In-flight entertainment discussed 

In the world of Aircraft Interiors, IFE and Connectivity go hand in hand with seats and interiors design, but in its own right, is a rapidly growing market segment. In 2010, connectivity will be a growth business as will be the delivery of in-seat embedded (portable-based) IFE and associated in-seat power. This area is probably the growth area of portable IFE.

The manufacturers' holy grail is Exceptional Reliability combined with exceptionally low weight. A typical installation with a high level of functionality will weigh less than five pounds per seat even when all cabling, distribution, headend equipment and kits are accounted for. That means there will be more capacity for passengers, cargo and fuel, to ensure high levels of operational efficiency. Optimized configurations can be even lower in weight.

Seatback units that are not portable, but stand-alone distributed content systems (the seat hardware is hard disk based with content at each seat) are also in development, using fibre optics that are already in the aircraft for broadcast solutions like map features and content updates.

Flight Display Systems, the market leader for retrofit in-flight entertainment equipment,supplies a High-Definition (HD) media server that allows passengers to enjoy an in-flight digital library of DVDs, CDs, and images. It includes FAA PMA approval.

DVD movies viewed over the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) are enhanced with a proprietary upscaling system to give crisp, rich images in 720p and 1080i resolutions. An aircraft owner could store 100 DVD movies or 500GB of MP3 music. Their range of products includes Moving Map displays, LCD monitors from 7- to 42-inches, wireless audio systems, DVD players, and flight view cameras.

Aircell, provider of airborne communications, is developing a high-speed Internet system for the business aviation market. Powered by the Aircell® Network, the Aircell High Speed Internet system allows passengers and crews to use their own Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, to surf the Web, send and receive in-flight e-mail with attachments, Instant Message, access their corporate VPN and much more, all at full mobile broadband speeds in flight.

The Aircell Network utilizes the latest 3G mobile wireless technology, operating in the U.S. over an advanced network of ground stations and Aircell’s exclusive broadband air-to-ground spectrum. For connecting passenger devices in the cabin, customers can choose to install wired or wireless (Wi-Fi) connections with their installation.

The proprietary Aircell system is a solution that provides a true high speed Internet experience that equals what passengers are accustomed to on the ground, while being 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-flight internet benefits airlines.

The commercial airline version of the service - Gogo® Inflight Internet - has already been selected by airlines representing more than half of the North American mainline market. American Airlines, Virgin America and Delta Air Lines have it, and it is coming soon to Air Canada, Northwest and United Airlines.

The groundbreaking nature of Aircell’s new Inflight Internet services has attracted huge worldwide media interest.

The selling point attracting operators is that they can tap into more revenue and passenger loyalty with the top requested cabin service... true inflight internet with interactive in-flight entertainment.  By connecting passengers to what they value most, you can generate new revenue streams for your airline.

Over 65% of business travellers and one third of all leisure travellers in the US carry laptops onboard when they fly. 30% carry Wi-Fi enabled phones and PDAs.

Passengers have always been prepared to pay for true, reliable in-flight Internet, followed closely by in-flight on demand video. 63% of airline executives believe that charging fees for services, rather than on a complimentary basis will continue to grow. We live in a world of rising fuel prices and dampening yields.

Broadband data solutions for aviation.

With a Linux-based operating environment and standard connectors, other aircraft components and avionics can be connected to such a system.

This permits functionality upgrades for items such as electronic flight bags, onboard credit card readers and Flight Recorders.

Generating new revenue streams is one thing, but reducing operational costs while increasing efficiency produces eye-watering financial incentives.