Kontron & Apios Jointly Develop Open White-Label IFEC Ecosystem
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At this year’s Dubai Airshow, Kontron and Apios revealed that following an initial conversation at AIX in 2024, they have been jointly developing an open, white-label in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) platform that Kontron VP Business Development Jon Moseley refers to as “Android for the cabin.”
Creating an “Android for the Cabin”
Moseley recounted, “Both companies quickly recognized we were tackling the same challenge from different directions: aircraft cabins are filled with separate, bespoke systems for IFE, seating electronics, power, lighting, lockers and sensors. That fragmentation makes cabins expensive to build, slow to update and difficult to maintain over their lifetime.”
Agreeing that this was constraining innovation, they came up with a new solution predicted to enter into service in late 2026 that centers on a shared data and power backbone for the entire cabin. It combines Kontron’s avionics-grade servers, wireless access points (WAPs) and MODMAN/AMU solutions with Apios’ seatback displays, in-seat power solutions and digital cabin systems.
It is a setup that will significantly reduce waste over an aircraft’s lifespan. “Think of it like a plug-and-play board: once installed, airlines and OEMs can add or change modules without redesigning the underlying infrastructure,” Moseley explained. “Anything can plug into it: seatback or wireless IFE, smart seats, lighting, overhead bins, galley systems and a wide range of sensors.”
“We developed Dynamic Tiered Power Allocation (DTPA) to make sure passengers can charge laptops, tablets and phones while still running all seat features and IFE without interruption.”
– David Thomas, Apios
The system is designed to integrate with third-party hardware and software to give airlines and integrators significantly more control over system design and supplier choice. Apios CEO David Thomas commented, “Just as Android reshaped consumer technology, this partnership represents a paradigm shift in aviation. It embodies openness, innovation, and most importantly, the ability for airlines to define their own digital future.”
Founded in the UK in 2020, Apios has focused on creating a single, shared architecture for IFE, power and digital cabin services via two offerings. The first is Apios Reflect, a seatback IFE offering with integrated USB power; and the second is Apios Digital, its cloud and services platform. Apios Digital launched in 2022, while Apios Reflect is currently transitioning to “red label” and pre-qualification and will complete full DO-160 qualification for all core LRUs during the first quarter of 2026.
During this same timeframe, Kontron is completing qualification of its new servers and Wi-Fi 7 access points. By the second quarter of next year, the companies are aiming to have a minimum viable product that can fully demonstrate smart seats with integrated sensors, IFE and multi-orbit connectivity validation at AIX in April.
How Can Airlines Use an Open IFEC Platform?
Discussing what deployment of the platform might look like for a premium airline or full-service carrier, Thomas said Apios Reflect could be used to create smart seats. “We deliberately separate the processing unit from the screen. The processor becomes the ‘brain’ of the smart seat and handles sensors and control functions.”
However, by adding a screen, Thomas noted the system can accommodate a seatback IFE offering. “Because the screen is separate, airlines can choose sizes from eight inches to over 55-inches and from HD to 4K, or pick one of our standard panel options.”
He continued that airlines could choose to install high-power USB outlets delivering up to 100 watts per port. “Smart seats, power and IFE all demand different loads, so we developed Dynamic Tiered Power Allocation (DTPA) to make sure passengers can charge laptops, tablets and phones while still running all seat features and IFE without interruption.”
Meanwhile, Kontron’s servers, Wi-Fi 7 access points and software-defined radio (SDR) running in MODMAN mode can provide high-speed, multi-orbit satellite connectivity.
“Fragmentation makes cabins expensive to build, slow to update and difficult to maintain over their lifetime.”
– Jon Moseley, Kontron
He added that an airline might also opt for integrated seat and monument sensors demonstrating occupancy, seat belt and life jacket presence, temperature, humidity and more.
Finally, Apios Digital could provide cloud-based analytics, predictive maintenance and personalized services to an airline client, although these capabilities will not be thoroughly developed until 2027.
Likewise, qualification of Apios’ smart seat electronic units and wider cabin modules are set for some time between Q3 and Q4 2026. This is an important part of the puzzle: By bringing IFE, seat electronics, power and sensors together, the company is aiming to eliminate redundant boxes, cut weight and simplify maintenance.
Moseley confirmed that while there is no official launch customer as yet, Kontron and Apios are “in advanced discussions with several airlines, from premium carriers building smart-seat environments to LCCs prioritizing efficient wireless IFE and high-power USB.”
The companies are currently inviting OEMs, system integrators, and technology partners to help advance the platform.