seat 25 watts for each seat and 150 watts of 110 AC power for portable devices. Rumor has it that they are looking at a big order approaching 100 A/C.
Rockwell Collins announced their dPaves 3 IFE system destined for single aisle (and twins too) as an inseat video system. Truly seat oriented, dPaves 3 is an upgrade path from previous editions and features solid state memory.
Lufthansa Systems and Virgin America rolled out their single aisle IFE system that features inseat screens/hardware (for Early Window and networked entertainment and TV) and Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11n) to passenger devices via an app. The device features 128GB SSD for content storage and is expected to grow.
Carlisle showed their newest fiber optic connector dubbed OCTAX for Ethernet and HD video. About the size of your little finger, OCTAX is a quad channel, round F.O. connector that sports a release pin and can deliver 10 gigabits per second, or higher. The Carlisle crew says it will have a home in data loaders, seat-to-seat connections and in IFE backbone deliveries.
Here’s a new name, Kontron, and we expect to hear a lot more from them. They acquired AP Avionics (Remember their modems and WAPS?) and we found out they are the hardware manufacturer for Lufthansa Systems new IFE product, Board Connect. Kontron is a German company with sales worldwide and are the builders of industrial computer and imbedded systems. This is an OEM to watch.
We were knocked out by the new AIRVOD IFE system. Chosen for 2 Omni Air B-777 aircraft, the system is equipped with a beautiful touchscreen and driven driven by a “lossy line” backbone with “seatcentric” architecture. Did we mention the Terrance Bonar had registered “seatcentric” as a trademarked term years back? When we asked about legal protection, Terrance quipped: “Why, other users of the term are advertising for AIRVOD.” Hmmmm! We should also mention that the Avianor seats used to demonstrate the hardware were beautiful and, surprisingly, they were refurbs. There were too many features of this system to mention here but we will follow up later.
Thales showed some beautiful IFE hardware that we will cover in a later article. The displayed a terrific Bucher inseat video arm used in the Thales Integrated Front Row IFE system that can accommodate a video display up to 12.1 in. Dave Pook took IFExpress thru their moving map display program and demonstrated integration with GeoRadio, the audio entertainment software that “tells” viewers about the points of interest below, triggered by GPS data. Of interesting note was Boeing’s cancellation of a live demonstration of the Thales GateSync product. This is a valuable development for aircraft data handling and we are hoping for an eventual update to report to out readers.
The TriaGnoSys team rolled out their connectivity development (in conjunction with Siemens) called IFEConneX. You will hear more about this one box wonder from us but it delivers media content and inflight connectivity to passengers during flights via a ‘leaky line’ technology and looks ideal for non-IFE equipped planes like business jets. By incorporating both connectivity and entertainment in one box.
The IMS RAVE and EDGE products were smart and worked like a UI should. We liked the commonality across their product line and how simple and effective the swipe technology is for IFE. By the way, the Samsung Galaxy tablet product for American Airlines looked great.
As an aside, John White asked us to mention that the Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle is construction a new $300 million dollar building at their South Seattle location and have verbally committed to an IFE wing. It seems the museum brass was really impressed with the industry offer of legacy and historic IFE hardware for their museum (The Smithsonian was not!). If you or company wants to donate your historical IFE artifacts please contact John.
PEOPLE DYNAMICS
Bryan Rusenko is now VP IFE Technology & Strategy, Technicolor and they have an interesting automated content service – more later.
Al McGowen is back in the Goodrich commercial world as Director, Business Development. We wonder if the United Technologies acquisition is a driver?
Patrick Joly of DTI fame is now with Spafax as Director Digital Platforms. When he explained the digital platform convergence that is changing the inflight information content paradigm, we got it. Have him explain it to you – it’s the next thing in IFE communication.
Darrel Chua turned up as President of his game development company Enveesoft. His team in China has some very interesting games in development.
Tracy DeCuir is back in the IFE space (as if he ever left).
Colin Mahoney, New VP Sales, Marketing, and Support, Rockwell Collins Commercial Systems was on hand (He is the new Randy Lincoln). IFExpress should also note that the new IFE PR contact is Josh Baynes.
Good News! World renown bon vivant Andre De Greef is back with LiveTV.
Special recognition from IFExpress goes to Inflight Canada for their espresso stand and rest area. Why special? It seems George Smallhorn and the team was forced to remain in Canada for business reasons and could not attend. Rather than simply give up their booth space, they hired a barista, brought in some comfortable furniture and turned their booth into a rest stop for the weary. Nice touch!
ITASCA, IL. | Aug 2, 2011 –- There might be more Android devices in the market, but when it comes to staying connected at 30,000 feet, iPhone users reign supreme. Apple iPhone users account for 65 percent of mobile users accessing Gogo’s Wi-Fi service in air, while Android users account for just 12 percent. If you add travelers connecting using their iPod touch, Apple’s iOS system accounts for 80 percent of the mobile travelers connecting to Gogo’s Wi-Fi service.
Blackberry users account for just 6 percent, while Windows and all other devices make up the remaining 2 percent of users.
“Many smartphone users simply aren’t aware that you can turn your phone service off on a Gogo equipped plane, yet still access the Internet through a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device and surf the Web, send email and access most of the features of your smartphone aside from making a phone call,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief marketing officer. “It’s clear that iPhone users are ahead of the curve in understanding those capabilities, but more and more people are starting to discover how to connect using their smartphone on a plane.”
According to recent reports, the number of smartphones in the market now outpaces traditional cell phones. For the vast majority of those smartphone users, accessing the Web or email is critical.
“As the number of smartphone users continues to skyrocket, we’d expect that the number of passengers using their mobile devices to access the Internet in air will also continue to grow,” added ElDifrawi. “As we strive to make Gogo everyone’s favorite part of flying, we will make efforts to assure that mobile passengers have a unique set of experiences that are tailor made for the mobile audience.”
New Platform To Offer Engaging Flight, Destination, E-Commerce, Video, Gaming And News Experience For Travelers In-Air, Online
ITASCA, Ill., July 15, 2011 – Gogo today announced plans to launch a new, in-air multimedia platform that will extend the company beyond Internet connectivity to offer passengers exclusive access to online services that include real-time travel information, destination content, news and information, exclusive shopping deals and social network integration. The platform will also give airlines the opportunity to offer passengers access to the latest movies and TV shows through Gogo’s new streaming video product.
The new platform will be a unique in-air experience that passengers access via their own Web enabled device on any aircraft equipped with Gogo Wi-Fi internet service. The new site will also be customizable to allow better branding opportunities for Gogo’s airline partners. The new platform will be available beginning in the third quarter of this year.
“This is the convergence of in-flight connectivity and entertainment. When we first started offering Wi-Fi connectivity, it became clear to us that we could offer travelers so much more to enhance their travel experience,” said Ash ElDifrawi, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Gogo. “Today, travelers depend on Gogo to keep them connected in air and, while connectivity remains at the heart of our business, we are thrilled to offer travelers this new form of entertainment at 30,000 ft.”
Over the last several months, Gogo has worked with design and innovation firm IDEO to define and build the new platform. Gogo engaged with IDEO to better understand the needs of travelers and the airlines. The next step was to determine how to best leverage its in-flight connectivity to address those needs.
Gogo has begun rolling out some of these new features including a new partnership with Gilt Groupe. Gogo’s video service will also allow travelers to rent movies and TV shows for viewing in air. Gogo currently has an agreement with major Hollywood studios and will feature recently released movies and hit TV shows. .
“The introduction of this new platform will enable our airline partners to customize in air, online experiences to reflect their brand; it will offer passengers an engaging travel experience; and it will give advertisers access to a very unique audience” said ElDifrawi. “It offers the flexibility to provide a robust set of experiences – such as travel information, movies, shopping and social networking – that’s relevant to each individual airline or specific journey. It also sends us farther down the path to making Gogo everyone’s favorite part of flying.”
IFEXPRESS EXCLUSIVE
First a couple of introductory notes. ONE – Approximately 7 years ago, we did a Hot Topic on an Intel test of their Bluetooth chip implementation with respect to interference levels of commonly used aviation frequencies. Bluetooth looked very promising. TWO: Approximately once each year, ASIQ’s Ron Chapman (Founder & CEO) sends us information on a new product from his down-under team in Melbourne, Australia. As of late, they have centered on in-cabin connectivity and featured Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (i.e, SafeCell). THREE: For those of you that need to refresh your knowledge of the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, this link might be helpful. Suffice it to say, there is quite a power level difference in the normal usage of the relative signals… even though they are in the same ISM frequency band. Power is the key here!
