EmPower Now Approved for Retrofit Installations in Multiple Boeing Aircraft Models
East Aurora, NY | May 15, 2018– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (CSC), recently received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for retrofit installations of Astronics’ EmPower® in the flight deck on multiple Boeing aircraft types. Astronics CSC completed the STCs in conjunction with retrofit projects for multiple airlines, in which more than 600 aircraft will provide the EmPower outlets for pilot use.
The STCs are for installations of 110VAC and USB outlet
combinations, plus power supplies and associated wiring kits,
on Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777 aircraft. Astronics expects to receive additional STCs for more Boeing and Airbus aircraft later this year in conjunction with additional airline retrofit programs. Airlines can leverage these STCs for quick and simplified installations of EmPower flight deck power.
Pilots are increasingly using electronic flight bags (EFBs) and the number of real-time applications they are using on those devices is rising. Increased usage can drain power, and airlines are requiring easily accessible outlets integrated into the flight deck. Astronics’ EmPower products are already a standard linefit option on Boeing and Airbus, and these new STCs represent an additional retrofit opportunity for airlines to provide consistency within their fleets.
“We were honored to be selected by several airlines to create this retrofit solution for flight deck power,” said Michael Kuehn, President of Astronics CSC. “Our global experience in certification services is helping these airlines quickly provide a unified flight deck power experience across their entire fleets, which offers seamless convenience for their crews.”
Over 500 Narrow-Body Aircraft to Install EmPower®
Passenger and Flight Deck Power Systems
East Aurora, NY | April 2, 2018– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), has been selected by multiple Asia-Pacific airlines to install the EmPower® in-seat power and flight deck power systems.
Several major airlines in Asia will install the EmPower systems from 2018 to 2025, including two Chinese low-cost carriers. These recent awards will place in- seat power within 500 additional narrow-body aircraft serving the Asia-Pacific region. The installations are scheduled on both Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Multiple Asia-Pacific airlines will install in-seat power systems from Astronics AES on more than 500 narrow- body aircraft.
The systems include various EmPower configurations,
including 110V 60Hz and high-power (2.1A) USB for use with laptops and other personal electronic devices (PEDs), such as iPads® and smartphones. The Flight Deck Power System includes high-power (2.1A) USB as well 110VAC to power electronic flight bag tablets.
“Airlines throughout the Asia-Pacific region continue to invest in upgrading and expanding their narrow-body fleets, incorporating a ‘bring-your-own-device’ entertainment strategy that requires convenient access to power,” said Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation. “Astronics is honored that these airlines continue to select our EmPower system solutions to power the information devices used by crews in the cockpit plus the personal electronic devices used by passengers in the cabin.”
For more than 20 years, Astronics has developed and delivered intelligent power management systems to the world’s aerospace industry. With more than one million outlet units delivered, the patented EmPower® in-seat power system is currently in service with over 230 airlines.
Located in Kirkland, Washington, Astronics AES is an industry-leading manufacturer of aircraft electrical power systems, including power generation and distribution. For more details on aircraft electrical power, visit Astronics.com.
Set for line-fit on Boeing 737 Max 8 Aircraft for TUI Airlines
East Aurora, NY | March 28, 2018–Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), received its first line-fit certification of the new EmPower® UltraLite in-seat passenger power system on a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft for TUI Airlines.
The EmPower UltraLite system is a new, lightweight architecture providing high output USB power for passenger use without the need for a power supply unit installed at each seat group. The result is a lower cost, lower weight system over traditional, seat- group-based architectures.
The UltraLite system is now line-fit offerable on any
Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft and will be line-fit
delivered on Airbus in the third quarter of 2018. “We
are pleased to announce TUI Airlines as the line-fit
launch customer for our revolutionary new UltraLite system, and are confident that our in-seat power solution will deliver an excellent passenger experience. The installation went flawlessly and the system is performing well,” said Dennis Markert, Director of Business Development, Astronics AES.
For more than 20 years, Astronics has developed and delivered intelligent power management systems to the world’s aerospace industry. With more than one million outlet units delivered, the patented EmPower in-seat power system is currently in service with over 230 airlines.
Located in Kirkland, Washington, Astronics AES is an industry-leading manufacturer of aircraft electrical power systems, including power generation and distribution. For more details on aircraft electrical power, visit Astronics.com.
