All Nippon Airways (ANA) Adopts Adaptive’s ACES, Mobile IFE Solution, Fleetwide to Digitalize its Inflight Magazine, Newspapers & Magazines

As of April 1, 2021, Adaptive is proud to announce that their sophisticated mobile digital press solution, ACES, became available fleetwide on All Nippon Airways (ANA) flights. The airline – Japan’s largest and 5-star airline for eight consecutive years – made the decision to switch to digital press to reduce ANA’s carbon footprint by eliminating more than 1500 tons of paper emissions per year, and create a more hygienic inflight experience, while significantly increasing the selection of media for passengers.

Not only in the lounge and inflight, ANA passengers will be able to access ACES’ digital press content from anywhere, through the airline’s booking and reservations app, on their own device, including the ANA Group’s inflight magazines, “TSUBASA -GLOBAL WINGS-,” and other popular newspapers and magazines, available in multiple languages.

ACES’ software development kit (SDK) approach has already demonstrated its efficiency with leading carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, SAS, TAP Portugal, and ANA asked Adaptive to take the platform to the next level, to match their vision and innovative approach to IFE offerings that fit what passengers will expect, especially post-COVID.

“As many passengers are still fearful of touching anything, the decision for ANA to replace hard-copy materials with digital press is very forward-thinking and truly demonstrates the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and offering the best possible inflight experience, while at the same time reducing costs,” said David Fairand, COO of Adaptive. “At Adaptive, we are thrilled to provide ANA’s passengers with access to the top digital press content from the safety and comfort of their own device, via ACES’ seamless integration into ANA’s mobile app. Through the app, passengers can download content up to 24 hours before the flight using an internet connection, and it will remain available on their device for 24 hours after the flight lands, no matter where the passenger is physically located.”

“As part of our response to COVID-19 outbreak, ANA has suspended providing printed publications onboard. Our new service will give our customers access to a significantly larger selection of media – even more options than we used to provide before the spread of COVID-19,” said Tom Mano, Vice President of Products & Services Planning at ANA. “Our new service will also allow customers to select and enjoy newspapers and magazines – not only during the flight, but also during the time on the ground – to enhance our seamless digital customer experience in the safest way possible, which we will continue to upgrade as part of our mid-term strategy. This new service will, at the same time, make our operations more sustainable, as we’ve made a long-term commitment to adhering to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

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IFPL Announces Acquisition of Cobalt Aerospace

IFPL is excited to announce that they have acquired specialist aerospace design and manufacturing company Cobalt Aerospace Group Limited.

Cobalt Aerospace develop innovations that provide comfort, safety, convenience, and ambience to enrich air travel for both passengers and operators. Their product portfolio includes class-leading LED mood lighting, the world’s first-to-fly wireless chargers and new emergency floor path marking system, GLS-7.

IFPL has known the Cobalt Aerospace team since the company’s formation in 2013 and have watched with interest as they successfully bought several innovative solutions to market. IFPL is  confident that by combining the considerable skills and expertise within both businesses, they will be able to significantly broaden and strengthen their offering to their customers.

Here is just a snapshot of the products that this merger will make available to IFPL’s customer base:

• Cobalt Spectrum
  The original drop-in LED mood lighting. Offering a virtually unlimited number of colors and lighting effects alongside superior reliability, Cobalt Spectrum is capable of enhancing any aircraft cabin with the brightest and best LED lighting.
• Cobalt Unplugged
  Able to seamlessly integrate into arm rests, bar tops, and more, Cobalt Unplugged wireless chargers keep mobile phones, tablets, and laptops fully charged; ensuring passengers and crew stay happy.
• GLS-7 Emergency Floor Path Marking
  GLS-7 photoluminescent floor path marking is proudly the most economical system on the market: customers can save up to 70% on competitor products, with no compromise on quality. Durable, and waterproof, GLS-7 is completely reliable as it operates without the use of electricity.

Excitingly, Cobalt Aerospace will also bring their specialist certification knowledge and status as a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 21J Design Organization to the IFPL Group. This means we will be able to support customers with classifying and approving aircraft changes across a variety of areas including avionics, cabin interiors, and electrical systems.

The companies want to take the time to reassure you of several things that will not change:

• IFPL will continue to operate as IFPL, and Cobalt Aerospace will continue to operate under their brand name. Both businesses will operate under the umbrella company IFPL Group Limited.
• You will continue to work with the same people you are currently in contact with – the companies are retaining all of our staff in their current positions. This acquisition simply means they will have more expertise available!
• Any services and products the companies are currently providing you with will continue without hindrance.
• The way you contact either IFPL or Cobalt Aerospace will not change – they still have the same phone number, the same website, and the same email addresses.

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Lufthansa Systems & Emirates Airline Extend Their Long-Standing Partnership

Lufthansa Systems and Emirates Airline have extended their long-standing partnership by signing a seven-year contract for the iPadOS-based charting solution for pilots Lido mPilot – including the Airport Moving Map Lido AMM – and the renewal for the Airport Mapping Database Lido AMDB. The airline and its pilots will continue to benefit from increased situational awareness, safety, efficiency, and a reduction in workload.

“We are happy to continuously support our airline customers with our cutting-edge products and services – especially as flights are slowly starting to pick up again around the world,” said Dr. Bernd Jurisch, Head of Flight & Navigation Products & Solutions at Lufthansa Systems. “This contract extension highlights the ongoing trust our customers place in us as a leading provider of aviation IT solutions, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with Emirates.”

Emirates is one of the world’s leading airlines, and it first started using the Lido Flight Planning Solutions in 1996. The airline became an early adopter of the Windows-based charting application Lido eRoute Manual in 2008, and it has now opted to include the iPadOS-based charting application Lido mPilot as part of its flight operations solutions suite. This application optimizes workflows for pilots and improves their situational awareness, and most recently, it introduced a built-in dark mode button, a terrain layer on the enroute map, and the depiction of five weather phenomena.