Our story begins with a note from Ron:
“Hi Terry and Trish, my latest announcement attached. We are nearly at the end of a very long road, Apple being our final obstacle for aircraft usage and if you like this one (IPad), wait until you see our new iPhone version.” We haven’t stated the problem yet but, hang on readers. Ron advised that, when you install ASiQ’s iPhone Bluetooth corporate jet connectivity solution which provides Voice, SMS, MMS and Data, you will no longer need a CTU, wired handsets or Ethernet in the cabin. You can handle it all via Bluetooth with your iPhone (or iPad). This is because the ASiQ Apple Bluetooth access point links directly to the SATCOM. ”The only limitation is the speed of the SATCOM,” Ron noted. ”From our testing we know we can accommodate 3 simultaneous Apple devices per access point. For 6 devices we just add in another access point. First Apple aircraft installation is due in 2 weeks.”
So what does this have to do with the airline world you might ask? Ron hints to IFExpress, “Now that we have every mobile phone platform covered with a Bluetooth App, it clears the path for our airline passenger solution. The major difference with our airline approach is that it will be SMS/Email/Texting only. This is what we believe is the ideal solution for domestic/regional airlines who want an inexpensive mobile phone solution and have no interest in providing voice. As the transmission time is milliseconds and we will not have to deal with the bandwidth required for voice or Internet, each access point will accommodate a lot more mobiles. The corporate jet system is the perfect demo platform for airlines,” he quipped, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see where this is going…
For More Information, contact Ron
EBACE, Geneva – May 17, 2011 – Dasnair’s Falcon 7X passengers will be able to use their mobile phones and laptops during flights, thanks to OnAir’s inflight connectivity services. Dasnair will be the world’s first Falcon 7X operator to provide the most complete connectivity suite of services installed on a large cabin long range business jet.
Terms of the agreement are currently being finalized and further announcements will be made in the coming weeks. The service is planned to be launched towards the end of 2011 and the first connected flight has already been booked.
OnAir’s SwiftBroadband-based service Mobile OnAir allows passengers to use their own mobile phones and smartphones during flights, just as they do on the ground, for calls, text messages, email and mobile data. Usage is billed by the passenger’s mobile operator, in the same way international, which makes it very simple to use.
Passengers can also use inflight Internet using laptops, tablets or any WiFi-enabled device. It works in the same way as any hotspot in the ground.
“Our Falcon 7X fleet is at the forefront of innovation and the level and quality of the services we offer to our passengers are at the core of our strategy. With OnAir, Dasnair is proud to set the highest standards by being the first business jet operator worldwide to offer our passengers the ability to remain in touch while they fly”, said Gérard Limat, CEO of Dasnair.
The OnAir solution is the lightest, the most versatile offering the most advanced communication capabilities ever deployed on a large cabin-long range business jet and has been specifically designed with this market in mind.
The airborne system, designed and produced by satellite communications specialist TriaGnoSys, weighs only 15kg and consists of just two hardware units. It is fully compatible with any SwiftBroadband-capable Satcom system, for example Honeywell and Thrane & Thrane. Simple installation is part of the design process, and the equipment can be installed in the aircraft during a standard maintenance check.
“We are all becoming increasingly dependent on our mobile devices and, unsurprisingly, people like to continue using their phones and tablets when they are flying. Dasnair passengers will be able to use both GSM and inflight Internet, giving them the flexibility to be connected in the best way to suit their needs”, said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir.
“Dasnair’s selection of OnAir clearly demonstrates the flexibility of our inflight connectivity solution – it shows OnAir can meet passengers’ demands for inflight communication across a number of market segments,” continued Dawkins.
The new TrueNorth Express+™ manages all wireless devices used on business aircraft, including phone handsets, inflight entertainment units, smartphones – even EFBs
Ottawa, Canada – May 17, 2011 —TrueNorth Avionics, the fast-growing developer of executive airborne telecom solutions, has introduced a compact new Wi-Fi cabin networking device, the TrueNorth Express+, that easily, effectively, securely and affordably manages all wireless communications, IFE and cabin management devices. Using a built-in Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi link, the TrueNorth Express+ interfaces with all FCC-approved airborne wireless devices, from communications units like handsets, intercoms and smartphones, to inflight entertainment (IFE) units like DVD players, music players and game consoles, to cabin control systems for lighting and ventilation, to electronic flight bags (EFBs) in the cockpit. Incorporating built-in security for all operations, the TrueNorth Express+ creates a wireless access point for the aircraft that’s RTCA DO-160 qualified and is certified by both the FAA and EASA. The first installation is being performed by AMAC Aerospace of Basel, Switzerland, aboard a B777 business aircraft.
“Expanding the role of Wi-Fi in the cabin, the new TrueNorth Express+ offers a way to easily and affordably manage all the wireless devices that customers want to bring onboard corporate aircraft these days,” said Mark van Berkel, TrueNorth’s president. “And it does all this without adding weight, wires or complexity, making it an excellent choice for large transcontinental jets as well as for light turbine aircraft.”
The TrueNorth Express+ interfaces readily with TrueNorth’s Simphone¯ OpenCabin®, the industry’s leading premium airborne telecom system, which uses a suite of enterprise-level software applications (‘apps’) to simplify communications management and growth. Where current hardware-centric systems are heavy, expensive to install, complex and prone to obsolescence, Simphone¯ OpenCabin turns a business aircraft into an extension of a company’s corporate IT and telecom networks. Benefits include robust, ‘office-in-the-sky’ performance; an unlimited lifespan; significant lifecycle cost savings, since hardware needs to be installed only once; and the ability to add a wide variety of custom functions by simply uploading software.
Like its predecessor the TrueNorth Express, the TrueNorth Express+ also lets aircraft operators use their BlackBerry smartphones to send and receive e-mail over their existing Iridium® satcom phones, providing affordable global access and walk-on-and-use-it convenience.
Another successful AIX has passed muster and the IFExpress team is in the process of pulling stories from the reams of data collected to keep those ‘Hot Topics’ flowing for the foreseeable future. As a show, the official details are not yet available; however, it looked like an ample supply of visitor and airlines were present – no complaints from vendors must mean a good show was had by all. Let’s turn to highlights now:
Seat-Centricity seemed to be the theme, from Crystal Cabin Awards to vendor space, enhancement and advancement of seat electronics was commonplace. For those of you searching for a definition, seat centricity simply places more of the storage and content processing at the seat. More powerful processors, increased memory, and GUI-driven interfaces are the name of the game. Beyond hardware and software, the dependency of servers and networks for content delivery is reduced. An earlier prediction from an IFE maven gave us this quote in an earlier Hot Topic: “…and Seat-centric IFE systems will get traction in 2011 with significant orders.” While we are not sure about the ‘traction’ part we are sure of the orders. Vendors who sell this type of IFE are sitting on orders. Take that to the bank!
We counted at least 3 new GSM (Ku and Ka) hardware sources and while we did not talk to them all, the big surprise was from the software house, TriaGnoSys. Their 2 box solution is pretty revolutionary. We note the company has hired an additional hardware team and is working with subcontractors to deliver a simpler GSM inflight telephony solution. With over 1,300 connectivity equipped airplanes flying toady, we promise a story on this one, and the trend, soon.
App developers (We talked to two) also demonstrated their wares. An iPad for crew usage from Ultramain got our attention, while platform agnostic Plane Bill showed new, slick, and very useful airline apps. MRO iPad solutions were in attendance as well.
One major player (No names mentioned – yet), who has reduced their IFE footprint in the past few years, is ramping up a new system this summer… probably for a single-aisle solution. We suspect their new gadget includes connectivity, but what do we know? Stay Tuned on this one, probably in early summer!
Panasonic displayed their VERY SLICK, seat-centric Android, X3 IFE system – and it was really nice. Panasonic worked up a few apps with a new outside supplier that were clean, fast and very attractive and hosted it on their seat-centric solution. Their display and app presentation was the talk of the show.
While we visited at least 4 portable IFE suppliers, there were more at AIX. While the iPad was represented, we saw at least one new tablet-driven system… and yes, it ran Microsoft Windows 7 OS.
Thales IFE guru, Ken Brady, showed IFExpress their Ka-Band Global Express connectivity solution (Inmarsat), destined for 350-XWB service. Will greater Ka-Bandwidth provide the $/kilobit advantage and rule connectivity?
We finally got a look at the new, thin, HD display from Lumexis… nice!
Big Display folks – ACS, showed us new, no fan, LCD display designs (It’s done with ‘chimneys’) and a thin (1.9 inch), giant 46 inch LCD unit. Thin is in!
Much to our embarrassment, Ka-Band connectivity is coming on strong. In the past, we echoed expert opinion that Ka-Band, here today on marine applications and business jets, would probably debut on commercial planes in 5 or so years. Wrong! Live TV and ViaSat are looking at a 12 month time-frame.