Installations expected on 700 to 1,400 narrow-body and regional jet aircraft
East Aurora, New York | October 16, 2017– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), was recently selected by six major North American airlines to install industry-leading EMPOWER® in-seat power systems on up to 1,400 narrow- body and regional jet aircraft.
Astronics AES will equip the airplanes with 110VAC and high output USB power for every passenger from “nose to tail,” including the cabin crew stations. Line-fit and retrofit installations will occur from early 2018 through 2023.
Peter J. Gundermann, President of Astronics Corporation, noted, “Being selected for these significant fleet upgrades further solidifies our leading global market position for passenger power on commercial aircraft and is a strong indication of the increasing trend for airlines to provide power for their passengers on narrow-body and regional aircraft. Carriers worldwide are responding to passenger requests for power at the seat so they can use their personal electronic devices to fully enjoy the streamed in-flight entertainment and upgraded connectivity systems provided by the airlines, while remaining fully charged when they land.”
Statistics show that 97% of passengers travel with personal electronic devices, and a large percentage carry more than one. For over 20 years, Astronics AES has supplied intelligent power management systems for airline passengers’ benefits. The EMPOWER system is currently in service with over 230 airline and OEM customers with over one million power outlets installed.
East Aurora, NY | June 23, 2016– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading supplier of products to the global aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries, today announced the newest EMPOWER® in-seat power system from wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) has been selected by three major airlines in Asia for installations scheduled through the 2017 to 2021 timeframe. These recent awards will place in-seat power in more than 230 additional aircraft serving the Asia Pacific region. The installations, valued at more than $16 million, will be in Boeing 737, 737-800 & 737 MAX, Airbus A320 and Bombardier CS300 aircraft.
This system includes various EMPOWER® configurations, including 110V 60Hz as well as high-power (2.1A) USB for use with laptops and other Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs), such as iPad® and
Smartphones.
Mike Hettich, Vice President of Astronics AES Cabin Electronics, said, “Statistics show that 97% of global passengers travel with their own mobile devices. Airline carriers worldwide are responding to their passengers’ requests for power at the seat to keep their devices operational during the flight and fully charged for when they arrive at their destination.”
For nearly 20 years, Astronics has developed patented, intelligent power management systems. The patented EMPOWER® System is currently in service with over 190 Airline/OEM customers at more than 900,000 seat locations.
East Aurora, NY | April 7, 2015– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with SmartTray International, LLC to exclusively market, sell, and manufacture SmartTray’s new passenger device-friendly aircraft tray table solutions that facilitate hands-free use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) including smartphones. The tray tables offer air travelers superior ergonomics, better space management, and improved comfort and convenience over conventional tray tables.
“SmartTray’s solutions are best-in-class and represent a strong opportunity for Astronics as they are complementary to our leading EMPOWER® aircraft in-seat power systems,” said Pete Gundermann, CEO of Astronics. “With our existing industry relationships, proven track record of customer support, and portfolio of over 190 airline customers, Astronics is perfectly positioned to enhance the passenger experience by combining PED power and the convenience of an ergonomic tray table to manage passenger carry-on devices. Under this exclusive agreement, Astronics will deliver SmartTray’s patented solutions to airlines and seat manufacturers globally, and airline passengers will enjoy the power and convenience they desire,” added Mr. Gundermann.
“We could not be more proud to partner with Astronics,” said Nick Pajic, CEO and Founder of SmartTray International. “With millions of air travelers using their mobile phones and electronic tablet devices on airplanes for work and entertainment, airline operators are in need of simple, practical, and cost effective solutions that make using and stowing PEDs inflight more convenient and easier. SmartTray products do exactly that,” added Mr. Pajic.
How much power does an iPad really need? That question is one that our inflight friends are always asking so we set out to get a few answers. In fact, if you have ever noticed that strange message on your iPad: “Not Charging” or your later built device doesn’t seem to raise the charge capacity even with the charger that came with the device, we might have an answer for you.
First, here are couple ground rules:
1. Your new 3rd Generation iPad probably has a built-in 42.5-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. This means that the battery could power (theoretically) a 40 watt light bulb for about an hour.
2. This also means that you have 5 to 6 hours of use without recharging before the battery drains to zero.
3. Since the A.C. battery charger is capable of delivering 10 watts or so, it will take at least 2 to 4 hours to charge it back up. Interestingly, one source told IFExpress that on Generation 3 iPads (and higher), the unit indicates it has reached full charge on the display, but the fact of the matter is it takes an additional hour of charging to actually reach 100%! This also means that if you want to use your iPad under intensive battery usage modes like data or video that work the screen and processor – turn down the brightness.