Lido mPilot provides pilots with all necessary navigation charts, documents and messages on their iPads. The application boasts an intuitive user interface, data visualized using the acclaimed Lido Route Manual charting standard, enroute weather and terrain, and more than thirty user configurations. The Lido AMDB is a highly accurate and reliable airport mapping database developed by Lufthansa Systems. The certified database displays the spatial layouts of airports in a geo-referenced manner to enable the onboard EFB airport moving map application and advanced ground avionics functions. It includes the geometry of runways, taxiways and buildings, as well as functional information.

The Lido Flight Operations Solutions product family from Lufthansa Systems offers the aviation industry products and services in three key areas: Lido Data Solutions, Lido Flight Planning Solutions, and Lido Pilot Solutions. With its Lido products, Lufthansa Systems helps its customers increase safety, lower costs, and reduce workloads across the entire mission – both on the ground and in the air.

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Thales New CEO of InFlyt Experience

Thales announces the appointment of TK Kallenbach as Chief Executive Officer of the InFlyt Experience business effective April 5, 2021. In his role, Kallenbach will drive the digitalisation of Thales’s portfolio and connected IFE platform to deliver innovative, market-driven solutions that bring value to our global airline customers. He will report directly to Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice-President Avionics at Thales, leading strategic corporate initiatives to position the company for sustained growth and market leadership.

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SkyAware

FlightAware, the largest global provider of flight information and proprietor of the world’s largest Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) network, announced SkyAware Anywhere, a free software that provides a fused view of an individual’s various ADS-B receivers. This easy-to-use solution provides users with a secure, raw view of everything their ADS-B receivers are seeing in real-time on one map, from anywhere they have an internet connection.

Interested in Joining the ADS-B Community?

FlightAware operates a worldwide network of ADS-B and Mode S receivers that track ADS-B or Mode S equipped aircraft flying around the globe. You can view our coverage map here. FlightAware offers PiAware, ​the do-it-yourself ADS-B receiver that can be built with a Raspberry Pi for under $99, and the FlightFeeder, a free, prebuilt ADS-B receiver for hosts located in areas needing additional coverage.​

SkyAware Anywhere is free for all FlightAware ADS-B hosts, and compatible with all FlightAware devices including PiAware and FlightFeeders. There is no additional hardware, software, or update required for those with existing FlightAware ADS-B receivers.

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Other News

• It sure looks like Boeing plans to dramatically reduce their presence in  of Washington State as a 215 acre site that was the Commercial headquarters in Renton, Washington has gone on the market. Beyond that they are trying to sell some 2.5 Million square feet of office space there as well. We also understand 5 other properties will be sold around the greater Seattle area, as well as, some 300+ acres of unused property. A Boeing Press Person noted: “There is a headquarters but you have to think of it differently than a traditional headquarters building, The flag is planted temporarily, as Stan (Deal – President) and members of his leadership team move from location to location.” While Boeing laid off almost 15,000 jobs last year, the company is looking to reduce their Washington real estate by some 30%. Further, in-house speakers say they will not be leaving, but it sure looks like the company’s future lies in Chicago and South Carolina (and many other smaller installations around the US). The Northwest may just be a site of manufacturing, and as the PR folks noted, that the 737 MAX will be in Renton until 2031. It is our expectation that the Northwest will be a standard manufacturing location for one or two models and the management will be looking to go to the lowest cost manufacturing areas, mostly based on labor costs. Time will tell.
• We have been fans of Anthony Bourdain for some time and one quote he had about travel really worked for us: ““It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.” Rest in peace, Anthony!

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Correction: In last week’s edition of IFExpress, we covered Panasonic Avionics’ trial in late 2020 providing passengers unlimited Wi-Fi. One sentence read: “Prior to the trial the average passenger consumed 1.6 GB of data which jumped to 3 GB during it.” It should have been: “Prior to the trial the average passenger data consumption per aircraft was 1.6 Gb of data which jumped to 3 GB during it.”

United Kingdom | October 19, 2016– STG Aerospace, the market leader in aftermarket LED cabin lighting solutions, is delighted to announce that South African regional feeder airline Airlink has awarded them a Purchase Order to retrofit 12 of their aircraft with their drop-in liTeMood® LED lighting system.

With the first installations completed in October 2016, Airlink becomes the 12th airline to install STG Aerospace’s LED lighting solution, marking out STG Aerospace as a supplier of choice and a clear market favourite for LED cabin lighting upgrades.

Privately-owned and with more than 21 years of customer experience, Airlink offers the widest network and choice of flights within Southern Africa. Airlink operates as a franchisee of South African Airways using its own visible brand intellectual property. Through the alliance with SAA, customers can enjoy convenient connections with SAA, their Star Alliance Partner airlines and other carriers throughout Southern Africa and the world. Based in Johannesburg, the airline has secondary hubs in Cape Town and Durban. Airlink currently connects approximately 1.3 million customers to 36 destinations in 9 African countries.

Neil Wilson, Airlink’s Executive Manager, Fleet Support and RPA, commented: “Not only were we extremely pleased with the enhanced quality of the light in the cabin, we were equally impressed by STG Aerospace’s ability to meet our supply deadlines and the ease with which we are able to install the system on our fleet. Nice result!”

Marcus Williams, Global Sales and Marketing Director at STG Aerospace, added: “We are delighted that Airlink, a valued long term customer of STG over the years, has chosen to install our LED cabin lighting across their fleet, and in doing so becomes our first LED lighting customer in Africa. We’re thrilled that they are so pleased with the results.”

United Kingdom | April 5, 2016– Aircraft cabin lighting specialist, STG Aerospace has re-defined standards in passenger privacy, comfort and visual experience with the launch of its highly innovative liTeMood® LED reading light.

liTeMood® LED reading lights are an affordable plug and play replacement for Boeing 737 NG incandescent reading lights. The passenger centric lighting units feature a unique patented photometric design that delivers a square light pattern which precisely defines the individual passenger space, while preventing the inconvenient light spill onto neighbouring passengers.

In addition to improving the overall comfort in the cabin, liTeMood® LED reading lights offer unparalleled levels of performance and are over 10 times more reliable than incandescent lights, and offer an 80% power reduction to increase the aircraft electrical efficiency.