And now the thanks:
An IFExpress thank you goes out to Panasonic’s Gene Connelly who literally gave us the shirt off his back – a real nice Panasonic shirt! The folks at AirCell sent us on our way (domestically, speaking) with 8 hours of inflight Internet… gawd we were glued to the iPod screen. And yes, the domestic legs were shorter. We didn’t want to quit the “I am sending this to you from 30.000 feet” messages. We also have to mention and thank the folks at PopCap Games, Bookworm improved our spelling, but what really matters is our garden is now free from zombies (Plants vs Zombies). Lastly, a ‘thank you’ goes out to the AIX media folks who provided Wi-Fi and life-saving morning coffee.
Don’t Forget: Aircraft Interiors Expo – Hamburg, Germany, April 5 – 7
We thought our readers might want a peek into some new IFE products at next week’s AIX, so we contacted a few friends and sponsors and asked -What’s new? Here are a few of the responses we got back:
IMS
1.Company Name: The IMS Company
Website: www.imsco-us.com
2. Booth Number: 6B10
3. Product Lines: AVOD System, Portable Media Players, Wireless Data and Content Delivery System
4. Show Highlights: Certified InFlight Entertainment – RAVE is the latest innovation in Audio/Video On Demand, offering a simple system architecture and providing the highest reliability of any in-seat design. RAVE – We currently have five customer programs, of which two were recently announced for Air Berlin and SriLankan Airlines. More announcement are scheduled for release before and during the show. Portables – EDGE is the hottest portable media player on the market, featuring various size displays, sleek new designs and a 24-hour battery. Content and Data Services – Our 4th-generation Terminal Data Loader provides the latest technology for fast loading of digital IFE content and automatic bi-directional distribution of critical data.
5. Contact Information: Harry Gray, V.P. Sales & Marketing; +1(714) 854-8633; hgray@imsco-us.com
ASTRONICS
1.Company Name: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems
2. Booth Number: 6D30
3. Product Line(s): In-flight Entertainment Products
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights:
Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), the world leader of in-seat power systems, continues to experience increasing demand for its EmPower® products as more and more passengers carry onboard a multitude of powered devices. The continued growth and installations of Wi-Fi on aircraft has increased the demand even more. Most airlines installing new data services on their aircraft are also installing in-seat power and in most cases, in all classes of service. In support of this demand, Astronics has responded with their latest industry leading EmPower® in-seat power system which produces up to an industry leading 200VA for each passenger. This cutting edge system also includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) power output for passenger devices such as smart phones, iPods, cameras, and other standard +5 Volt DC devices. This is all accomplished in a smaller form factor than previous generations of the industry leading EmPower® product line.
Astronics’ AES patented power management and control technologies are key to the success of providing passengers with PED power, IFE, and connectivity solutions scalable on any aircraft platform. Stop by booth 6D30 to view the full line of in-seat power and intelligent power solution products on display.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: LeAnn Hurst, (425) 702-4943 or leann.hurst@astronics.com
GOODRICH
1. Company Name: Goodrich
Website: Goodrich Interiors
2. Booth Number: 6G84
3. Product Line(s): Head End Video and Audio File Servers
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: None Provided
5. Contact Information for Appointments: dan.vargas@goodrich.com
THALES
1. Company Name: THALES
Website: www.thales-ifs.com
2. Booth Number: 6B20
3. Product Line(s): Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity Systems and Services
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: Thales will unveil its next generation TopSeries System architecture, feature product installations in B/E, Weber, Recaro, and Contour seats, introduce a new App store for the award winning Touch Passenger Control Unit, and show the latest in connectivity solutions.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: linda.bensadoun@us.thalesgroup.com
VT MILTOPE
1. Company Name: VT Miltope
Website: www.miltope.com
2. Booth Number: 6G35
3. Product Line(s): Aviation network products
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: Miltope’s family of network products offer the required functionality necessary to create custom airborne networks similar to how office networks are created. Designed to be readily expanded, they may be configured to define a network that optimizes the combination of interfaces and computing resources to meet the operational, spatial, and functional requirements of simple to complex airborne networks at a minimum cost. Products include servers, Ethernet switches and routers, 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless access points, TWLU wireless bridging from an aircraft LAN to a ground LAN, ARINC 744 network printers and ARINC740 cockpit printer, cabin control panels, and data storage devices.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: Markus Gilges Tel: +44 7793 758755, Email: markus.gilges@miltope.com
DIGECOR
1. Company Name: digEcor, Inc.
Website: www.digEcor.com
2. Booth Number: #6B1
3. Product Line(s): digEplayer L Series, digEplayer XT, handheld and overhead content, ancillary revenue services
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: We will be showing the digEplayer L7, which has launched on seven airlines since it’s release last summer, and available support equipment, to include the streamlined, plug-n-play content update station. We will also be showcasing, for the first time, a completely redesigned and modernized user interface that takes advantage of the sensitive touch screen available on the L7.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: Adam Williams, awilliams@digEcor.com, 1-801-489-2031
CARLISLE
1. Company Name: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies
Website: www.CarlisleIT.com
2. Booth Number: 6B40
3. Product Line(s): Carlisle Interconnect Technologies is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of high-performance cable including fiber; RF/Microwave, specialty and filtered connectors; cable assemblies; complex harnesses; integrated installation kits and ARINC trays; racks and shelf assemblies, and offers engineering and certification services with DER, DAR, and DMIR personnel on staff.
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: Carlisle Interconnect Technologies is proud to introduce our LITEflight™ Optical HD (high density) cable and assembly solution to support the next generation of bandwidth hungry applications. Visit our booth to see the a demo of how capable CarlisleIT’s fiber is handling in some of the most extreme routing and clamping tests from a company that terminates more fiber optic cable than anyone else in the world.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: Kris Samuelson
LUMEXIS
1. Company Name: Lumexis
Website: www.lumexis.com
2. Booth Number: 6H40
3. Product Line(s): Fiber Optic IFE System
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: Lumexis is introducing its new line of HD “sleek-look” seatback monitors for its Fiber to the Screen® IFE system. The family consists of 8.9”, 12.1”, and 15.4” LCDs that are all without bezel and flush with the seatback installation. All the sleek line monitors are LED-backlit, 16:9 format with true 720P HD at each seat simultaneously with Projected Capacitive touchscreens. The new monitors are available with an interface panel on the bottom with audio headset jack, USB port, credit card swipe and PSS buttons (for widebody aircraft), or the interfaces can be mounted separately per the airlines choice of location.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: Don Sathern dsathern@lumexis.com or cell: 949 861 0733
PANASONIC
1. Company Name: Panasonic Avionics
Website: www.panasonic.aero
2. Booth Number: 6F15
3. Product Line(s): In-Flight Entertainment and Communications Solutions and Maintenance Services
4. Description of AIX Show Highlights: Panasonic Avionics is set to unveil its 10th generation IFEC solution at AIX. The company will also unveil its latest solutions that offer native amazing passenger experience, a lower total cost of ownership, broadband connectivity, a true business platform, open platform architectures, uncompromising industrial design, and an advanced media strategy.
5. Contact Information for Appointments: Please stop by the Panasonic Avionics booth to arrange for a booth tour.
LATE BREAKING…
PlaneBill, the Android App developer, will be in the Triagnosys Booth and Massimo sent along his brochure on Mobile Applications for Passengers. Yes that’s right, we expect to see passenger apps on IFE in the very near future.
Public Service Announcement: For our Wi-Fi equipped friends and show-goers, there is a free Internet zone on the exhibition floor and it is located in Hall B7 Stand A10.
Leave it to the German early adopters, Lufthansa and Condor, to roll-out a new Wi-Fi-based inflight entertainment system in Europe. Dependent on your own personal entertainment device (iPad, Tablet, iPhone, Android phone, etc,) if it has Wi-Fi, your entertainment system is in your pocket. The BoardConnect System from Lufthansa Systems is being installed on 2 in-service aircraft as a litmus test of the demand for this offering. IFExpress contacted Condor’s Rainer Kroepke, Head of Product Management and Marketing at Condor Flugdienst GmbH. “In-flight entertainment is an important part of the travel experience and a way to stand out from the competition, particularly in the tourism industry,” said Mr. Kröpke. “BoardConnect opens up entirely new possibilities for us. In addition, the system costs much less to install and operate than other solutions.”
We asked a few questions about BoardConnect and here is what Kroepke told us:
Q: How many (Condor) aircraft will eventually have the new entertainment System?
A: “We will implement the system in the two wide body airplanes that we are about to integrate into our fleet. According to the customer feedback, crew experience, and that of our crew and technical support, there is a high probability that we will eventually have the system on our whole fleet. We are planning to fly with the new IFE system beginning of summer 2011 so it is a little early for passenger reviews and therefore we cannot provide any comments on performance yet. However, everybody is excited about the world premiere of this system.”
