No doubt, when you have flown in the past, you have seen a crew member rely on a printed listing of passengers or a list of flight specific data. Note we said “printed” and that concept just may be a thing of the past because Lufthansa Systems has introduced the mobile device app solution for cabin paperwork (and much more) and it is called mCabin. Hosted on a number of popular devices Windows tablets (Apple coming soon), mCabin puts the whole plane in the cabin crew’s hands which makes an easier way to manage the passenger services, and increases crew knowledge… by a lot. Perhaps, their sales promotion says it best: “All relevant flight details at a glance mCabin app gives access to precise and valuable passenger, crew and flight data directly from your mobile device. The app contains all required documentation and information from interactive duty calendar through briefing, crew positioning, passenger information and reporting.”

But mCabin is more than just an app. We note that the devices are wirelessly connected to a software support system that keeps all users aware of the airline information and updated with system knowledge like crew, briefings reports and so on but we will talk more about this later.

Here is a quote from their news release: “mCabin is a state-of-the-art, professional tool that supports cabin attendants in all stages and processes before, during and after a flight. The app contains information for the in-flight service such as a list of all passengers together with details of passenger seat numbers, status, meal preferences and special assistance. A shop module displays all available duty-free items and food and beverages that can be selected for purchase on board. For crew management mCabin’s features include interactive duty rosters, briefing documents, in-flight assessments and the assignment of working positions based on the flight attendants’ qualifications. Thanks to its powerful reporting capabilities, incidents on board can be immediately processed digitally. And to bring mobility to IFE, the BoardConnect crew front-end is currently being integrated into mCabin. “

Connect To Your Crew

Crew devices and apps can, and will, save crew members work, it’s that simple. They can be tailored for specific airline applications – just load one or more of the additional modules like “Onboard Retail” to expand the app supported, cabin crew member functions. Here is a link (mCabin System Modules) on the system structure diagram and we note that on the right hand side, specific crew modules selected by the airline can be added to each app. Noted one team member: “As the app is modular by design, it is also possible to select individual modules for specific tasks. A purser might want to use a tablet with the full functionality of mCabin whereas other crew members might prefer using only modules relevant to their work on handy smartphones. Regardless of the type of device, the user experience remains great for both with the responsive and intuitive layout.”, Julie Ingleson, Product Manager Mobile Solutions/mCabin.

Next, we asked a few questions of the mCabin team and here is what they told IFExpress:

1. IFExpress: We assume the mCabin product is an app on a device that a crew member carries. How does the airline modify the program app to change a crew members device to control which tasks/features to include or remove from the device?

Lufthansa Systems: “Roles are given to a user that then enable them for specific modules depending on their role. The airline can decide, which role is able to use which modules in advance.”

2. IFExpress: Our readers will like to see a recent sales brochure, please provide one for review.

Lufthansa Systems: LINK

3. IFExpress: Does Lufthansa Systems host the website where airline crew get their mCabin flight updates or does the airline do it with Lufthansa Systems assistance since we assume the airline mCabin app talks to something on the ground to get data updates. Further, are there any security issues with passenger data being transmitted to an portable device?

Lufthansa Systems: “There are potentially multiple back-end applications that can connect to the mobile middleware that is an integral part of the product. This middleware enables the orchestration/packaging of data from the back end applications that is then used to provide the relevant data for the app. Lufthansa Systems, in many cases, is the provider of these back end applications, such as NetLine/Crew – that is the crew management system for over 40 airlines worldwide. But mCabin can be integrated with back-end solutions from other providers as well to guarantee full flexibility for the airlines. Also note that the log-in and device security must always provide the required security to protect the very sensitive data that is available on the device.”

4. IFExpress: Could you tell our readers a bit more about the product features?

Lufthansa Systems: “The sales brochure gives the main features – anything more would go too deeply into detail. Of course the app is modular and customization requests to support individual requirements can be added to the app.”

5. IFExpress: What portable device operating systems are usable with mCabin?

Lufthansa Systems: “As described in the press release, mCabin currently supports multiple form factor families and input modalities making it capable of running on any Windows 10 devices. mCabin is an adaptive app so from the smallest smart phone up to xBox that is running the Universal Windows Platform the user can choose which device he prefers. A native solution for iOS 9 is currently being developed.”

6. IFExpress: Can you tell our readers a little about device synchronization. How about the Internet? Does mCabin talk to the Internet for any data or is it all hosted elsewhere? In fact, what connectivity is required on an aircraft to communicate with the ground for update of these? We think it is a great idea but it might be expensive to maintain data?

Lufthansa Systems: “Depending on if the airline has purchased mobile devices with SIM cards, data can be synchronized via 3G/4G or over WiFi – of course large data bundles such as library documents can be restricted to being synchronized via WiFi only. This all depends on the airline processes and what their data agreements are with their chosen providers. The app is available as a totally offline application and needs only to be synchronized before and post flight. The post flight sync enables the transmission of data that has been collected in an offline environment (e.g. In-flight) to the relevant back end applications. Of course with the latest satellite technology making the connected journey possible in the air then critical data could also be transmitted directly during flight.”