Commenting on the latest addition to join the liTeMood® family, Dr Sean O’Kell, Director of Innovation at STG Aerospace, commented: “We have designed a really clever optic that instead of providing a circular light source, delivers a high quality uniform square light pattern which provides a better reading environment and defines the passenger space. Our new reading light is the latest example of our commitment to human-centric lighting and has been designed to tick all the boxes – the quality of light, the quantity of light, the passenger experience and the ease of installation – for the airline it really is just like changing a bulb.”

Designed to reduce the glare on tray tables, eBooks and tablets, liTeMood® LED reading lights have been designed to optimise the retail environment. They feature a multi-phosphor LED with a high CRI (Colour Rendering Index) in the excess of 95 which renders colours more vividly, making magazines more readable, inflight meals more enticing and on board merchandise more attractive for purchase.

Nigel Duncan, CEO of STG Aerospace, added: “Our liTeMood® product range is an affordable, aftermarket, mood lighting solution designed to enhance the passenger experience. At STG Aerospace we ensure airlines receive top quality, highly reliable next generation lighting systems that genuinely deliver an improved passenger experience and improved operational metrics for the airlines. Attention must be paid to providing passengers with a sense of control and personal privacy in their immediate environment while offering airlines a high quality lighting ambience and high CRI levels to optimise their retail environment and increase yields.”

The new range of STG Aerospace’s innovative aircraft cabin lighting products will be on display in a life size model cabin at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg between 5th – 7th April – stand 6B41.

These new products will complement STG Aerospace’s existing range of innovation cabin lighting products: liTeMood®, saf-Tglo® and saf-Tsign®.

STG Aerospace believes it is important to understand the total interaction of all light sources to provide an integrated lighting environment, one that delivers an enhanced passenger experience, increased customer loyalty, a strong airline brand identity and the optimisation of the cabin as a retail environment while still ensuring full compliance with all safety regulations.

Munich, Germany | February 19, 2016– 328 Design GmbH (328DO), part of the 328 Group, the Germany-based refurbishment, completions and aircraft maintenance specialist, has successfully achieved the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Dassault Falcon 50EX from the US FAA under the FAA/EASA bilateral safety agreement.

The STC covers extensive cabin refurbishment including the replacement of the legacy Cabin Management System/In-flight Entertainment (CMS/IFE) with Rockwell Collins’ Fusion state-of-the-art CMS/IFE including T-PED (Transmitting Portable Electronic Device) connectivity via Wi-Fi. Additional features include a complete cabin refurbishment, replacing all hard and soft materials, the installation of new LED cabin lighting and galley modification.

The project was achieved in collaboration with USA-based Duncan Aviation at the company’s full service facility in Battle Creek, Michigan. This latest STC marks 328DO’s 21st collaboration with Duncan Aviation in the four years the companies have been working together.

The validation process posed a number of challenges as the project has been classified as a non-standard STC. However, following extensive collaboration and support from both EASA and the FAA, 328 Design GmbH was able to overcome the difficulties.

Leading the project was Jörg Gorkenant, Chief Operating Officer and Head of 328DO. He commented: “We are delighted to receive this first STC for the Dassault Falcon 50EX from the FAA. 328DO has become renowned for its expertise on certification capabilities and this represents another major milestone for the company.”

The awarding of the STC follows a significant track record of success in certification achievements for 328DO, who have to date amassed STCs and minor mods approvals on various aircraft types.

328DO has collaborated with Duncan Aviation on EASA STC approvals for aircraft including the Bombardier Challenger Series, Global Express, Dassault Falcon 900EX and 2000 as well as 7X and Citation 560XL

• Pioneering aircraft cabin lighting company seeks to enhance local customer service and develop a distinctive regional brand

Shanghai, China and The United Kingdom | April 10, 2015– STG Aerospace, a world-leading pioneer in aircraft lighting technologies, is delighted to announce that it has established an official presence in China with the launch of a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE), STG Aerospace (China) Co., Ltd. based in Shanghai. This new initiative is a reflection of the importance of China as a market for STG Aerospace. According to a recent IATA report, the country is expected to overtake the United States as the world’s largest air passenger market by 2030.

Based in the UK, STG Aerospace also has a manufacturing facility in the US. STG’s CAAC, FAA and EASA-approved product range includes: safTglo®, the pioneering and market-leading photoluminescent emergency floor path system currently installed on over 9000 aircraft worldwide; safTsign™, the leading brand of photoluminescent emergency and informational signage developed for commercial fixed-wing and rotary aircraft; and liTeMood®, a plug-and-play, programmable, LED mood lighting system designed specifically to retrofit commercial aircraft cabins, both to enhance the passenger experience and improve airline metrics.

The new office will enable STG Aerospace to offer an even higher level of service to their growing list of customers for safTglo® and safTsign™ products, including China Eastern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and China Southern Airlines. In addition, its presence in the country will provide the company with a base for the ongoing development of cabin lighting tailored to the specific needs and tastes of the Chinese airline passenger.

Nigel Duncan, STG Aerospace’s Chief Executive, commented: “We have been active in the Chinese market for the last decade and are committed to a long-term future in the country. This new subsidiary will not only help us to enhance the service we provide for our Chinese customers, but also enable us to involve local companies and local people in the delivery of innovative, research-based cabin lighting solutions that are not just the best in the marketplace, but the best, specifically, for our Chinese customers”.

Inflight Wi-Fi provider (Gogo) has discontinued its deal to provide roaming Internet access for customers of Boingo airport Wi-Fi, announced in a notice sent to Boingo customers yesterday. In the past, users of Boingo could log on to Gogo with the same password. The company said to it’s customers; “Because you’re a loyal Boingo user who has logged in to the inflight Wi-Fi services provided by our partner Gogo, we thought it was important to let you know that effective June 1, that will no longer be possible.” As an“ease of service deal” only, we suspect more is going on here. The note from Boingo went on: “We’d like to apologize for this change, since we know our customers really appreciated this convenience.” Boingo and Gogo inked a deal in 2011 and Gogo has “opted not to renew its roaming contract with Boingo.” The airport Wi-Fi service provider noted that it still has roaming agreements with Deutsche Telekom, for access on international flights who services nine other international airlines and we were wondering if this cancellation was a notice to the industry that Gogo might be heading in another direction – Airport Wi-Fi? It makes a lot of sense since a ground application at the airport – both before takeoff and upon landing – it could usher in a new line of service and revenue for Gogo… but that is just a guess on our part. Stay Tuned!