4. Older computer USB ports may not deliver enough power. The “Not Charging” symbol is a good indication of this situation; however, we have it on good advice that if you turn off your iPad, it will still charge but at a slower rate than normal.
This is also true on an airplane with in-seat power that does not deliver 10 or so watts. To check out our data we stopped by Astronics in Kirkland, WA. for a bit of a refresher and talked to Dennis Markert, Director of Business Development and asked for some information about their latest USB charging solution. Below is a page and table from their playbook describing some tablet charging values and we thought our readers might like to see the information they compiled:
“High Power USB PED Power – Users will be able to power/charge devices with a USB power interface, including iPad and most other tablets, smartphones, media players, games and other handheld devices. Several tablet devices today require significant input power to operate and charge at the same time. Performing certain functions such as reducing screen brightness or placing the device in standby mode can reduce operating consumption; however, it may not be adequate to satisfy the customer requirements. For example, the Generation 3 iPad ships with a 2.1 Amp adapter as standard equipment. The Generation 4 iPad is now shipping with a 2.4 Amp adapter due to an inability to operate and charge simultaneously on the 2.1 Amp adapter. Many of today’s tablets ship with standard adapters in the range of 1.25-2.1Amps. The table below lists most of the common tablets that can be charged from a USB charging port and the power required. The EmPower High Power USB Power Supply system provides more USB power than any other system available today.”
Dennis also showed us their Model 1325 USB Power Supply… and then demonstrated it charging 4 iPads. He told IFExpress: “Our latest cabin USB power supply provides enough power to charge 4 iPads simultaneously …while they are in use. It can deliver up to 2.1 Amps (configuration dependent) at +5 volts from aircraft 115AC power (360 Hz to 800 Hz AC) and, the box is designed to the latest aircraft OEM and FAA requirements.“ However, if you only brought your charger and no USB power cord, Astronics offers their 1315 Seat Power Box that, one airline, is implementing fleet wide, nose-to –tail. Alaska Airlines has chosen Astronics to provide their combined 110VAC and intelligent USB charging system for their entire B737 fleet. This system delivers 110VAC as well as +5 volt DC USB power capable of delivering enough power so passengers can charge, while in use, the latest and most popular portable devices. Stay Charged!
East Aurora, NY | September 17, 2012– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power, enhanced vision, network systems and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that Astronics AES, the recognized industry leader in aircraft cabin power, now has available for sale, a stand-alone 5 Volt DC In-Seat USB charging system designed to charge the latest passenger electronics devices.
This latest EMPOWER® stand-alone 5 Volt DC USB In-Seat Power charging system provides power to four individual USB Outlet Units capable of simultaneously charging four iPad® devices. Astronics AES is introducing its latest innovation in the EMPOWER® product line to the commercial aviation market so the needs of airline passengers that require USB power to charge their electronic devices such as smartphones, cameras, tablets and other USB devices can be addressed.
Tablet devices presently account for 30% of technology operated on commercial flights. It is projected that an additional 300 million more tablet devices will enter the market by 2015. With the proliferation of these and other popular portable electronic technologies, the latest USB EMPOWER® system is ready to provide the charging power for commercial airlines and their passengers.
For over 15 years, Astronics AES has developed patented intelligent power management systems. The patented EMPOWER® System is currently in service with over 170 Airline/OEM customers on over 500,000 seats.
EAST AURORA, NY | May 24, 2012 – Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high-performance lighting, electrical power, avionics databus interfaces, and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (AES), signed a multi-year agreement with Thales Avionics, Inc. to provide Astronics’ world leading EmPower(R) In-Seat Power Systems and other power conversion product lines for integration with Thales’ In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) Systems on all major aircraft platforms including B787 and A350.
Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corp., commented, “We believe that our intelligent power control, distribution and conversion systems are excellent complements for Thales Avionics’ innovative IFEC technology. We recognize this agreement as a testament of their confidence in our capabilities to consistently provide highly reliable, low weight power solutions and outstanding customer service. Strategically, we continue to innovate and develop new products in order to build our content value on aircraft.”
Astronics began providing EmPower(R) products to Thales in 2007 under various commercial agreements. Since then, Astronics has developed multiple, unique power products to fulfill Thales IFEC system requirements.