7. IFExpress: Does every crew person get mCabin software on a device or only the cabin manager, or is this up to the airline? Can you explain why every cabin crew member should have one of these? We think it is a great idea but it might be expensive to maintain data?

Lufthansa Systems: “It is up to the airline to choose how many devices they want to use. Usually, the devices are managed personalized devices. Every crew member should get one as this means a truly connected and paperless experience and each crew member is able to access all the information they require about their duty, their rotation, their passengers and so much more right at their fingertips. The data is there and maintained in the backend applications anyway, no matter how many crew members use it.”

8. What airlines today use mCabin? Any comments from them? Will there be a demo at AIX in Hamburg?

Lufthansa Systems: “Yes, we will be showing mCabin at the AIX in the fantastic new design on multiple devices. We are currently talking with several airlines but cannot name them yet.”

8. Have you ever made a downloadable demo app for a for a sales demo on a device? Can our readers see it?

Lufthansa Systems: “Yes, the app is available in the Windows Store (with dummy data) for downloading onto any Win10 device (Win 8.1 is also still supported).  mCabin – Windows Apps on Microsoft Store

9. IFExpress: Lastly, Does Lufthansa Systems IFE “talk” to mCabin to provide inflight entertainment data? How? What data is interchanged?

Lufthansa Systems: “It is as follows – the crew front end that is used to control the BoardConnect IFE platform (i.e. the user interface for the crew) will be integrated into mCabin so that the crew member is completely mobile and will not have to operate two different devices. This means, the crew can control the BoardConnect IFE platform via mCabin.”

We note that Lufthansa Systems will be at AIX Hall 2B / Booth 2D70 with these and other products. In fact, we asked the BoardConnect VP about their booth and he told IFExpress: “Besides mCabin Lufthansa Systems will also showcase its wireless IFE solution BoardConnect and the new portable version BoardConnect Portable with was chosen as a finalist for this year´s Crystal Cabin Award in the category ‘Electronic Systems’. Additionally, we will focus on how the airlines can generate ancillary revenue with BoardConnect,” says Norbert Müller, Senior Vice President BoardConnect at Lufthansa Systems.

Lufthansa Systems mCabin Product Brochure

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MORE NEWS:

BOEING AWARDS B777X CABIN SERVICES SYSTEM PROGRAM TO PANASONIC AVIONICS – Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic), the world leader in inflight entertainment and communications, today announced it has been selected to supply the Cabin Services System (CSS) on the new family of Boeing 777X aircraft. Panasonic is currently the supplier of CSS on all Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft. Panasonic’s CSS is a scalable, database driven, Ethernet-based network that provides core cabin functions such as passenger address, cabin interphone and environmental controls. CSS directly integrates with external subsystems such as cabin lighting and other airplane member systems across the airframe networks, including the inflight entertainment and connectivity solutions

SOME AIX BOOTHS TO VISIT:

• Zii will feature RAVE at their Booth 4C20 in Hall B4 and don’t be surprised if they have…Oh, sorry, we can’t talk about it!
• PXCom has decided to partner with IMM International and open a new revenue stream. This world-leading group has a 30-year of proven track record in inflight media advertising, serving 150+ airlines with one of the major brands portfolio. This unique offering enables any brand to roll-out an efficient digital inflight advertising campaign, regardless of the IFE platform. The advertisers select their campaign’s features, and IMM/PXCom platforms redirect the right ads on the right targets. PXCom exhibits on #3C50
• GORE – Booth 3C20 – Cables, Fiber Optics and more.
• HAVELSAN and Turkish Technic Booth Number 2E70 to present Wireless, Tablet Based and Seat-Back IFE products.
• Telefonix Stand 2C50 to see the Expanded SUMMIT IFEC line.
• The ZAL Tech Center is having a tour on Tuesday 6 April 2016 at 4.15 pm, starting from the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
• VTS is exhibiting 3 game changing IFE Systems to cost effectively solve airline entertainment issues, so notes new Director of Marketing, Web Barth – see them at Booth 4E60.
• BAE Systems will be at Booth 2B70.
• “Visit Stand 4B40 during the Aircraft Interiors EXPO and allow us to demonstrate why Lumexis is The Future of IFE. Come and see the next generation of our award winning FTTS IFE system which provides HD video, a wide range of applications plus a stunning user interface to deliver a superb passenger experience. Also on show will be the revolutionary iPAX IFE system which provides unprecedented IFE capability for single aisle aircraft operators at an ultra low cost and weight.”- so Jon Norris told IFExpress.
• ACS – Aircraft Cabin Systems Booth 2C60 (4K for sure).
• Rockwell Collins will be located in Booth 4C40.
• VT Miltope can be found at Booth 3B10 and we suspect a new product.
• IFPL folks will be in Booth 2C40 and they never disappoint!
• And finally, DigEcor at 3C30.