Q: Can you describe a little bit about the on-demand delivery to any Wi-Fi enabled device?
A: “We plan to offer our Comfort Class passengers tablet type devices during flight. Premium Economy and Economy class passengers can access the system by using their own devices (PC, phones, laptops…) and will be able to watch movies on overhead screens. In the first phase, Condor will not have a data link into the Internet.”
Q: Does Condor plan to offer seat-based displays?
A: “Condor does not plan to install in-seat displays. However, BoardConnect from Lufthansa Systems offers those as well. All content is streamed directly to the devices in DRM (Digital Rights Management) encrypted form. At any given time only 20 seconds of a movie will reside in the devices memory, be decrypted and displayed.”
Q: How many seats/mobile units/streams does the system support?
A: “As many as we have seats on our airplane and more. For the long haul aircraft, that would be 270 seats.”
Q: We assume Lufthansa Technik will perform the installation. Where is this done?
A: “We are in the final stage in discussions about the question where we will be installing the hardware. Due to the simplicity of the system this can easily be installed.”
Q: Do you have any idea how long the IFE part of the installation takes?
A: “The installation does not take a lot of time. As Condor does not plan to install in-seat screens, the system can be up and running within 6-8 hours.”
Q: Will this system be announced/displayed at AIX in Hamburg ?
A: “Lufthansa Systems does not plan to showcase the system at AIX in Hamburg. But we can arrange a demonstration of the system at the Lufthansa Systems’ facilities in Frankfurt.”
Q: Do you have a picture of the screen GUI and does Condor charge passengers for any part of this service?
A: “I will gladly send a picture of a possible GUI. We are still working on the question what content will be delivered. In any case, the largest part will be free in our Comfort Class and Premium Economy. All movies shown in our overhead screens will be free to all passengers with the added comfort of watching them on demand via their own devices.”
Q: How many Network Wireless Access Points (NWAP’s) per airplane type are planned?
A: “Each access point covers around 100 devices. For our B767 aircraft we plan to install four to five access points.”
Q: Are any seats, equipped with external in-seat power?
A: “All seats in Comfort Class already feature in-seat power.
IFExpress greatly appreciates the help in bring our readers this story and would like to thank Johannes Winter and Rainer Kroepke for their assistance in bringing it to you. Further, they provided a graphic of their system for better understanding.
Contact information:
Condor Product Marketing: rainer.kroepke@condor.com
Condor Communication: Johannes.winter@condor.com
Lufthansa Systems Communication: sandra.hammer@LHsystems.com
It’s prediction time again and so we asked some of our readers to call upon their predictive powers and share their views (unanimously) with our IFExpress readers.
Boy, did our readers do a good job. Here goes:
1. Panasonic will hit a home run with their worldwide Ku Band connectivity solution because it is just that, a worldwide, inflight connectivity solution. – IFExpress
2. There will be two other areas of IFE growth as a result of the burgeoning Wi-Fi market and installed base: a. First, there will be a resurgent market in in-seat power as carriers react to passengers vocal demand to be “connected” for trans-continental and trans-oceanic flight segments. b. Second, new content aggregators will be formed who specialize in Internet content delivery, advertising, usage tracking and onboard Internet sales geared to the airline passenger. Of course, the airline will receive a generous cut in this revenue stream. These content aggregators will introduce big name players like Google, Amazon, Facebook and, maybe, MSN to passengers inflight. – Anon
3. We also believe, that at least one or more airlines with inflight connectivity will tie up with a Facebook, Google, or another network solution to deliver cheap or free connection to ground-based Internet. Hey, what’s cooler than tweeting that you are a member of the Mile High Club!…in real time! – IFExpress
4. Inflight connectivity will ramp up dramatically in 2011. I see Row44 and Panasonic making tremendous gains in the number of aircraft installed. A large part of the growth will be in Western Europe as LCCs see Wi-Fi as a way to add ancillary revenue and compete with the traditional carriers. – Anon
5. As fuel prices drive the cost of a barrel of oil above $100 USD, airlines will re-double their efforts to optimize their Max Take-Off Weight (MTOW). This will translate in lighter and lighter seats and more weight efficient IFE. Some carriers will opt to not install traditional IFE and push for IFE delivered over the Wi-Fi system. This form of BYO-IFE (Bring Your Own IFE) not only reduces weight and maintenance costs but also permits the carrier to have much more flexibility in managing its content on a flight market basis. – Anon
6. The B787 Flight Testing will reveal yet another anomaly and the delivery of the aircraft will be extended by a min. of 6 months. – Anon (Ed. Note: We received this input before Boeing announced their latest B787 Delay)
7. The Chinese, via COMAC, will announce the launch of their competing (mainland, vs. Hong Kong or Taiwan) IFE company (beyond the start-ups that we already have seen) and that IFE company, like COMAC, will have Government backing. What the Chinese don’t understand is content sourcing and the use of Hollywood and the Record Labels and they will look to local (Asian) content, probably through Hong Kong, to launch their programming efforts. An unusual partnership will evolve with Australian content providers. – Anon
8. This year will be the year for the new IFE players to establish credibility or become history. Promising IFE systems like Lumexis’ FTTS, IMS’ Rave, and Sicma’s SiT are already, or will be, in service soon. Is there room in the market for all? Probably not. – Anon
9. Koito, the seat company, will file for bankruptcy this coming year because of all their past regulatory issues and on-going production / re-certification problems and be re-born as a new venture. (Ed. Note: Think M&A!) Existing airline deliveries will be affected and you will see further delays in current aircraft fleets (beyond the recent A380 announcements, which impact both Airbus and Boeing).
– Anon
10. Wider gaps will appear as IFE evolves away from centralized, distributed HW/network based networks toward Wi-Fi and wireless distribution systems. More announcements for simpler, seat centralized IFE systems, which shift focus from expensive aircraft mods towards simpler, less expensive “highly integrated” seat mod programs. IFE Vendors will try to minimize aircraft mods to merely supplying power and aircraft interfaces and leave IFE distribution to be wireless to seat installed ‘boxes’. The demise of a major IFE supplier will be the results of failing to realize this changing environment and remaining focused on ‘traditional’ head-end distributed IFE type systems. – Anon
11. More announcements for single aisle, wireless, IFE systems as a untapped major source of business for start-up IFE companies. – Anon
12. Emergence of a new IFE company based out of India? Where a lot of both HW and SW ‘outsourcing’ of current IFE systems has been placed. Someone will realize that with rising technological competence of their native engineers; there will be an opportunity to create a cheaper, more efficient IFE company in India. Again, Content Sourcing will be an issue, but the Indian based IFE company will partner with a major ‘content’ provider to supplement that side of the business. – Anon
13. Uncertainty is certainly a prediction. – Anon
14. Connectivity is here, various systems are already flying and being deployed at a fast pace. Let’s not forget the onboard telephony systems back in the 90′s. Back then, they were also deemed as a must-have, with huge potential of generating ancillary revenues for the airlines. Three companies deployed systems on multiple carriers, but where were the profits? Is history repeating itself? – Anon
15. High Definition video will become a differentiator in the IFE market-space, as airlines recognize its use on airlines like flydubai. WAEA/APEX will take note too and begin to write the spec for HD in IFE.
16. The Content Service Provider space will continue to fragment – with more new-comers morphing out of labs, legacy CSPs, and IFE equipment suppliers (especially portables). - Anon
17. Jetstar/Early Window Content/Ipad – NOT! – IFExpress
18. Portable devices offered by airlines will dramatically decrease, as they give way to passengers’ own portables carried onboard (i.e., everyone who wants one will already have their own). Airlines will opt instead for more lightweight, lower cost, embedded solutions, such as Lumexis’ FTTS™ and IMS’ Rave™. – Anon
19. Seat-centric IFE will be the next big thing as many airlines will be heading in that direction. – IFExpress
20. Connectivity: the Ka-band systems will continue to be talked up by all the key players, but their scheduled roll-out date will continue to be elusive, as suppliers continue to sell Ku-band and air-to-ground systems. – Anon
21. Watch IFE Post Production – IFExpress!
Lastly, one reader eloquently described the IFE content space; “2011 will see significant changes in the IFE content delivery supply chain including increased automation and integration. Movement toward file-based workflow will gain traction. SMPTE will make significant progress toward standardizing the Interoperable Master Format (IMF). There will movement toward mezzanine files and transcoding. There will be a significant new entry on the Digital Asset Management front. There also will be consolidation in the CSP sector, contraction in the PMP sector, and the iPad will not find a serious place in IFE outside LCCs. Seat-centric IFE systems will get traction in 2011 with significant orders.”
Nuff Sed.