For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed innovative intelligent power management systems. The patented EmPower(R) System is currently in service with over 150 Airline/OEM customers at more than 500,000 seat locations.
We rarely publish stories on company moves, almost never. We got wind of an Astronics move (1.5 miles north on Willows Rd) so we went to see the new building which will house more than 300 employees (current full-time headcount is 312). The move comes amid a business and employee hiring expansion. Why, demand for inseat power is growing disproportionately to airline growth but is more akin to the growth of portable devices like Smartphones. Wi-Fi connectivity is becoming the darling of the flying set and with smaller single-aisle aircraft taking up the growth charge, the inseat product line will grow with it.
If you don’t know (or remember Astronics, here is a short primer: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (Astronics AES) began in Seattle, Washington as Electric Service Company “ELSCO” in 1958. In the 1960s the company focused on the small specialty power supply business and in the 1970s moved to Redmond, WA. During the 1980s product offerings expanded further to system-level power systems and test systems. In the early 1990s the company delivered a new product – airplane cabin phone systems for AT&T and later in the 1990s introduced its in-seat power system, EmPower®. In the early 2000s, Astronics AES moved to a larger building in Redmond and introduced the CorePower® product line, a complete power generation and distribution systems for business aircraft. EmPower®– In-seat power systems for commercial and business aircraft provides power to run laptops, portable electronic devices and in-flight entertainment systems. EmPower® systems.
And lastly, but still in the Astronics mode, here are a few juicy bits we picked up about the newest (soon to be announced) inset power product. See if you can figure out what it is?
Commercially:
1) The attest product from the leader of In Seat Power products.
2) First to market with a system that charges 4 iPads simultaneously as well as other similar devices.
3) Launch customer to be announced soon.
4) Directed in response to airlines that are launching IFEC. programs and also recognize that passengers are carrying on their own electronic environment.
Technically:
1. Provides power to 4 USB devices.
2. Delivers up to 2.1A / device to charge iPad and other similar devices
3. Weight – > 0.35kg (> 0.75lbs)
4. Has a very small form factor.
5. Compatible with Airbus and Boeing design requirements.
6. It is interchangeable / intermixable with ISPSS and IFE systems.
7. Wide frequency input
8. Meets OEM offerability requirements..
9. Patents are pending.
10. Meets FAA/EASA requirements.
11. It is efficient – it exhibits very Low Heat dissipation.
Stay Tuned!
East Aurora, NY | September 12, 2011 — Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power generation and distribution and automated test systems for the global aerospace and defense industries, today announced that its latest- generation In-Seat Power System, which was introduced in September 2010, has been successfully installed and certified. The installation and certification of the unique system with USB charging is another demonstration of Astronics’ success at product design and development, manufacture, delivery and certification of innovative products for the aerospace industry.
The latest addition to the EmPower® line of products, the 1191-3X, is a new In-Seat Power Supply (ISPS) which provides 110VAC at up to 200VA per passenger and can provide USB charging when used in conjunction with the new 1295-X Outlet Unit (OU). The ISPS offers additional power to each passenger to support the latest power-hungry laptops while the OU offers USB charging for passenger devices such as smart phones, iPods, cameras and other standard +5 Volt DC devices. All of this is accomplished in a smaller device than previous generations of the industry-leading EmPower® products.
“As the power needs of airline passengers increase, airlines worldwide are looking to Astronics EmPower® products for solutions. Astronics’ patented power management and control technologies are key to the success of providing passengers power for personal electronic devices, in-flight entertainment, and connectivity solutions scalable on any aircraft platform,” noted Peter J. Gundermann, President and CEO of Astronics Corporation.
For more than 15 years, Astronics has developed patented, intelligent power management systems. The industry leading EmPower® System is currently in service with more than 150 Airline/OEM customers at more than 500,000 seat locations.
The Aircraft Interiors mash-up in Hamburg ended this past week with some very interesting and unpredicted trends in the IFE space. For sure, the move toward smaller, thinner, lighter and more capable electronics was present. Second, third, and fourth generation electronics were claimed in the thin seat/thin and smart IFE world. Without a doubt, this is the trend of the next round of seatback/seat hardware. We really liked the Thales product!