Here are a couple news notes from Global Eagle – “IFE Services, a subsidiary of Global Eagle Entertainment (NASDAQ:ENT), announced today that it has developed Iberia’s new inflight entertainment (IFE) content app. Called ‘IberiaOnBoard’, the freely downloadable app allows travellers to check out all of the IFE content available to them on their upcoming Iberia flights. Every movie and TV show is listed by genre and has a trailer with accompanying useful information including synopsis, cast, director, rating, duration and language availability. Music album information lists tracks and their times. A special Kids’ section showcases all of the specially selected children’s content on offer inflight. Mobile app development is just one of many new products Global Eagle Entertainment has introduced to the airline industry recently as the world’s leading inflight entertainment content and connectivity provider continues its focus to innovate on behalf of clients.” And the second “Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: ENT) announced today that its subsidiary IFP has entered into a multi-year agreement with Etihad Airways to provide inflight entertainment (IFE) content programming across its entire fleet, as well as to its partner airlines Air Serbia and Air Seychelles. Starting this quarter, IFP will provide a rich and varied program of regional and international content including popular movies, TV shows and audio programming to support the airline’s world-renowned guest experience. “We’re thrilled to have been selected by Etihad Airways for its content services,” added Walé Adepoju, Executive Vice President of Customer Solutions for Global Eagle Entertainment. (Editor’s Note: Strangely, the market has reacted negatively – “Global Eagle Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:ENT) takes the last spot on today’s list of midday losers. Its price dropped -8.27% even after the announcement that its subsidiary IPF has entered into a multi-year agreement with Etihad Airways to provide inflight entertainment and content programming. In Soros’ investment portfolio since March 2013, ENT’s price has fallen -23.87% YTD,” noted Motley Fool.)

On another note, BE Aerospace just purchased EMTEQ, the LED lighting company who has a large investment in replacement lighting. The very profitable BEA has quite a business in the Boeing Sky Interior and we suspect they may be looking to garner more retrofit LED lighting work. The deals come about a month after B/E said it may be putting itself up for sale as part of “exploring and evaluating” its strategic alternatives. “Demand for comprehensive and integrated solutions for power management, lighting and connectivity within the aircraft cabin is growing,” Amin Khoury, B/E’s chairman and co-chief executive, said in a statement. ”The combination of our lighting and power management systems business with EMTEQ’s highly complementary lighting, cabin management and power systems businesses, as well as their electrical and connectivity expertise, will allow us to expand our product and service offerings in the commercial airliner and business jet markets.”

If you have been wondering why we have been covering the real-time aircraft inflight positioning brouhaha it is because there are a lot of potential links between inflight entertainment hardware (severs for example), and the connectivity platforms and data acquisitions that serve them. Yes, we are out on a limb here but we have been talking to a number of companies, new and some presently in the IFE business, who feel that there is a need to get this job done. While some see the potential of revenues based on position acquisition, weather, system data, and performance information, if data connections to the ground are established, it might fulfill an age-old discussion that claimed that the aircraft is the last remaining un-served node on the airline network. As it turns out, there is some compatibility. A good example is Panasonic’s FlightLink. Compatible or not, companies in our industry are racing to get in the business (or related industries) by acquisition, developing new services, and is some cases, new start-ups. This brings us to a “Stay Tuned” note for an upcoming article on Wisscom. You probably never heard of them but you might in the near future.

Now, while still on the previous subject, IATA Chief, Tony Tyler, in a recent speech referring to safety challenges, said the loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 pointed to an immediate need. “A large commercial airliner going missing without a trace for so long is unprecedented in modern aviation. It must not happen again. IATA, ICAO and experts from around the world are working together to identify the best recommendations for improved global tracking. By September, we will deliver draft options to ICAO,” he said. Watch this one.

Recently, an IATA news release noted the following: “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts the global airline industry will generate $18 billion in profits this year, but far from being a cause for cause for celebration, Director General Tony Tyler called this forecast a “challenge.” “The brutal economic reality is that on revenues of $746 billion, we will earn an average net margin of 2.4%,” Tyler said June 2 at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Doha, Qatar. “That’s less than $6 per passenger.” Tyler noted profits are improving, and the average return on invested capital (ROIC) today is 5.4%, higher than it has historically been, but that is short of what he said is the 7-8% ROIC investors demand.” We wonder if future IFE sales have fallout from this development, but it certainly explains the drive for ancillary revenue. Interestingly AIER noted in February 2014, commercial airlines—the buyers of commercial aircraft, the transportation sector’s third major component—hit a new record high in their revenue passenger load factor (the ratio of revenue passenger miles divided by available seat miles in passenger services, a measure of the portion of aircraft seating capacity that is actually sold and utilized).”

A recent article in a communication weekly noted “Rumors have been rampant over recent months regarding Google’s satellite ambitions, which are tied to a desire to increase its information-gathering prowess (think Google Earth and Google Street View) as well as an effort to extend wireless broadband services worldwide and, thus, create a larger market for its other Internet-based products, including search, YouTube and more.” Further, we understand Facebook is also eyeing a similar solution for worldwide social media domination. FierceTech Wireless went on; “I would expect the (Google) constellation to be launched in two phases, with the higher altitude satellites providing complete global coverage, and the lower satellites being added later, in between the initial nine planes, to provide additional capacity. It also seems likely that the system could include inter-satellite crosslinks (within each of the two halves of the constellation) given the near polar orbit that is planned,” he wrote in a blog on his TMF Associates website.” You note, nothing was mentioned about inflight connectivity but watch this space.

