News Recap From FTE APEX Virtual Expo
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The live portion of FTE APEX Virtual Expo concluded this week. Tons of news was announced during the event, including a disinfection solution, a content service providers’ new website and a modem that enables roaming between multiple global networks. This article originally appeared in Expo Daily Experience. Read the full issues and register for FTE APEX Virtual Expo — the platform will remain open as a resource until January 8.
Airbus Delivers First Aircraft With Line-Fit Wireless IFE Architecture
Titan Airways is the first of five launch customers to receive Airbus’ line-fit “Open Software Platform” (OSP) on its new A321LR. The introduction of the OEM’s integrated wireless IFE communications architecture is a milestone move towards the “Airbus Connected Experience.”
OSP features Airbus’ embedded servers, routers, Wi-Fi access points and the software platform itself. It allows airlines and lessors to choose from a growing portfolio of software and content partners like Bluebox Aviation Systems, Titan’s supplier. Others subscribed to OSP include Inflight Dublin, Collins Aviation and Display Interactive, with more to come.
BEONTRA Takes Forecasting to New Horizons
Software developer BEONTRA has a new forecasting platform in the works designed to support airlines, airports and ground handlers. With plans to go live on January 1, 2021, BEONTRA Horizons uses machine learning, business intelligence and improved workflows based on customer interactions with current products to aid in traffic development and capacity optimization.
“[We] are currently undertaking successful trials with five of our existing customers,” explains Martijn Verhees, BEONTRA’s director of Aviation Solutions. “All of our existing customers will transition to Horizons, so eventually our last iteration software will be completely replaced. Yet, we’re aware of the current value we’re providing, and it will be a step-by-step process with an individual trajectory for each of our clients.”
Sureclean Unveils AURA Rapid Aircraft Disinfection Solution
Singapore-based Sureclean’s new battery-powered AURA solution can deep clean a Boeing 737-800NG in just ten minutes based on two passes through the aircraft cabin, the company says. It claims that it is the fastest aircraft disinfecting machine on the market.
The trolley-like device, which stands at 4.5 feet high and is equipped with six electrostatic spray nozzles, uses GermClean’s aviation-grade disinfectant as its cleaning agent.
GermClean’s residual protection lasts for 30 days and, since it requires only one person to operate the product, represents a significant reduction in operational costs for airlines versus manual disinfection procedures, explains managing director Alvin Tan. The company suggests that certificates or decals detailing the latest cleaning date could be placed inside the cabin to restore passenger confidence.
The product was developed together with ground handling firm SATS and has been tested on Singapore Airlines’ aircraft. It will officially launch on January 1, 2021.
ACCESS-IS Develops Document Scanners for Socially Distanced Airports
ACCESS-IS has created two pieces of hardware designed to maintain safe distances between passengers and airport staff in response to COVID-19.
The first, CoBolt, allows passengers to scan their own passports and presents gate agents with the scanned image on their local screen, eliminating the need for documents to be physically handled to confirm travelers’ identities. Raj Jain, head of Sales, Airports & Airlines, explains: “The unit is equipped with RFID operation for biometric chip capture, ethernet capability for cloud connection, mobile power via a USB port and where permissible, can provide full-page passport/ID image capture.”
The second connects ACCESS-IS’ BGR750 boarding pass scanner to a 4.3-pound handheld scanner using a six-foot-long cable, allowing gate agents and passengers to maintain social distance. The handheld scanner can be placed on a stand so that it’s touchless. Jain said it’s a low-cost, stop-gap solution that can easily be unplugged when no longer needed.
Latécoère Celebrates Order For 75-Inch BizAv Monitor
Latécoère recently announced the receipt of an order for the business aviation industry’s first-ever 75-inch UHD 4K digital surround sound monitors, which will be retrofitted on Boeing VVIP 777-200 aircraft through its US-based subsidiary, Aircraft Cabin Systems (ACS), in partnership with IDAIR GmbH. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2021.
ACS’ monitors come in nine sizes from 27- to 75-inches
for 4K UHD monitors, and seven sizes from 17- to 65-inches for HD monitors. A modular design allows customers to integrate their existing HD in-flight entertainment systems, and video inputs and control ports can be customized and scaled from 1080p full HD to 4K Ultra HD. ACS also provides low-emission power supplies and anti-glare film coatings for its monitors.
West Entertainment Launches New Website at FTE APEX Virtual Expo
To support its international growth, West Entertainment LLC (West), the in-flight and cruise content service provider, announced today that it has launched a new website. Designed to showcase West’s passenger entertainment products and services, the site features a clean design allowing easy access to information about solutions, news, blogs and the benefits of choosing West as an IFE content service provider.
“Our fresh, modern new website has been designed to further enable airlines and cruise lines to understand how we can help them deliver fantastic passenger entertainment solutions as well as intelligent data-driven content strategies,” says Flavia Verano, vice-president, Strategic Development at West. “We are now in an even stronger position to engage with the industry as we look to expand our international footprint.”