OTHER:

If you travel, you will probably want one of these use on the airplane – The Cicret Bracelet: Like a tablet…but on your skin. Check out the YouTube video!

And lastly, if you are going to Aircraft Interiors and carrying a portable device, you might want to get the AIX app – iTunes, Android, and Windows. What we liked: “Find Exhibitors” – Now with a show floor lookup. If you are going, you need a map on your phone. AIX app, get it before you go. And if you are worried about rouge WiFi, you might try Boingo on the road and in Hamburg…but sadly but not in the Messe.

• First CIS airline to provide cabin crew with iPads

Moscow, Russia| November 19, 2014– Aeroflot has become the first airline in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to digitize its crew by providing SITA’s CrewTablet to enhance in-flight service to its 20 million passengers. Starting in the last quarter of 2014, Aeroflot will work with air transport IT specialist, SITA, to equip cabin crew with 500 iPad minis™, with a further expansion to 1,200 tablets.

The rollout follows the successful conclusion of a five-month trial with 30 crew members in which the tablets received nearly a 90% satisfaction rating on both technology and usability. Aeroflot’s CrewTablets enable its cabin crew to access passenger and operational data in-flight, improving onboard operations and enhancing service to passengers. In addition, with the use of digital forms and reports, CrewTablet helps Aeroflot reduce operational costs and back-office administrative tasks and generate fuel savings by decreasing the weight of traditional paper reports and manuals carried onboard.

The introduction of crew tablets is part of Aeroflot’s innovation and mobility program, which is designed to keep the company ahead of the market. In particular, the tablets mean cabin crew can provide an even better passenger experience. SITA delivers an end-to-end managed service including iPads, wireless connectivity, mobile applications, and system integration, as well as global operational support. CrewTablet also has the flexibility to add more functionality as new applications are developed and requirements change.

Dave Bakker, SITA President, Europe, said: “Aeroflot is one of the innovators – and the first in Russia – to use SITA CrewTablet technology to become more efficient in-flight. Aeroflot selected CrewTablet because SITA has developed a robust, cutting-edge mobile solution fully integrated into its IT infrastructure. We are already working closely with Aeroflot to connect these tablets to an in-cabin wireless service to enable live communication while the plane is in the air. It’s all part of SITA’s wider e-Aircraft™ concept, which is set to revolutionize how an aircraft integrates with the airline’s ground operations.

– Airline offers the world’s largest fleet of aircraft with live television

Chicago, IL | May 8, 2013– United Airlines has equipped its 200th aircraft with live television, offering customers more than 100 channels of live programming while in-flight. United operates more live television-equipped aircraft than any other airline in the world.

United currently offers live television on most Boeing 737 aircraft and on many of its Boeing 757-300 aircraft. In addition to live news, sports and family entertainment, customers may enjoy up to eight newly released movies a month. The service is complimentary for customers in United First and available for purchase in United Economy starting at $5.99 and varying depending on the length of flight.

“The launch of live television on our 200th aircraft, our introduction this year of flat-bed seating on the transcontinental ‘p.s.’ service and satellite Wi-Fi now being implemented on our entire mainline fleet reflect our commitment to advancing the inflight experience for our customers,” said Tom O’Toole, senior vice president of Marketing and Loyalty at United and president of MileagePlus.

Live television-equipped aircraft also feature power outlets in United First and United Economy Plus, enabling customers to charge their cell phones, laptops, e-readers and other mobile devices.

Onboard Improvements

The expansion of live television on United aircraft comes as the airline continues to invest in its onboard products.
United offers personal on-demand entertainment for premium-cabin and economy-cabin customers on the majority of its long-haul international aircraft, providing hundreds of hours of movies, television programs, music and games. Additionally, United is:

 

• Installing satellite Wi-Fi. The airline expects to have more than 200 aircraft equipped with the service by the end of 2013.

• Adding flat-bed seating on all of the airline’s long-haul international aircraft. United currently offers more flat-bed seating than any other U.S. carrier.

• Introducing flat-bed seats on its transcontinental ‘p.s.’ Premium Service, offering a revamped premium cabin, all-new interiors, personal on-demand entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity, in-seat power and USB ports. The airline expects to complete the reconfiguration of p.s. aircraft by the end of the year.

• Adding extra-legroom Economy Plus seating. The airline currently offers Economy Plus seating on nearly 650 mainline aircraft and approximately 150 regional jets.

• Nearly doubling the overhead storage space on more than 150 Airbus aircraft, with more than half of those retrofits completed.

• Implementing streaming wireless video onboard its Boeing 747-400 aircraft beginning later this year.