There were a number of R&D projects almost ready for prime time: A wireless seat power development project that claimed 97% efficiency from KID (isn’t that better than wire?); a really great in-seat power supply design concept (Recaro and KID), which removed the seat power box and placed it in a central seat tube; a rapid prototyping capability for seat peripheral products (IFPC); a new, simple, content aggregation software from an Italian supplier; a new satcom/radio software data reduction algorithm that lops 40% of the overhead budget (TriaGnoSys); a new line of inflight hardware from a predominantly portable IFE supplier; a big sale for one fiber-optic IFE provider; two new seat power boxes; a 65” LCD Display; and so much more.
There is a big deal underway in IFE gatelink data that promises to expand ground-based IFE/airplane data that may finally automate that last node on the airline networks – the aircraft. It may do so by the build-up of ground-based networking…not in-flight connectivity. This offering looks like another SITA or ARINC and may incorporate their efforts as well. We will report on this project in the upcoming weeks.
iPad, iPad, iPad is all we heard about. No less that 8 vendors at the Hamburg Show had them in their booth. One even professed that it will be used as an inflight IFE offering. We do not know how it will ever pass DO-160 specifications so that rules out an imbedded application, but hope springs eternal. Additionally, the unit still stumbles with the lack of file handling capabilities and multitasking…not to mention security issues around file encryption. One rumor on the floor placed a major movie distributer in the booth of one vendor claiming they must print a retraction to an earlier news release claiming iPad first run movies? You can believe what you may but you heard it here first.
On the road, we wanted to give a tip-of-the-hat to Seattle Tacoma International Airport for their much appreciated, free Wi-Fi offered to all travelers. In an interview, the airport claimed that it costs them easily over $100,000 each year given the fees and royalties paid by service providers. Airports are not friendly places any more, but the folks at SeaTac deserve mention.
We hear Alaska Airlines will be offering introductory free Go-go Wi-Fi service till July 31, this year.
While air travel to and from the Hamburg show was nothing short of madness, thanks to the Icelandic volcano, we worry about the long-term impact on European air travel and airlines. Having experienced the absolute breakdown of one airline’s ability to manage the emergency we wonder if there are any management solutions to random weather emergencies? One thing for sure, it is going to cost us all more to fly!
Posted by Patricia on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Filed under Hot Topics · Tagged with Aircraft Cabin Systems, AIX Hamburg 2010, ARINC, EmPower, Gatelink, Inflight Peripherals, KID Systemes, Lumexis, Panasonic Avionics, Recaro, SITA, Thales, TriaGnoSys
EAST AURORA, NY, May 4, 2010 – Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leader in
advanced, high performance lighting, electrical power and automated test systems for the global
aerospace and defense industries, today announced it reached a significant milestone with the
delivery of its 500,000th EMPOWER® in-seat power outlet. For over 15 years, Astronics AES has
developed leading-edge patented intelligent power management systems for the commercial air
carrier market. The patented EMPOWER® system is in service with 143 Airline/OEM customers
worldwide.
Utilizing its many years of expertise in intelligent cabin power systems, Astronics introduced the
28VDC to 115VAC EMPOWER® In-Seat Power Supply system into the business jet market in 2008.
The first intelligent power management system of its kind available to the business jet market, each
inverter weighs only two pounds and supports up to three passenger outlets.
The EMPOWER® 1215 Inverter is TSO-C73 certified, DO-160E compliant and is in full compliance
with FAA Policy Statement ANM-01-111-165 for certification of power supply systems for Portable
Electronic Devices (PED’s).
Built with safety, convenience and efficiency in mind, the EMPOWER® system has ground fault
interrupt, over current protection, over/under voltage protection and thermal load shedding built into
the inverter unit. This intelligent in-seat power system eliminates the need for external protection
and control devices, reducing cost and weight. The inverter is also configured for an enable/disable
input and a system in-use light for crew visibility and control per the FAA Policy Statement.
Utilizing Astronics patented intelligent power management, the inverter does not provide power to
the outlet unit until an appropriate device is properly inserted. For seamless use around the world,
the outlet unit will accommodate plugs from 155 countries. To complement design motifs, outlet
units are available in a variety of colors. Additionally, gold and un-plated outlet covers are available
adding to the elegance of aircraft interiors.
With the growing demand for productivity on-board today’s business aircraft, Astronics AES is
committed to developing the power products that meet the wide variety of needs of the aircraft
passenger.
The headset is the most critical part of any IFE system. It defines the quality of audio delivery and its look and feel defines the quality of the Airline. The headset is probably responsible for more passenger complaints, and IFE reliability issues than any other IFE component - so why do most airlines leave its procurement to the catering department?”