Through the new portal, clients can access the WE by West platform directly in order to view the latest Hollywood and international movies and trending TV shows for review and ordering. They can also find information about West’s Data and Analytics (DnA) platform, as well as the latest solutions from Fly By West and Jetset AI.
Kontron Launches Small-but-Mighty Modem
Global connectivity in a small package is what Kontron’s newest modem offers airlines of all stripes. But don’t let its size fool you: The ACE Flight 2780 Auxiliary Modem Unit won’t come up short as needs increase. It’s compatible with the ARINC 791 and 792 Ka-band and Ku-band satellite standard, slated to be approved next year, for instance. And the AMU standard allows scaling from single modem connectivity up to a multi-modem system, which enables roaming between multiple global networks. The integrated SATCOM modem card supports high throughput aircraft connectivity to several networks around the world. RJ McLaren, Avionics System product manager for Kontron is excited to provide the industry with “the smallest form factor auxiliary modem solution.”
Malaysia Airlines Adds Traditional Music During Boarding
Malaysia Airlines is bringing passengers a sense of place from the moment they step on the plane. In line with the airline’s Fly Malaysia campaign, focused on promoting the beauty of Malaysia to the world, an original, three-minute soundtrack will greet passengers as they board. Co-produced by the airline’s new in-flight content service provider, Aeroplay Entertainment, the track features a mix of traditional string instruments, a Malay hand drum called Kompang, and an ensemble of percussive instruments originating from Java called Gamelan. “Keeping in mind the impact of boarding music as part of the passenger experience, we have composed a refreshing and upbeat track which is distinctively Malaysian,” says Prakash Johari, CEO and managing director, Aeroplay Entertainment.
AERQ Expands Options With Mid-Sized OLED Screens From JOLED
AERQ is partnering with JOLED to secure “mid-sized” OLED screens for its onboard offerings as it seeks to redefine the in-cabin digital display experience. These new monitors will complement the 55” and 65” sets from LG Electronics already in AERQ’s portfolio. JOLED and AERQ will work together to present a variety of touchpoints utilizing medium-sized OLED displays, such as cabin digital signage and an in-seat system. Naoto Hikichi, executive officer, head of Business Division I at JOLED believes that OLED technology is ideal for the cabin, which places restrictions on installation space and weight.
Gogo’s Latest AVANCE Software Update Brings Fresh Content, Moving Map for BizAv
Business jets with the Gogo AVANCE in-flight connectivity product received a recent upgrade. The company announced a new release of its Gogo IFE solution, dubbed Vision 360, including integration of FlightPath3D’s moving map solution. For an additional fixed monthly fee, jet owners can add up to 150 streaming movies, digital magazines and newsfeeds from Bloomberg to their flights. The upgrade can be activated over-the-air, with no system downtime. “Vision 360 is an important next step in our commitment to deliver the best in-flight connectivity and entertainment experience to business aviation,” says Sergio Aguirre, Gogo’s president.
Latitude Aero Expands Capacity With New Facility
Latitude Aero is moving to a new climate-controlled 100,000-square-foot facility at the same location as its current headquarters near Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina, doubling its production capacity.
The facility will allow the company to pursue OEM fabrication and install a sewing studio for custom seat refurbishment, and will create 15 to 20 new jobs.
“By operating a facility roughly double the size of our current operation, we’re now able to take on larger projects, run production simultaneously, and provide new capabilities to our clients,” explains Kelvin Boyette, Latitude Aero’s president and CEO.
The new facility is expected to be fully operational with EASA certification by mid-December 2020.
Euronews Debuts Content Subscription Packages
Euronews is offering its airline customers three new subscription packages for a flat monthly fee.
The first package, “SVOD,” provides unlimited access to Euronews video on-demand episodes in 12 languages. Topics include: business, culture, sports, science, travel and lifestyle. The second package, “Nearly Live News,” encompasses part-time broadcasting, news bulletins, M/RSS feeds and Euronews’ Daily Digest. Finally, the “Live Content” subscription package comprises access to 12 Linear 24/7 channels focused on a mix of global, European and regional news, that can be delivered via multiple methods depending on a client’s needs.
These new packages have been designed to provide airlines with full control over their usage of the content in all formats – they have all rights for both airline lounges and on the aircraft – as well as control over the duration of the playing cycles.
Immfly Announces Strategic Partnership With Tourvest Retail Services
Immfly has integrated its connected cabin digital services and entertainment platform with omnichannel retail technology from Tourvest, providing air and rail operators with new ancillary revenue opportunities.
“This collaboration demonstrates our platform’s agility to interface with airlines’ key strategic partners, to deliver industry-leading digital services,” says Maria Cardenal, Immfly’s vice-president, Product and Digital Services.
Michelle Green, head of Business Development, Strategy & Innovation for Tourvest adds: “We have been developing our digital strategy both for customer-facing solutions as well as back-office functionality. Our API stack ensures a seamless end-to-end approach that drives customer satisfaction as well as, critically, the integration into the back-of-house supply chain and waste management elements.”