ASIP Selected By WizzAir | China Airlines and FlightPath3D | Astronics Partners with LG Display | Philippine Airlines Extends Support Contract | Airbus Extends Satellite Based Landing System

ASIP Tech Selected by Wizz Air for Free Inflight Connectivity

AS-IP Tech announced it has signed an agreement with Wizz Air (LSE: WIZZ) to provide connectivity on its fleet of A320 and A321 UK based aircraft.

In a world first, Wizz Air will integrate AS-IP Tech’s fflya Bluetooth platform into its mobile app and provide free messaging (SMS, Email and WhatsApp) to its passengers. It will be marketed as TEXT&FLY BY WIZZ.

ASIP Tech President Ron Chapman said “Following months of successful flight testing, we are delighted to be selected by Wizz Air pioneering our new generation of inflight connectivity.  We look forward to working with WIZZ and building on our unique messaging technology that provides the foundation for enhanced services including, inflight live payment, real-time telemetry and E Commerce.”

Marion Geoffroy, Managing Director at Wizz Air UK, said “At Wizz Air, we are always looking to enhance the customer experience, which is why we are delighted to now offer our customers free connectivity for messaging onboard our UK flights. TEXT&FLY BY WIZZ underlines our commitment to enhancing our digital offering and putting customer satisfaction first.”

China Airlines Continues To Deploy FlightPath3D Fleet-Wide With New Second Screen 3D Technology

FlightPath3D, the global leader in moving map innovation and technology, announces that China airlines has deployed the first, full, 3D second screen on its A321neo inflight entertainment (IFE) system powered by Safran, using FlightPath3D’s ‘any device, any platform’ technology.

China Airlines is working towards integrating a single map experience across all its platforms.

China Airlines joins Air France, ANA, and Kuwait by offering passengers a consistent experience on its A321neo, A330-300 and B737-800 IFE with FlightPath3D’s technology.

In addition to the interactive moving map experience, FlightPath3D also offers a range of apps to create a seamless passenger experience. One of the most engaging is the whimsical kids map that lets children discover animals, oceans, countries, and other landmarks around their destination. The moving map and kids map are available in 3D, and can be added to an airline’s suite of IFE offerings to give travelers a totally immersive experience.

“China Airlines recognizes the second-screen experience is essential to captivate passengers and keep them engaged throughout their travel experience. Having a full, 3D map in your hand while watching a movie on your seatback is a game-changer for the passenger, and opens the doorway for innovative opportunities for the airline to reach its customers,” says FlightPath3D President Duncan Jackson.

“We’re excited to have the most advanced 3D map available on our seatback and mobile devices simultaneously on our A321neo,” says China Airlines VP, Corporate Development Office, Jeremy Chang. “FlightPath3D’s engaging moving map technology on our second screen, plus the flexibility to add the kids app on our IFE, shows FlightPath3D’s ability to work with us to drive our initiatives of providing the best inflight experience for all passengers.”

“Our ‘any device’ approach makes it possible to track and search flights, plan things to do, and drive revenue on any or all IFE platforms,” says Jackson.

Astronics Announces Strategic Partnership with LG Display for OLED Technology in Aviation 

Astronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced technologies for global aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries, today announced a strategic partnership with LG Display to bring their industry leading OLED display technologies to the aviation marketplace. This relationship provides Astronics access to LG Display’s broad family of industry leading OLED displays as well as technical support for development and integration from LG Display engineering resources.

“Astronics and LG Display have successfully collaborated to develop and deliver over 100 aviation qualified 4k OLED products. Given our early success, we are advancing our partnership with LG Display, and expect to continue to leverage our combined capabilities to develop and launch new products for the aviation industry,” commented Taylor Prosba, Vice President & General Manager of Astronics Custom Control Concepts.

Patrick Park, LG Display Team Leader/US Large Display Sales Team, commented, “We are very excited to work with the Astronics team and continue to provide innovative OLED technologies to the avionics industry.”

Representatives from Astronics will be at Stand B41 during the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) from May 23-25, 2022. Featured will be a full product demonstration including the new 77 inch 4K OLED, the largest aircraft certified smart display on the market.