We found a very quick synopsis on inflight Wi-Fi installations/pricing – Check it out. And speaking of inflight Wi-Fi, here is a pretty good primer on the subject.

It looks like UAL has selected to use iOS for their content distribution – United Airlines updates iOS app to support exclusive, free in-flight video content

If you plan to go to the APEX EXPO in September (15 – 18) here is your first notice from IFExpress – Registration

New Berlin, WI | May 22, 2014– EMTEQ announced that it has received a 2013 Boeing Performance Excellence Award. The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance. EMTEQ maintained a Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period, from Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013.

This year, Boeing recognized 582 suppliers who achieved either a Gold or Silver level Boeing Performance Excellence Award. EMTEQ is one of only 458 suppliers to receive the Silver level of recognition.

“This year at the Suppliers of the Year Event held in Chicago, EMTEQ was recognized, for the fifth year in a row, for achieving the Boeing Performance Excellence Award. On behalf of our team, I would like to thank the Boeing Company for recognizing EMTEQ’s quality and support for Boeing’s aircraft upgrade programs,” Sam Matar, Director of Global Business Development.

EMTEQ supplies avionics and LED lighting upgrade solutions to Boeing’s commercial and government businesses. EMTEQ supplies engineering, FAA STC avionics installation kits, as well as Interior and Exterior LED Lighting products. EMTEQ has supported Boeing programs for over a decade. For more information on the Boeing Performance Excellence Award, visit http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/doingbiz/supplier_portal/bpea.html .

• Innovative sensor technology allows for colors to be displayed in a consistently uniform manner for the first time ever

Hamburg, Germany | April 7, 2014– With their new lighting solution HelioJet SpectrumCC (Color Control), SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik will be introducing an innovative cabin lighting solution that ensures that color is rendered in a stable manner and is known for its cost efficiency. This is made possible by innovative sensor technology that displays colors homogeneously. SCHOTT will be unveiling HelioJet SpectrumCC at the Aircraft Interiors Expo at Booth 6B57 in Hall B6.

Conventional LED systems are unable to render color in a consistently homogeneous manner because they contain a single chain of individual LEDs. Each individual diode in the LED chain ages at a different pace and colors are rendered differently depending on the color shade and the temperature of the LED. This ultimately results in inhomogeneous colors that cannot be controlled in a uniform manner to produce the desired colors even if a light management system is used due to the different LEDs.

With HelioJet SpectrumCC, on the other hand, SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik have taken a more innovative approach. The new True Color Sensor ensures that each and every LED installed in the system renders colors in a perfectly balanced manner and emits precisely the right color shade. The sensor is about as sensitive as the human eye in order to be able to render the results as realistically as possible. The individual diodes are controlled by managing the light online and comparing it with a predefined target value. In fact, the colors emitted by the lighting solution can even be controlled using the cabin management system “nice” from Lufthansa Technik.

HelioJet SpectrumCC is based on an optical light converter at the ends of which four LEDs each emit red, blue, green, and white light. The HelioJet system consists of up to three subsections that are each illuminated by colored LEDs at the ends, in other words 6 LED clusters in total per product unit. The individual LEDs in RGBW emit points of light in the primary colors that are then mixed into even color shades inside the light converter. It is therefore now possible to produce any desired color shade and maintain it across all of the HelioJet SpectrumCC units at a consistently defined level for an extended period of time.

HelioJet consumes considerably less energy than conventional fluorescent tubes and lasts much longer. This also lowers the operating and maintenance costs. And compared with LED solutions, HelioJet beats out the competition in a competitive comparison of the costs thanks to its average lifespan of at least 50,000 hours of Mean Time Between Failure. Furthermore, maintenance and repair costs are lower because the LEDs can be replaced very easily and cost-effectively when they cease to function. With conventional LED systems, the entire lamps need to be replaced.

“We have received extremely positive feedback from potential customers. This confirms that we are on the right track. We expect the qualification phase for HelioJet SpectrumCC to be completed in the second half of 2014,” explains Dr. Armin Plichta, General Manager Transportation at SCHOTT Lighting and Imaging. SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik cooperate in the area of cabin lighting concepts for commercial airlines, business jets, and VIP airplanes. The goal is to develop lighting solutions for the best possible mood lighting scenarios in airplanes.

A new dimension in cabin lighting: SCHOTT and Lufthansa Technik deliver homogeneous colors with HelioJet SpectrumCC.

HelioJet SpectrumCC is based on an optical light converter at the ends of which four LEDs each emit red, blue, green, and white light. It is thus now possible to produce any desired color shade and maintain it across all of the HelioJet SpectrumCC units at a consistently defined level for an extended period of time

New Berlin, Wisconsin | EMTEQ is proud to announce that they have signed an agreement with Boeing Commercial Aviation Services in support of Boeing’s aftermarket aircraft modification programs. EMTEQ will be providing LED lighting for the Boeing Next Generation 737 Enhanced Interior.

“Because we know the airplane better than anyone else, Boeing Modification Services has the unique ability to create integrated solutions unmatched by others – it’s a perfect example of the Boeing Edge in action,” said Ken Thomson, program manager, Boeing CAS Modification and Conversion Services Business and Product Development. “LED lighting upgrades offer our customers maintenance and environmental savings while improving the passenger experience.”

EMTEQ will be providing a mood lighting package that can encompass the cabin ceiling, sidewalls and decorative lights. The lighting will be controlled through the existing Flight Attendant Panel and is designed to drop in quickly, requiring minimal wiring changes.

EMTEQ’s lighting solution for Boeing will utilize EMTEQ’s eFIT lighting technology, which was launched in 2013 and is currently certified and flying on several Boeing 737-800s. EMTEQ’s engineering and qualification team will support the certification of the lighting per FAA requirements.

Sam Matar, EMTEQ Director of Global Business Development, commented, “EMTEQ has been working with Boeing on this program for several years with continued commitment of highly skilled engineering resources to provide the best solution to meet and exceed Boeing’s requirements. EMTEQ’s LED lighting has already benefited several airlines operating Boeing Next-Generation 737 fleets by upgrading their older aircraft with a drop-in solution that offers a clean, crisp white and colored lighting. This eliminates the traditional fluorescent tube system that yellows the cabin.”