LAKE FOREST, California – November 30, 2010 – Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that its Global Communications Suite enables Lufthansa’s newly re-launched FlyNet broadband internet service. Using the Global Communications Suite’s eXConnect system, FlyNet will provide passengers with in-flight broadband connectivity on Lufthansa’s commercial intercontinental flights, beginning December 1st on North-Atlantic routes. The service was demonstrated earlier today on an international flight traveling from Frankfurt, Germany to New York, U.S.A.
“We are very excited to announce that our Global Communications Suite is operational, initially on transatlantic flights offered by Lufthansa, our launch customer,” said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “We are honored to be part of Lufthansa’s FlyNet re-launch, and we believe that our Global Communications Suite will play a key role in helping them deliver their industry-leading in-flight broadband internet service.”
“Broadband Internet on board our long-haul flights is an innovation in the interests of our customers,” said Thierry Antinori, a member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board. “With Panasonic as our technology partner, we can now again offer passengers a fast, state-of-the-art, broadband service, just like they would expect in a hotel or in a public hotspot – but at 30,000 feet.”
Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite is comprised of three main product offerings – eXConnect, eXPhone, and eXTV. eXConnect provides two-way broadband connectivity to an aircraft. It supports a wide range of passenger and crew applications, including Internet access offered in cooperation with Deutsche Telekom, voice, data, and the ability to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time. The company’s eXPhone product, offered in collaboration with AeroMobile’s GSM mobile phone service, allows passengers to use their mobile phones, smart phones and BlackBerry® devices onboard to make voice calls if selected by the airline, send SMS text messages or use GPRS services such as email and Internet access. Panasonic’s eXTV television network delivers high-quality, live television to passengers during their flight. It provides live, uninterrupted programming to aircraft flying all over the world, even over oceans. The service offers several core channels as well as regional channels.
With eXConnect, FlyNet lets passengers use their own electronic and communication devices, such as laptops, smart phones and PDAs, to wirelessly connect to the internet. Passengers will be able to browse the internet; access social media sites; explore the free Lufthansa FlyNet portal for the latest news on politics, economics, sports and entertainment; connect to VPNs to send/receive emails and attachments; and instantly share their location via Facebook and Twitter.
This year we are going to do something different. The Hot Topic will summarize all we saw at Long Beach and then as the weeks roll on, we will dig deeper into the ones you need to hear about. Firstly, the thousand pound gorilla in the room was the Android operating system, the background chatter was Ka Band inflight connectivity, and the word on almost everybody’s lips was ‘iPad’ – not to mention that silly stand-up seat with the 23 inch pitch. Having said that, we will probably look into each topic separately, but for now, let’s press on. On the last day of the show, and after he left, John White announced his retirement from the Avion magazine. He exited without fanfare, we hear, to avoid all the “good bye’s”, so, here is a public one – Thanx John, for it was you who got us int this mess!
Next, our overall impression was, from a technical perspective, great. Some vendors were mumbling about the lack of visitors, but you can decide for yourself by looking at the show photo’s on Flickr. At almost every booth we visited, and we visited over 20, there was something we had not seen or heard about. We do this because there is a lot of innovation that gets overlooked or doesn’t warrant the benefit of a press release. Not to mention the newbies, characters, friends, and the just plain weirdos. After all, isn’t that why you read IFExpress? Lastly, we are sorry for those vendors we missed. Mostly, you were busy with customers and we understand that. If you feel that your product or service was slighted, send a note to ifenews@airfax.com and we will follow up with a telephone or email interview!
Astronics: Big with the power folks is a new set of USB seat power outlet concepts. They are also introducing a 225 VA ISPS with a USB power outlet at each of 3 seats as well as 110 AC.
ACS: Aircraft Cabin Systems rolled out their new thin line of LCD aircraft displays. Looks to be 33% slimmer than the standard size and ACS offers 4 sizes up to 42″.
AirCell: We got a good AirCell update from John Wade. Over 1,015 aircraft jets installed with paid sessions going up each month and no peak in sight. The bizjet market is smoking and the order from NetJets (approx 800 in fleet) is certainly a big deal!
Carlisle: Cable maker, Carlisle, displayed their usual offering of aircraft cable assemblies and we were interestingly challenged to pick out the ones made in their offshore factories. Their latest Ethernet product looked no different than their other products and we were a bit surprised to find out they were made in their Dong Guan (Shenzen) factory. The company controls the process, quality and sourced materials – their AS9100 certification is proof.
digEcor: Brent Wood and Adam Williams laid out their new inflight shopping portal “Mill Creek Shoppe” and demo-ed the L-7 player (Lafeel) with a great built-in mouse. Watch for new advertising co-op features that support independent advertising suppliers. Oh, and we thought their flying monkey was great fun!
Goodrich: Recent acquirer of TEAC, their show entry featured their V01HDD player that has a Blu-ray drive for more storage via DVD disk. We noted a terrific Electronic Flight Bag device on the table but it was a bit early to tag an IFE application with it. Alas, sad news for IFE as Al McGowen is now Mr. Military.
IMS: The RAVE system is now ready for prime time and the final product (powered hot-swap and all) has quite a few features that looked VERY airline friendly. Rumor has it that a few customers have stepped-up to the plate already. Joe Renton pulled us aside for a sneak peek that their new COTS re-purposed player, and yes, it is built by IMS. Check out Flickr.
Inflight Peripherals: The Geoff and Claire show was a hit again this year, and yes, they had a contest to assemble one of their inset headphone jacks. The ‘wall of shame’ told the whole story with one entrant blowing away the competition with a speed around 10 seconds.
Interact: Seldom do we cover content providers, however, this year, we hope to do a Hot Topic devoted to these folks. We like their focus on customer support and regional content in providing audio and video programming, creative content/content management, and encoding services.
Airbus KID-Systeme: Perhaps the biggest effort we saw at KID was their integrated seat power program with Recaro. We saw the production prototype and here is a picture of the inseat-power-supply-that-mounts-in-the-seat-beam.
Live TV: After looking at the Iridium satcom hardware for 2 days, we finally got the story on the LiveTV Aero OpenPort system. Using the 66 satellite constellation, they have found a way to deliver 128K continuously to the aircraft. Don’t scoff, this a PERFECT blackberry data solution, served in the airplane via Wi-Fi. Here’s the clincher, they can demonstrate offering it as a freebie! BTW, Mike Moeller gets our nod as the best pitchman at the show!
Lumexis: The F.O. IFE company out did last show record by bringing a COMPLETE wide-body IFE system, up and running to the show. Some 243 seats worth of IFE (fiber-to-the-seat), and 2 small servers (4 MCU each). This is the low calorie IFE winner, and frankly, we do not expect the hardware to return to Irvine!
Mezzo : Dave Sampson, CEO, shared his new COTS Personal Media Player with IFExpress.
SmartJog: Wow, did Christiane Ducasse and Jodynne Wood knock our socks off! Smartjog is THE purveyor of digital content between IFE entities. By placing a Smartjog server/hub at each end of a communication line, security and daft integrity is guaranteed. These folks are suck a household name that they have become a verb – “Just Smartjog it to the customer”. Hot Topic territory for sure.
Panasonic: The Cool Room is back! What more can we say? A lot, in fact. Too much to cover it here. Suffice it to say, we saw all the bells and whistles in the CR, got the lowdown on Ku and Ka Bands, sat in the integrated seats, played with the Android IFE system, watched a 3-D interactive product, and visited the Panasonic App store. We promise a Hot Topic on each of these topics as there is NO WAY we can do it here. As an afterthought, there is no one that can throw a party like Panasonic – thanx!
Thales: Winner of the Best Innovation Technology with their TouchPMU, the folks we met with were justifiably proud of their tethered handset-entertainment player-controller. A perfect product for single aisle player and on twin aisle planes, it is a great controller that can be used to control entertainment or games on a bigger screen. Oh yes, there was an app on that – the OS is Android. Thales demonstrated a very flexible integrated seat that is in an very mature state (orders on the way) and a novel LCD/mirror display. What a bizjet product!
Rockwell: New kids on the block, Joel Otto and John Darvell talked up the Digital Paves (D Paves) but would not talk to much about the Android OS that others were exploring. We think the next IFE show will bring some Rockwell surprises and they may first show up on the Bizjet side.
VT Miltope: What’s not to like with the ‘OEM supplier to the aviation industry’? As a platform agnostic, peripherals and system supplier, Bob Guidetti told IFExpress that they have been spec-ing and supplying connectivity products for B787, A350 and B777 aircraft and now have a MIMO Wi-Fi WAP.