Philippine Airlines Extends Support Contract for 777 and A320 Engines

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed an extension to its flight hour support contract with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance for the GE90 engines powering its Boeing 777 fleet, as well for the CFM56-5B engines fitted on its Airbus A320 aircraft.

Following a successful restructuring process in 2021, the Philippine flag carrier has established a new fleet plan. AFI KLM E&M will support PAL with GE90 shop visits for as long as the 777 serves on the airline’s fleet. Cooperation is also extended on the CFM56-5B engines for PAL’s A320s serving domestic and regional routes.

Adaptiveness, in all weathers

It is during storms that you know how to recognize your real partners, those who understand you best. As an Airline-MRO, AFI KLM E&M knows perfectly what are the operator’s constraints and did its utmost to support Philippine Airlines. Throughout the pandemic, Philippine Airlines could rely on the Adaptiveness® mindset of AFI KLM E&M.  During PAL’s restructuring phase, AFI KLM E&M remained available and attentive as a service partner, in order to build the best response to the needs of the Philippine carrier. The signing of this engine contract extension builds on that positive relationship.

Alvin Limqueco, SVP-Supply Chain Management at Philippine Airlines said: “We value the partnership we have with the AFI KLM E&M teams, who have been a loyal ally throughout the uncertainty of the last two years.  PAL and AFI KLM E&M have kept strong communication lines during the pandemic, and we look forward to continuing our robust ties as they continue to support our fleet requirements in the future through this extended agreement”.

Pierre Teboul, SVP Commercial AFI KLM E&M, added: “We are pleased and proud to have found a long-term partner in PAL. Since the beginning of our cooperation on the GE90 engine, we have put all our expertise at their disposal and ensured continuity of service. We have come out of this period stronger and our relationship of trust has been consolidated”.

Airbus Extends Satellite Based Landing System (SLS) Capability to A320 Family

Airbus has delivered the first Airbus A320neo equipped with the latest Satellite Based Landing System (SLS) technology to long standing customer easyJet. SLS enables pilots to perform ‘straight-in’ approaches using satellite precision when coming into land at airports, without the need for additional ground-based systems such as *ILS, even in low-visibility conditions, while saving fuel and reducing emissions.

SLS first entered service in Europe with the A350 in 2015 after Airbus had successfully pioneered its development and introduction for *CAT1 approaches with support of the EU Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) – formerly known as the GSA – and the European Commission. An SLS function is also available on A220 and A330 aircraft families and in progress for the A380.

“By using SLS, airlines benefit from improved operational capabilities and operational efficiency,” says Philippe Mhun, Airbus Head of Programs and Services. “We are very pleased to offer this new Air Traffic Management capability now on the A320 Family, which demonstrates how Airbus is keeping its aircraft at the cutting-edge of technology.” He adds: “The introduction of satellite-based technologies highlights the benefit of Airbus’ cross-divisional collaboration. With Airbus Defense and Space being one of the world leaders in satellite technology, we take advantage of this expertise and apply it to commercial aviation. We are grateful for the excellent support provided by the EUSPA and the European Commission.”

Airbus is also developing the new generation of EGNOS, the European Satellite Based Augmentation System. “Airbus is engaged and committed to the delivery of the next version of the program by 2027,” stated François Gaullier, Head of Telecom and Navigation at Airbus Defense and Space. “SLS users will seamlessly benefit from the increase in performance as the service becomes available at additional European destinations.”

David Morgan, Director of Flight Operations, easyJet, said: “We are excited about this latest technological development as it represents another step towards further improvement of the efficiency of our operations while helping us to reduce fuel usage and therefore tackle our carbon emissions.  “We believe that modernizing the aviation sector is a crucial goal requiring the joint and coordinated effort of the entire industry. We are committed to support the development of new technologies, together with our partners across the industry, allowing us to operate in the most efficient and technologically-advanced way possible for the safety of our customers and the protection of our planet.”

The A320neo Family incorporates new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel and CO2 savings, as well as a 50 percent noise footprint reduction. At the end of April 2022 the A320neo Family had received more than 8,000 orders from around 130 customers. Since its entry into service six years ago, Airbus has delivered over 2,200 A320neo Family aircraft contributing to 15 million tons of CO2 saving versus the previous generation aircraft which they replace.