EMTEQ’s LED lighting solution will be showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo April 8-10, 2014, in Hamburg, Germany, at both EMTEQ’s booth, stand 7B29, and Boeing’s booth, 6E81.

Hamburg, Germany | February 11, 2014– According to Richard Bower, Group Commercial Director at AIM Aviation; “Aircraft Interiors Expo provides the opportunity for us to meet face to face with customers and suppliers, both existing and potential. It is a lively mix of the established, the innovative and the influential”. This sentiment is echoed by many within the lighting/LED community of the aircraft interiors market and will be evident from 8-10 April as Hamburg Messe hosts the 15^th edition of Aircraft Interiors Expo – the largest global showcase dedicated to the cabin interiors industry.

Following recent successful editions characterised by growing attendance, Aircraft Interiors Expo 2014 – organised by Reed Exhibitions – will once again offer exhibitors the ideal platform to demonstrate the latest developments in aircraft interior lighting.  Already major players such as Aim Aviation, Astronics, B/E Aerospace, BAE Systems, Diehl Aerospace, Emteq, Leki Aviation and STG Aerospace have confirmed their attendance; and a number have indicated their intention to introduce new products, concepts and philosophies in order to keep pace with the rapid developments affecting this sector.

Driving factors behind this trend for innovation became apparent following an STG Aerospace survey which found that: for one-in-four operators, emergency lighting systems are problematic as incandescent bulbs and Ni-cd batteries frequently fail; for nine out of ten respondents, a battery’s average life expectancy was less than 6 years; and two-thirds of respondents rated maintenance of emergency lighting batteries as a significant or very significant issue. Such industry sentiment, in conjunction with the desire to maximise onboard weight loss, reduce maintenance costs and embrace photo-luminescent/LED technology has motivated significant technological development.

“The future of lighting, as with all cabin interior details, is the blending of function and form”, said Mr Bower. Where there are physical limits to what can be achieved in terms of furniture and structures in an aircraft, the possibilities of lighting for setting mood, zoning areas and creating identity, are limitless.”

Consequently, AIM Aviation will this year be exhibiting a concept interior in order to introduce a host of new designs, layouts and materials for cabin interiors. One of the first companies to bring therapeutic mood lighting to aircraft interiors, since 1995 AIM Aviation has been a leader in the lighting sector; certifying digital, multi-channel, modular light controllers and light sources, whilst introducing innovative lighting schemes. The company’s concept interior will include lighting solutions for the bar-top itself, shelf storage and display solutions, kick panel lighting, ambiance lighting, and attractive functional lighting for crew areas.

Meanwhile Leki Aviation will display its latest LED solution which enjoys high reliability and a heavily extended life cycle. A thought-leader in the field of LED development, Leki Aviation in conjunction with CML Innovative Technologies is looking to strengthen its position as a leading LED specialist by expanding its range of state-of-the-art products. Its latest products, present at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2014, offer ‘plug-and-play’ bi-pin LED solutions for Boeing applications; including exit signs, no smoking/fasten seat belt (NSFSB) signs and attendant call lights. The new solutions enjoy an effective life of 50,000 hours – more than seven times that of an average incandescent lamp – and are intrinsically resistant to shock and vibration, whilst consuming 75% less power than traditional lighting technologies.

STG Aerospace will be showcasing the latest variants of its celebrated SafTglo range – one of the world’s leading photo-luminescent emergency floor-path marking systems. Already installed in over 8,000 aircraft, the product is available in two widths, two profiles and up to 300 different colours. Its unique sealed design eliminates fluid ingress, whilst remaining a reliable and cost-effective alternative to electrical systems. The company are proud to offer digital spectrum analytics in order to create bespoke colour options which compliment distinctive cabin decors and corporate branding. STG’s stand will also include new products such as maintenance-free emergency power supply packs and ‘easy-install’ LED lighting systems.

“With lighting playing such a key role in passenger comfort, it’s no wonder that this segment is attracting so much development and innovation”, said Event Director Katie Murphy. “It provides yet another plank in Aircraft Interiors Expo 2014’s platform of growth joining; a dedicated IFE Zone which is 25% larger than in 2013, the eight edition of the prestigious Crystal Cabin Awards and the second Passenger Experience Conference – it is hardly surprising therefore that the show is already 97% sold out”.

For more information please visit www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com

• “Welcome! JAL New Sky” spreads its wings across Japan

Tokyo, Japan | October 28, 2013–

Japan Airlines (JAL) announced today that it will further expand its JAL NEW SKY PROJECT and install in-flight Internet service on select Japan-domestic flights.

JAL NEW SKY PROJECT was initially launched by the airline in January 2013 with the introduction of the JAL SKY SUITE 777 on international routes. The revamped aircraft boasts increased comfort and functionality in all classes based on the theme “Designed to evoke a ‘one-class higher’ feel.” Leading the redesign are the airline’s new fully-flat seats in JAL Business Class.  Furthermore, the new JAL SKY SUITE 767 will be introduced onto select international flights starting in December 2013.

As part of this latest Project, JAL will revamp cabin interiors on aircraft operating on select domestic routes, which will include the installation of leather seating and LED lighting throughout the cabin based on the theme “Superior Cabin”. Another highlight of the new Economy class seat is a slim-style seatback design resulting in approximately 5cm (max.) more legroom than the present seat pitch, providing customers with a more comfortable travel experience.

Additionally, in-flight Internet service, currently available on select JAL international flights from July 2012, will be first installed onto select Japan-domestic flights.

JAL is continually striving to bring passengers a unique and completely refreshing onboard experience with the expansion of JAL NEW SKY PROJECT – Welcome! JAL New Sky.

 

1. 1. Revamped cabin interiors for select domestic flights 　　

(1) Outline

Domestic aircraft types: Boeing 777－200/300

Boeing 767－300/300ER

Boeing 737－800

(Total of 77 aircraft based on the current plan)

New domestic service launch: From May 2014*1

*1A detailed schedule for the introduction of the new domestic service will be announced as soon as it has been finalized.