Honorable Mention: We cannot let this opportunity to go by without mentioning 2 of the “little guys”. Sitting off in one corner was Plane Bill and in the other G.U.E. Tech. We loved both these companies for different reasons. Plane Bill, the Italian software innovator showed us a fistful of Android apps, specifically designed for airlines. After getting infused with Android platforms by all the big players, here sits Plane Bill, with some of the most innovative software we have seen. They even developed an app that an Android Smartphone equipped Muslim can use to find Mecca directions for prayer. On the other hand we really do not have a clue what G.U.E. Tech does. Having said that, we know that it has something to do with 3D rendering engines, game software, and generally computer graphics. Hey, any company that authors a video game called “Lurking Horror” cannot be all bad! What was so doggone impressive was the enthusiasm of it’s CEO, Max Lingua, and his complete love for what he does. Please visit their websites and send some business their way – they are gems!
Complete SwiftBroadband inflight connectivity solution now live on EGYPTAIR’s new Airbus 330-300
Geneva, Switzerland, September 1, 2010 – OnAir, the world’s leading provider of inflight communications, today launched full Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir inflight passenger communications services on the first of EGYPTAIR’s fleet of twin-aisle Airbus 330-300 aircraft – with more scheduled to be equipped in coming months. The aircraft operates to London.
EGYPTAIR customers will be able to stay connected inflight using their own mobile phones or smartphones. Customers will also be able to access the Internet just as they do on the ground by connecting their laptops wirelessly. In providing both GSM/GPRS as well as Wi-Fi Internet, OnAir enables EGYPTAIR’s customers to have available to them the broadest range of inflight connectivity options available anywhere in the world today, enabling them for example to surf the Internet, check the weather forecast at destination, buy theatre tickets, or make arrangements for transport from their airport to their place of residence – all of this as well as checking in with colleagues or putting in a goodnight call to a loved one.
EGYPTAIR Airlines Chairman and CEO, Captain Alaa Ashour, said, “Today, we are providing EGYPTAIR customers with the latest services and greater choices. OnAir inflight connectivity helps us further differentiate our offering, and enables our customers not only to stay in touch but to access online services as they travel.”
“We’re delighted to be helping provide EGYPTAIR customers from today with a full range of connectivity services as they travel – services that travellers are increasingly expecting to have at their disposal. Within 2 to 3 years, we’re convinced that all airlines will demand this level of onboard mobile communications,” said Ian Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer of OnAir.
Mobile OnAir uses the industry’s most advanced and extensive infrastructure for mobile communications, along with Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, high capacity services from Inmarsat 4th generation satellites. This gives air travellers the best reach and performance available today.
Global Telecoms Business Judges Place Airline Internet Service First
Warrington, UK – 11th June 2010 – Martin Dawes Systems, an international vendor of customer management solutions for the communications industry, has won the Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award for Customer Service in recognition of their ground breaking work with Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne connectivity.
Established in 1997, the Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards are designed to honour innovative projects involving telecoms operators and service providers around the world, in association with their vendors and suppliers. Other winners at the award conference, which was held at The Park Lane Hotel, London on June 7th, included Telefónica O2, Telstra and Verizon.
Martin Dawes Systems was recognized for their role in the delivery of Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet Service. Gogo allows travellers to stay connected to their world below. Today, Gogo is on more than 930 commercial aircraft and over 3,000 flights each and every day. Gogo is currently available on all AirTran Airways and Virgin America flights and on select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways flights Martin Dawes Systems is responsible for Gogo’s order processing and tariffs, real-time transactions, billing processes and CRM functions.
In addition to delivering a new and technically innovative inflight internet service, Aircell’s business model is commercially complex with unique dynamics; airlines, passengers and enterprises all being key constituents. Martin Dawes Systems addressed this challenge by delivering a single platform to manage both Gogo subscription and transactional revenue to ensure the best possible in-cabin experience to all users of the service.
The unique nature of the project also required the tailoring of services to meet end-user demands, such as dynamic pricing selection and an integrated web chat facility that enables passengers’ choice on the type of offering and real time support from Customer Support Agents.
“We continue to help our customers as they become more innovative with customer care and operational excellence. This award provides independent validation of our leadership in this space,” said Dewi Thomas, Managing Director of Martin Dawes Systems. “Combined with our success in helping Aircell meet its stringent customer service standards, this independent endorsement of the project demonstrates how our focus on the customer experience resonates with the industry.”
“As Aircell continues to roll out our inflight connectivity it is essential to ensure seamless customer care. The delivery of such a unique service has required us to innovate at all levels,” said Paula Niemczyk, Director IT Design and Development of Aircell. “By working with Martin Dawes Systems we have been able to not only meet our expectations from an operational perspective, but deliver a fantastic experience to the passengers who use Gogo.”
Airline partners with Visa to offer free Gogo Inflight Internet service through July
SEATTLE, May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Alaska Airlines launched Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet service today on six Boeing 737-800 aircraft and plans to expand the service to its entire fleet by the end of 2010. The airline is partnering with Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card® to offer passengers Inflight Wi-Fi free of charge on flights through July 31, 2010. Customers can visit alaskaair.com for more information about Alaska’s Inflight Wi-Fi.
With Gogo, Alaska Airlines passengers with wireless devices will be able to browse the Web; access online music, games, podcasts and webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service will provide passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.
“Through July 31, our customers traveling on Wi-Fi-equipped planes will be able to try out the new Gogo service at no cost, courtesy of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card,” said Joe Sprague, Alaska’s vice president of marketing.
By the end of summer, Gogo will be installed on the airline’s fleet of 737-800s and -900s, which represents the majority of Alaska’s fleet. The remaining 737-400s and -700s will be equipped with the service later in the year. A detailed coverage map of the Gogo service is available for download from the Alaska Airlines Newsroom “Image Gallery” at alaskaair.com/newsroom.
Aircraft equipped with inflight Wi-Fi will have a Wi-Fi symbol located outside the aircraft’s boarding door and information about the service located in seatback pockets. Gogo will be available above 10,000 feet, following an announcement approving the use of portable electronic devices.
Customers can use inflight Wi-Fi free of charge through July 31 by entering the promotional code ALASKAVISA on the login screen. After July 31, the Gogo service, currently available in the U.S. lower 48 states, will be offered to customers at a cost of $4.95 per flight and up, based on length of flight and device used.
To ensure the service is available to the airline’s namesake state, Aircell will expand its network by early 2011 to provide Gogo Inflight Internet service on flights to, from and between key destinations in the state of Alaska.
Libyan Airlines expands partnership with OnAir. OnAir to offer cabin connectivity on Libya’s national flag carrier’s new Airbus A330 long range-fleet
Libyan Airlines and OnAir today announced an agreement to install full SwiftBroadband Mobile OnAir and WiFi Internet OnAir inflight passenger communications services aboard their fleet of brand-new long-range Airbus A330 aircraft. Libyan Airlines are expecting delivery of the first A330 in June 2011.
“OnAir is delighted that Libyan Airlines has made the decision to install connectivity on both the long and short range fleets,” said Benoit Debains, CEO of OnAir. “With OnAir providing both GSM/GPRS as well as Wi-Fi Internet, Libyan Airlines’ passengers will have the broadest range of inflight connectivity options available anywhere in the world today.”
Capt. Mohamed M. Ibsem, Member of Board of Directors and CEO Libyan Airlines said, “Since signing our initial agreement with OnAir on our Airbus A320 fleet last August, we have been looking forward to expand the service across our full fleet so our passengers will be able to enjoy premium inflight connectivity aboard all our new aircraft.”
Libyan Airlines’ passengers will be able to stay connected inflight using their own mobile phones or BlackBerry®-type devices to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access the Internet. Using the Internet OnAir service, passengers will be able to access the Internet just as they do on the ground by connecting their laptops either wirelessly or via a wired connection.
Libyan Airlines selected OnAir for their single-aisle fleet in August last year (four Airbus A320 aircraft to be delivered this year, the first one in September), and is amongst the first airline to install OnAir services for its full Airbus fleet and the first airline in Africa.
Let’s start out this week with a new Aircell aeronautical equipment package for Swift Broadband service that’ll roll out at EBACE 2010 in Geneva this week. Two featurers of the new hardware are Thrane & Thrane’s new AVIATOR 200 and a very interesting antenna. Here’s the skinny on the radios for our techno readers: “Thrane & Thrane’s innovative AVIATOR 200 simultaneously provides data speeds up to 200 kbps and a single AMBE 2 channel for voice calls, providing smaller aircraft with a complete airborne communications solution where this was not achievable before. These data and voice services can be accessed via wired or wireless connections built into the AVIATOR 200, alleviating the need for external wired and wireless routers.” The second part of the hardware equation is the new, small, low-gain, blade antenna – still capable of voice and data speeds up to 200 kbps. We have included a picture of the antenna in this issue and it is perfect for bizjets (Weight: 1.5 lbs., Height: 4.57 in., Length: 11 in., Width: 4.25 in.). Here is the full story.
