Boeing HorizonX Invests in Immfly for Digital Future
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For its first investment in the in-flight entertainment (IFE) industry, Boeing HorizonX has selected wireless IFE provider Immfly. The companies plan to leverage connectivity to enhance the passenger experience and help airlines develop new revenue streams.
In-flight entertainment (IFE) and digital services company Immfly today announced it secured funding from Boeing HorizonX and will showcase its services at the HorizonX “What’s Next” booth at the Singapore Airshow this month. Boeing’s venture capital division, founded in 2017, currently supports several startups in the aerospace industry, from 3-D printing specialists to unmanned aerial vehicle service and delivery providers.
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The investment in Immfly, which took place in 2019, marks the first time HorizonX selected a startup directly serving the in-flight entertainment market. “One of HorizonX’s investment priority areas is connectivity, which includes both the infrastructure as well as companies [like Immfly] that are uniquely situated to take advantage of these new connectivity platforms,” said Brian Schettler, senior managing director for Boeing HorizonX Ventures.
Immfly’s digital solution enables airlines to manage onboard services including wireless IFE, flight information, advertising and onboard sales. Surveys conducted by Immfly customers Iberia and easyJet found that having access to the wireless IFE improved passenger satisfaction. “This investment … provides Immfly access to an unrivaled network of partners, state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories and resources that will accelerate Immfly’s platform capabilities,” said Jimmy Martinez von Korff, executive chairman, Immfly.
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The Barcelona-based startup launched its advertising division, Adsfly, in April 2019, to better manage the large number of IFE ad campaign requests it was receiving. Martinez von Korff identified the goal of boosting revenue as one of Immfly’s three core pillars, along with maximizing savings and “wowing” customers. “Monetization will continue to form a central part of Immfly’s strategy, while the company continues to focus on services which progressively enhance airlines’ ability to deliver a differentiated customer experience,” he explained.
“Content commercialization, intelligent retail and personalized services constitute other areas the company has been actively developing as new revenue streams,” Martinez von Korff continued. “Since setting an industry precedent with the digital sale of destination services on board 5 years ago, Immfly has continued innovating to introduce new products, features and services focused on unlocking new onboard retail and ancillary revenue opportunities.”