 

(2) New seats

The new leather seating in J-class and Economy class will be made from the same high-quality genuine leather used for seats installed in luxury vehicles. The airline’s plan is to revamp all the cabin seats in both classes on select domestic routes. In addition, carpet installed throughout the cabin will also be replaced to match the redesigned interiors.

 

Economy class

.A slim-style seatback design results in approximately 5cm (max.) more legroom than the present seat pitch.

.The all-leather seats are molded to better fit the natural contour of the passenger’s back and overall body, providing significantly more comfort.

.The light-weight material helps to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Seat Image

Class J

Seating in JAL’s popular Class J will offer slightly wider space for passengers to enjoy their time in-flight, and the new genuine leather covered seats will evoke a feeling of luxury.

 

(3)LED lighting in cabin

Based on the concept “air-like lighting”, the cabin atmosphere can be easily changed according to the flight hours, the season, and the natural rhythm of time to create a relaxing ambience and a feeling of Japan.

Lighting based on the time of day（daytime）   Lighting based on the season (spring)

(4) First class service to be installed onto some Boeing 767-300ER

The popular First class service on present domestic flights will be expanded to domestic Boeing 767s.

 

2. The In-flight Internet service on domestic flights

Domestic aircraft types: Boeing 777－200/300

Boeing 767－300/300ER

Boeing 737－800

(Total of 77 aircraft based on the current plan)

 

New domestic service launch: From Summer 2014*2

*2 A detailed schedule for the introduction of the new domestic service will be announced as soon as it has been finalized.

 

Description of the service:

To meet the customers’ needs for more wireless LAN terminals and connection facilities, and a high quality transmission environment within the cabin, JAL will be the first Japanese carrier ever to provide in-flight Internet service (fee based) on domestic flights from summer 2014, using Gogo^®’s *3 service. The domestic service enhancement is in addition to the in-flight Internet service currently available on JAL’s international flights, which aims to provide customers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. On JAL domestic flights, passengers will be able to access the Internet and send/receive e-mails via Wi-Fi enabled personal terminals with a sense of security of being connected to the ground during the flight.

Details of JAL’s latest services including the new seats and new in-flight Internet service will be provided at the end of January 2014.

 

Montreal, Canada | October 20, 2013–  

Innotech Aviation’s engineering and design departments have developed a new, proprietary concept in cabin lighting systems, initially being incorporated in Bombardier Global series business jets.

The Montreal completion center has applied Swarovski crystals to its variable-color LED cabin lighting systems to create a unique, industry-first lighting environment. The first application/installation is currently in progress, and slated for customer delivery later this season.

Gesse Sciacca, Innotech director of avionics engineering, said, “We are unique in the application of Crystal Lighting in business jet aircraft. Combining infinitely-variable color and brightness LED systems, the cabin interior mood can be tailored and controlled by passengers or flight crew with ease.”

The new, ultra-thin Crystal Lighting System™ can be installed in the sidewalls, headliners or bulkheads, and applied to any flat or curved surface. The headliner design includes multiple large curved lighting surfaces to create a spectacular, animated crystal overhead lighting design option.

“As a true custom-completion center our job is to design, develop, engineer and integrate industry firsts for long range, one-of-a-kind business aircraft, specifically Global series jets,” Sciacca added. “ Our international clientele recognizes our capabilities, and put us top-of-the-list for their custom completions.”

Innotech Aviation (www.innotechaviation.com), part of Innotech-Execaire Aviation Group, is an established leader in business aviation with more than 50 years of experience. A division of IMP Group ltd., a privately-held company recently recognized again as one of the 50 best managed companies in Canada, Innotech Aviation is based in Montreal, and provides interior completions on ‘green’ aircraft, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, maintenance, repair and overhaul, avionics installations / modifications, mechanical / avionics design and engineering to the world’s business aviation community.

IMP Group International Inc. is a diversified multinational Canadian corporation with 4,600 employees in four countries. The company has extensive interests in aerospace, manufacturing, airlines and general aviation services, real estate and hotels.

Vista, CA | August 13, 2013– FoxFury Lighting Solutions, makers of professional LED lighting tools for first responders and industrial professionals, is officially 10 years old. To celebrate, the company will be giving away 10 prizes and is partnering on a special critical stress management project.

FoxFury formed in August of 2003 to create a wide angle LED headlamp for night surfing. Within months, first responders approached FoxFury asking if the lights could be made fire resistant and weatherproof.

Fast forward 10 years and the company now offers LED headlamps, flashlights, area lights, pistol lights, shield lights and forensic light sources. Over 100,000 civil servants from around the globe have benefited from FoxFury lights.

Since day one, FoxFury has only designed and produced all-LED lights. LED technology has come a long way since then. Thanks to companies like CREE, OSRAM and Nichia, LEDs are now more powerful, more compact and more cost effective.

To celebrate FoxFury’s 10th birthday, the company will offer contests to win 10 total prizes. Contests will take place on Twitter and the FoxFury website over the next 5 weeks. Prizes will include LED headlamps and flashlights and an autographed limited edition CheckMate JB flashlight and holster set. For further details, check out FoxFury’s Twitter page and blog.

“We are so very blessed and simply want to give back. Thank you to everyone who has ever contacted us, met us or purchased one of our lights over these last 10 years. You make us possible,” said Mario Cugini, CEO of FoxFury.

FoxFury is also proud to partner with 1st Responder Treatment and Chasing4Life on the “Reach 4 The Light” crusade, which focuses on critical stress management. A custom Reach For The Light fire helmet was produced that will go on tour for the next few months and will be at Fire Rescue International (FRI) in Chicago later this week. More details will be available soon.