Next, we came across a report on a hot, 37 page, very detailed UBS Financial document. It was reported in an article in the Seattle PI Blogs with the titillating title: “Airlines Have Ordered Too Many Planes”. Within the body, you can read about some 793 aircraft over-ordered by world airlines and 250 that are supposedly under-ordered. If one believes these numbers, the next 9 months ought to be interesting for IFE vendors! This report seems contrary to recent upturned economic indicators and we wondered if smart folks in our industry had the same opinion? We asked a couple of aviation professionals, and got these answers:
“Regarding passenger demand forecasts, GE’s Ian Gurekian at the 2008 SpeedNews Conference said that, generally speaking, industry passenger demand forecast have been wrong. Most forecasts show a monotonically rising demand slope in the neighborhood of 3-6% over a couple year period. But he demonstrated that this demand slope almost never happens! The passenger demand slope is highly volatile. It ranges from a -3% to a positive 13% over periods as short at one year. This is a very bad forecasting environment so it is no wonder that the number of big jets on order is “over sold.” – John Courtright – SIE
“Have airlines over-ordered new aircraft? I suppose that’s possible. But look at what United did recently. They ordered new aircraft at a time when they could leverage the best OEM pricing. And they weren’t just building a bigger fleet–they were purchasing aircraft that fit their revised business model–one that says fly fewer seats to more destinations and keep the planes full. And they ordered aircraft that were more fuel-efficient, and the orders are spread over what appears to be a realistic timeline. And another and–they might just merge with Continental to bring about a more efficient airline. Delta provides another example–they deferred ordering additional aircraft and reinvested in expanding IFE and improving their cabins. These kinds of decisions do not indicate over-ordering.” Michael Childers – Lightstream Communications.
Ultimately, one reader got it right: “The UBS Wealth Management division has open short sales on Boeing and EADS stock.”
Lastly readers, don’t forget the upcoming AIX in Hamburg, Germany on May 18 – 20. We hope to bring you the latest news in IFE from the floor. And just to prove your IFExpress team go to any length to bring you the lowdown on IFE and connectivity, we are flying to Hamburg via Reykjavik on a B757…GULP!
New Service Package Will Allow Aircraft Operators To Purchase Aircell High Speed Internet Service Based On Actual Monthly Data Consumption
ORLANDO, Fla., April 8 /PRNewswire/ — [AEA International Convention & Trade Show] –– Aircell, the world’s leading provider of airborne communications, today announced that it will soon add a usage-based billing option to its suite of service packages available with its Aircell High Speed Internet products for business, military and government aviation.
The new service package will allow Aircell High Speed Internet customers the option of paying based on the monthly volume of data they consume over the network. The new plan contrasts with Aircell’s current monthly service plans – Ultraspeed Standard and Ultraspeed Lite – which provide unlimited access for a flat monthly fee. The new plan will become available this summer and specific pricing and details will be released prior to that time.
Aircell Senior Vice President and General Manager John Wade said, “Customers with low or sporadic utilization patterns will find great value in getting full access to the Aircell Network in a pay-as-you-go format. Adding a ‘per megabyte’ option to our existing unlimited plans is like adding an a la carte menu to an all-you-can-eat buffet.
“Our original, unlimited data plans have proven to be very popular,” he continued. “People rave about having a predictable flat fee with no restrictions on the number of users, number of logins, session time or amount of data transferred. They say it’s great to just log on and go. Based on the usage patterns we’ve seen in business aviation, most typical flight departments will still find our Ultraspeed Standard plan the best value.
“It’s all about giving customers what they want, keeping things familiar and evolving our services to meet their needs. By offering both unlimited and usage-based billing formats with Aircell High Speed Internet, we provide an even greater level of choice for operators with varying needs,” concluded Wade.
Aircell High Speed Internet is the only solution in business aviation that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, with equipment that is small and light enough to fit on virtually any business aircraft. It is up to 56 times faster than a traditional dial-up connection.
In addition to the Aircell High Speed Internet system for the continental U.S., Aircell is offering its satellite-based SwiftBroadband solution for global service. Aircell’s SwiftBroadband product is powered by Thrane & Thrane.
TEMPE, Ariz., March 29, 2010 — Today, US Airways (NYSE: LCC) launched a new wireless Internet product, Gogo® Inflight Internet, on five of its Airbus A321 aircraft. Gogo, which is provided by Aircell, allows passengers to use their laptops or Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices to surf the Web, email friends and family, log into corporate Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and access online entertainment options.
By June 1, all 51 A321s in US Airways’ fleet will be Gogo-equipped. As Wi-Fi is installed on each aircraft between now and June, a Wi-Fi symbol on the outside of the plane at the boarding door will alert passengers that Gogo is available on their flight. The symbol will also appear throughout the cabin next to the seat and row number, and seatback cards will provide instructions on how to access the service. Beginning in late June, US Airways’ passengers will be able to determine if Wi-Fi is available on their flight when they book travel on usairways.com.
Here’s how it works: At 10,000 feet, US Airways’ flight attendants will make an announcement that passengers can enable their Wi-Fi devices. Passengers can connect to the service by turning on their laptop or mobile device, looking for and connecting to the ‘gogoginflight’ Wi-Fi signal, launching their Web browser, creating a profile and paying for their session with a major credit card.
“Gogo fits in perfectly with our business model by offering more choices in flight,” said Andrew Nocella, senior vice president, marketing and planning for US Airways. “Our customers are able to be more productive with their time and have new ways to stay entertained in the air.”
“We are pleased to announce US Airways’ deployment of Gogo, and we look forward to providing US Airways with in flight Internet access to enhance their customers’ travel experience,” said Michael Small, Aircell’s president and chief executive officer. “The ability to remain connected to the ground at 30,000 feet provides a significant improvement to the airline travel experience. As travelers throughout the country come to expect in flight Internet service, we are thrilled to be able to deliver this experience to US Airways and their passengers.”
To introduce Gogo, US Airways is allowing customers the chance to try it for free. From March 29 through June 1, first-time Gogo users will get one free session when they create their profile. US Airways will celebrate the completion of its fleet installation by offering free Gogo access to everyone who flies on a Wi-Fi equipped US Airways flight from June 1 through June 8. For more information, visit www.usairways.com/gogo.
*Gogo Inflight Internet is not available internationally. If you’re flying to/from an international city, the service will only be available while over the contiguous 48 U.S. states and within 100 miles of its borders. For more information visit www.usairways.com/gogo.
LAKE FOREST, California – 29 March 2010 – Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced a new strategic agreement with Deutsche Telekom. Under terms of the new arrangement, Deutsche Telekom with its T-Mobile brand will be the preferred wireless internet service provider for Panasonic Avionics’ Global Communications Suite.
“Panasonic is excited to announce our new relationship with Deutsche Telekom because we believe that the T-Mobile brand offers the perfect complement to our Global Communications Suite,” said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “T-Mobile is an established, best-in-class brand that offers an impressive portfolio of global roaming agreements and an excellent experience in terms of customer care, billing and support. In fact, in many instances, T-Mobile and its roaming partners already enjoy strong relationships with many of the same passengers that the airlines and Panasonic intend to serve. By combining these T-Mobile advantages with the unique connectivity capabilities of our Global Communications suite, Panasonic and Deutsche Telekom have the potential to offer airline passengers and crew an unmatched experience in broadband internet, data and voice communications.”
“Joining forces with Panasonic Avionics Corporation in the field of in-flight connectivity and bringing in our expertise of customer insights and telecommunication trends opens huge opportunities for both partners,” says Philipp Humm, Chief Regional Officer Europe of Deutsche Telekom. “We are looking forward to a successful future and to elevate communication services to new heights.”
Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite provides high-speed broadband internet, data and voice communications services to passengers and crew, using a GSM or Wi-Fi -enabled device. Under the terms of this new agreement, Deutsche Telekom will manage the internet gateway and handle passenger billing and customer support for Wi-Fi services. In addition, Deutsche Telekom will provide marketing and promotional support to drive utilization of the services.
The Panasonic Global Communications Suite can be used as a stand-alone service or be integrated with the aircraft’s existing IFEC system. It offers airlines the flexibility to provide passenger connectivity through passenger-paid access to the Internet or through advertising-supported content and sponsored Internet sessions. The Global Communications Suite supports popular passenger online activities, such as accessing corporate VPNs or intranets, browsing the Web, personal e-mail and instant messaging, social networking and online shopping.
Thousand Oaks, CA (March 23, 2010) – TECOM Industries, Inc. today announced that its customer, Row 44 (Westlake Village, CA), a provider of airborne broadband connectivity, will install TECOM Industries’ KuStream™ 1000 antenna system on Southwest Airlines’ commercial fleet. In January 2010, Southwest Airlines announced plans to equip more than 500 aircraft with Row 44’s In-flight Broadband Connectivity System.
The KuStream 1000 antenna system enables the Row 44 In-flight Broadband Connectivity System to provide passengers with live entertainment and communication, including high data rate applications such as full Internet access, VoIP services, cell phone roaming (via pico-cells in markets with appropriate regulation) and live television using IPTV. The KuStream 1000 is a joint development effort of TECOM Industries and QEST Quantenelektronische Systeme GmbH of Germany. QEST contributed core RF components such as the antenna aperture and the polarization control module, with TECOM contributing systems engineering, antenna positioning and control subsystems, product qualification, certification and after-sale support.
Arsen Melconian, President of TECOM, said: “This selection by Row 44 validates our technical approach and is an acknowledgement of the hard work accomplished by the development team, our partner QEST, and all the major vendors. I am extremely pleased about this installation and this is a major event for TECOM.”
“After careful evaluation, Row 44 selected the TECOM KuStream antenna system,” said John Guidon, CEO of Row 44. “We are pleased to have them as our supplier for the Southwest Airlines program.”
The KuStream 1000 has received FCC licensing for airborne transmit and receive. TECOM has completed the requirements for environmental qualification of the KuStream 1000 and has applied for FAA Parts Manufacture Approval.
This is Hot Topic is like life; you get the test first and the lesson later! We have structured a couple questions to help our readers stumble thru the mire of the latest technology and newest products, with an attempt to guess where all this stuff might lead. At the end, we will give you our spin on where it’s all heading.
Question 1. Arrange the following terms in chronologically development/general application order: Desktop, Mainframe, Laptop, Smartphone, Netbook, and Minicomputer. C’mon, this is easy.
Good, now it gets harder. Throw in these terms to make it interesting, and make no mistake, they may also be show-stoppers and game changers: Cloud Computing, Convergence, Wi-Fi & Wi Max, Bluetooth, Pico Cells & Micro Cells & Nano Cells, Apps, and 30 nanometer technology.
Next, lets look at the old ICE concept: Entertainment, Information, and Communication. Here are only a few of the broader implications of the above technology advancements on ICE. You have probably heard all this or have gone thru this process before but hang on and note:
- Entertainment has gotten more portable and wirelessly available by going from analog-to-digital…thank technology for cheap mass storage.
- Information (data) has gone from analog-to-digital…thank Intel, IBM, Samsung and many others for greater computing-on-a-chip technology in the form of smaller micro-circuits and new software algorithms.
- Communication has gone from analog-to-digital, both wired and wirelessly. Frequency, and consequently Bandwidth, is increasing to accommodate both 1 and 3 above.
Finally we have to factor in the following: A. The future of personal entertainment is getting smaller, more powerful, cheaper, and uses less power…but you already knew that too. B. Frequency bands are getting congested as more high bandwidth data is sent to portable devices; however, higher density, physically smaller, more powerful storage and software compression is aiding the portability of content. C. Data (Information) is (becoming) Entertainment…at least so far as our lives are concerned, i.e., the Internet. D. What “portable devices” are road warriors and power users carrying today? E. What paradigms are shifting on airplanes? Ancillary revenue, space, comfort, connectivity, entertainment/headsets, food, baggage, check-in, etc. Question 2. What are the implications for all the above for IFEC?
After we went thru this exercise, we came up with a number of summary observations – see what you think.
- This past year and into 2010, we may see a downturn of IFE revenues, more related to aircraft orders and airline profits – on the flip side, things are looking up somewhat for the latter part of 2010 with companies like Boeing ramping up production rates.
- Connectivity is on the uptick and at some levels, is basic on many aircraft in the US and worldwide. Be in this business or in some way connected to it.
- Voice and data connectivity are battling it out on the aircraft but currently data is winning. However remember, in the digital world, voice is data! European, Asian and Middle Eastern carriers might actually see more digital voice at least for now.
- If trends to portable data are to be believed, passengers will bring aboard more content-related stuff. Case in point, check out this new phone from T-Mobile with content onboard and a built-in Go-Go App. Interestingly, this trend may help the portable IFE folks! How, airlines may hold off IFE selection and cover their assets with portables, older aircraft can compete with SOTA new planes by adding portable IFE. Portable IFE seems to have broken the “free” IFE barrier – travelers seem to understand that new, small, cooler devices are perceived to be worth more than a fixture (see Editor’s Note below). And hey, don’t rule out airline or kiosk delivered portable content! Also, watch out for more flying functionality from iPhone type apps like check-in, flight location and arrival/departure info and the like.
- If one can’t talk to the ground on a 3-hour flight or more, connectivity anxiety is becoming a common disorder for some. The remedy is data, and if space and carry-on limitations keep declining, pricing will increase for both. So watch out for an increasing amount of Smartphone usage.
- As first-run movie “windows” shrink, the demand-pull of installed IFE or that type of content will lessen. And speaking of content, when is someone going to really push books on tape, inflight learning, pay-for-downloads, onboard movie rental/purchase on a card, humane pet transportation, food-to-go-outside-the-airport, instant booze (just add water), etc…there we vented that one.
- Seats are getting thinner while some companies like Panasonic are designing thinner IFE for these applications. Perhaps a seat standard containing all the conceivable seat functions and human interfaces is in the future…all powered by some hybrid network.
- Bandwidth increases will no doubt demand more fiber optics – wireless has limits…the question is where in the plane will it make the most sense? Without a doubt, in the future, the FAA and FCC are going to rethink the noise floors on plastic planes with all this wireless stuff radiating away. We know the issues because we have talked to the HIRF people. This will hit the wall sometime in the future. Further, connectivity is probably heading for Ku Band too to take advantage of that higher bandwidth. Ka interest is increasing too.
- We continue to say that inseat power is becoming a “must add” amenity for passenger devices…and wouldn’t it be interesting if someone invented an integrated, in-seat credit card payment system that reduced crew workload and allowed an avenue for passengers to pay for all this stuff airlines used to give out free. In the future, airlines could be like printer companies – give away the seat at rock bottom prices and make it up on the ancillary revenue like printer companies do with printer cartridges!
- While the inflight connectivity folks seem to always be pushing out the hardware and network break-even points, something has to happen to drive some of the network providers into profitability. Here are a couple of ways they might: Replace or replicate ACARS, security profits from onboard cameras, special purchased data offerings (Hey, our Internet provider charges more for more speed), airline data and onboard trend monitoring deals, and with the right payment system…pay for play might succeed. And finally, where is that gambling windfall?
We have not even mentioned handheld gaming, GPS, portable cameras (and cameras features of phones), noise canceling earphones, PMP devices, social networks, apps for everything, iPads, YouTube, 3D, solar power, wireless power, etc. We will let you work those out for yourselves.
Have a nice day!
(Editor’s Note: We ran our thoughts by other sources of IFE knowledge and one response, in particular, is worth a review by our readers: “During 2009, all of the distributors of portable media players in IFE hit a wall, built partially by a down economy, and partially by a focus on connectivity and how it might impact the demand for entertainment apart from communications. Coming out of 2009, we see a strong impetus toward investment in Premium Economy to capture lost revenues attributable to the fact that premium cabin ticket sales are not rebounding in the same way as economy cabin ticket sales. The impact of this on portables, I believe, is the bifurcation of the portables market into a highly commoditized lower end, and a more innovative higher end where the product is more than simply an add-on but is an integrated product. This might be semi-embedded, or it could cross the DO-160 line and into embedded territory. I believe this favors suppliers with a more holistic view. – LightStream Communications, IFEC Consultancy”)
Geneva, Switzerland, 2 March 2010. OnAir together with Oman Air celebrated a successful first flight using the full spectrum of mobile and WiFi Internet connectivity services based on Inmarsat SwiftBroadband. This is the first time in aviation history that an airline offers such an extensive range of services (GSM/GPRS together with WiFi Internet) at the same time.
At this stage, the service is in operation aboard one of Oman Air’s brand new Airbus A330 aircraft on the Muscat International to London Heathrow route, with planned extensions to other Oman Air aircraft.
Passenger services on the flight provided Internet access via laptops (wireless), as well as the ability via mobile phones and smart phones to make and receive calls, to send and receive text messages and emails, and to access the Internet.
Benoit Debains, CEO of OnAir, commented: “This milestone underlines OnAir’s leadership as the only service provider today capable of offering the full suite of connectivity solutions for cabin and cockpit – GSM/GPRS and WiFi Internet with global coverage.”
The explosive growth of satellite communication capacity has certainly dropped the price point dramatically; however, the sweet spot for the technology is still one-way, single point, uplink to multi-user downlink. This does not bode well for futurists who predict two-way airborne point-to-point satellite communications as a business proposition.”