Some background: The first story we did on Custom Control Concepts was around 2002, some 4 years after they were born. When we discovered Kurt Mayhall and his band of doers in Seattle, they made one of the most reliable and capable, larger biz jet IFE systems in the aviation industry. We really were impressed with their ability to bring almost anything IFE to market. In 2005, we visited them again and they were about 30 people strong, and sure enough, they all had the same positive approach to business. That’s when we coined the moniker: “The Little Company That Could“, Watty Piper’s great children’s book that taught many of us old-timers the power of positive thinking — if you have small children – they will love it! This week, our paraphrased Hot Topic title is the results of 8 continued years of steady growth, good product stewardship, innovation and the usually elusive, “can-do” attitude.

Our visit to them in Kent, Washington was quite a surprise because ‘growth’ is the new phase, if their building was any indication of their success. We are here to report that CCC has prospered by building products that work, ones that customers want and those that completion centers can install, operate, and service. In other words they design, build, test, and certify, their products from beginning to end because that way no other organization or excuse stands in their way. From a confessional point of view, we wondered if adopting things like TV studio standards (SDI video transmission specifications) was a good idea, bucking industry trends toward Ethernet and HDMI. Today, they use the HD SDI standard, and as it turns out, it was a wise move. We need to point out that the technical brains behind this choice, Kurt Mayhall, envisioned problems like video source-to-screen distances and completion center installation ease as their primary market, and thus, chose that technical direction. The rest is history.

This may be a good time to introduce the VIP market. “We are a key supplier to big business jets.” Rick Routly, VP Marketing told IFExpress: “CCC provides customized cabin management and in-flight entertainment and lighting systems to the narrow and widebody completion industry but we also support the custom and corporate jet and helicopter market as well.” Interestingly, market size numbers are all over the map. We are not necessarily talking about the Learjet and Gulfstreams of the world, although they are not excluded, as plenty of them are customers. No, we are talking about the really big aircraft from B737/A320’s to B747’s/A340. “Typically, it takes about one year to complete the order to install process on a single aisle jet like a B737 or an A320 – longer for the wide bodies,” noted Routly. Here is a chart of the aircraft types with CCC hardware installed to date. This is a special market with specialized products whereby “only the best” is baseline. In fact, there are approximately 15 major completion houses that handle these jobs and perhaps twice that who do this kind of work worldwide. Said Mr. Routly, “CCC has a substantial share of the VIP market,” and we estimate their yearly system output to be less than 20 to these big installs, but as CCC pointed out, they have had up to 12 customers in-work at one time. This is really a daunting task because each system is built around a unique customer. The trick then is to design, build, test, and certify a product with the greatest flexibility. Price is not the main driver here – customization, functionality, end customer and installer satisfaction and schedule are.

A story about IFE at CCC would not be complete without a visit to their demo room and we were lucky to catch their busy President, Bill Weaver, in the picture too! It is important to note that a complete operational system was on display. While one hardware box probably looks like most others, we were struck with a few differences. Firstly, you should know that the hardware is totally made by their manufacturing, assembly and test equipment and employees on premise. For example, they manufacture their own electronic boxes (NC Machine them to be sure they neither receive or emit spurious radiation). They polish and coat them, install circuit boards that their Pick & Place machines have loaded, and they are scrutinized by teams who test each function. Lastly, they perform all the FAA certification testing on site, under the eye of FAA DERs. “We are an approved FAA/EASA Repair Station with many categories of DO-160 testing accomplished,” noted a company spokesperson. In their own facilities they have a complete retinue of production and testing hardware like NC machines, Pick & Place assemblers, RF testing chambers, etc. They even built their own 12-ton centrifuge for g load testing. CCC is also a leader in 3D printing of enclosures and components with 7 on-line. We talked to test teams, installers, shipping, manufacturing folks and the most amazing consistency in viewpoint was observed – they all had the aforementioned positive attitude and they all were very proud of their work. Based on discussions with the company the average job tenure was around 10 years or more. If anybody should get a National Industry Attitude Award, CCC stands out!

This brings us to the company offices- the management and engineering team. Their new President is an IFE familiar face, Bill Weaver – you might remember him from DeCrane Aerospace. The new owner, Sorensen Capital Partners, recently appointed him to the position. He told IFExpress, “Sorenson saw a great future for CCC and I am proud and excited to be involved with the next growth phase.” And growth phase it will be. While we were there we saw two innovations that stood out – An LED lighting system and an audiophile system solution. The ULTEM speaker enclosures were ones we had never seen before on an aircraft and engineering was quick to point out that they were “made in house”, on their 3D printers

The LED-based lighting system was even more impressive. Controlled by installed panels or iPads, they can change the color and intensity of wash lighting on sidewalls or ceilings using a touch-graphic interface. In fact, CCC makes reading lights modules, as well as fixed or flexible LED wash lights too. Kurt Mayhall, now their CTO, was quick to point out that completion houses need a product that they can install around curved shaped panels and decor items, so CCC designed and built their own. Their product line extends beyond those mentioned; we saw 3D Custom SkyShow maps, Spectrum LED Lighting, HD Monitors and Touchscreens, and an app for your iPhone/iPad/iPod called iPlane to control the lot. These newer products got us thinking… what would we see next from the company? Wi-Fi? Satellite connectivity? More importantly, where would we see them?

As far as shows go CCC can usually seen be at NBAA, EBASE and the HELI Show. Be sure to check out this team, not only for their products, but rather, how they do business. For sure, their strong suit is a technically superior product with the ability to customize applications, which makes them very customer friendly. But you might also check out their attitude – for example, when entering the company offices, there is a simple but elegant, movie running on a widescreen display that describes the company in pictures and music but without voice-over narration. Thinking that a downtown advertising firm supplied the video, we asked about it. As it turns out, it was shot, edited and assembled by one of their Program Coordinators…”I just got a book and used my Mac,” he said. Talk about “can-do”, everybody has it at CCC!
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It is that AIX time of year again and of course you want to place your company info in the AIX show edition of IFExpress – and as always, it’s FREE! Just get the following information into IFExpress by Monday, April 1. Yep – April Fool’s Day! We need your company name, AIX booth number, contact name, email, & telephone, AND LASTLY- A couple of sentences about what you plan to display in your booth. Direct all email inputs to Patricia Wiseman, IFExpress Editor at plwiseman@gmail.com. See you at the show!