• Full avionics suite, Head-up Guidance, MultiScan™ ThreatTrack weather radar, MMR and more for flight deck, HD overhead IFE in cabin

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | July 5, 2016– Rockwell Collins has been selected by China-based Shenzhen Airlines to provide its full suite of advanced avionics and PAVES™ Broadcast overhead In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) on 44 new airplanes, including 37 Boeing 737 MAX and seven Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft. Deliveries are expected to begin in July 2017.

Avionics highlights of Shenzhen’s selection include Rockwell Collins’ MultiScan™ ThreatTrack weather radar, GLU-2100 Multi-Mode Receiver and TTR-2100 next-generation Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance (TCAS II) traffic computer.

Shenzhen also selected Rockwell Collins’ Head-up Guidance System (HGS™), which will give the airline greater access to airports in China. Currently there are 14 airports throughout China approved for lower landing minima by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for aircraft equipped with authorized head-up displays (HUDs) such as Rockwell Collins’ HGS.

“Commercial air traffic will continue to increase in the Asia Pacific region and having advanced systems that Shenzhen can count on for more efficient flight, weather threat detection, precision navigation and aircraft avoidance will be essential,” said Jim Walker, vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins. “In the cabin, passengers will be pleased with the crisp, high-definition IFE video and audio, and flight attendants will be impressed with the ease of IFE control and reliable automation.”

Rockwell Collins’ PAVES Broadcast overhead IFE system significantly reduces size, weight, and power consumption compared to previous overhead system offerings. The system’s High Definition Media Server (HDMS) offers solid-state digital audio and video storage capability, integrated pre-recorded announcements, and music functionality with embedded Airshow® 3D Moving Map.

Additionally, with PAVES Broadcast, airlines have the option to handle updates of non-encrypted content themselves or through the Rockwell Collins Content Services Group. This choice gives airlines flexibility in responding to commercial opportunities as they arise, since time-sensitive content can be replaced at a moment’s notice, anywhere in the world.

Hamburg, Germany | April 4, 2016– Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ Passenger Service System (PSS) has been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for Airbus A330 aircraft. The company teamed with Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) to design, install and achieve the supplemental type certificate (STC) as part of a cabin upgrade for an A330 from AERCAP.

Rockwell Collins’ PSS is a standalone, cost-effective reading light and cabin crew call system with USB charging ports that replaces discontinued or unsupported systems.

Depending on the system it replaces, PAVES PSS can bring weight savings that exceed 1,000 pounds, producing millions of dollars saved annually from a significant reduction in fuel cost. Other benefits of upgrading to PAVES PSS include:

• Flexibility to operate as an independent system or with a variety of passenger entertainment solutions, including wireless, connectivity or overhead IFE such as PAVES Broadcast
• Greater efficiency as it requires much less power to operate than legacy systems
• Improved reliability resulting in a noticeable reduction in recurring maintenance costs.

In a very limited timeframe, adaptiveness and expertise of the AFI KLM E&M part 21 team allowed them to design and certify an innovative solution to integrate this system on A330, but also on every other next aircraft type. This flexible system has been installed in AFI KLM E&M hangar in Amsterdam, with the support of Rockwell Collins team onsite.

“Obsolescence of legacy reading light and cabin call systems, which are required to sell a seat, will soon become a reality that many airlines have to face,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Flight Controls and Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. “The innovative installation approach that AFI KLM E&M and Rockwell Collins took during this upgrade and resulting certification makes avoiding obsolescence easy and will more than pay for itself in the long run.”

“In a market where we have to propose innovative and cost-effective solutions to our customers, on a tighter schedule, AFI KLM E&M and Rockwell Collins teams created and implemented together a perfect tailor-made answer,” said Sami Smaoui, vice president, Aircraft Modification for Air France Industries.

PAVES PSS is part of Rockwell Collins’ complete portfolio of PAVES IFE and connectivity solutions that meet the passenger engagement needs of any airline, including seat-centric IFE, broadcast and wireless IFE, high-speed broadband connectivity, moving map and passenger services systems.

Hamburg, Germany | April 4, 2016– Rockwell Collins today unveiled its new virtual training simulator for its PAVES™ seat-centric and overhead in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. The interactive, easy-to-use computer-based training simulates a wide variety of scenarios to help cabin and maintenance crews become proficient at operating PAVES IFE systems.

“Our PAVES IFE training solution goes beyond a simple ‘how-to’ tutorial and provides airlines with a more effective training environment for ensuring crews are prepared for any situation,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Flight Controls and Information Systems for Rockwell Collins.

The PAVES IFE virtual training simulator enables cabin and maintenance personnel to practice operating a PAVES system without having to purchase extra equipment or schedule time on an aircraft. As trainees use the simulator, it instantly shows resulting changes to the entertainment control panel, in-seat monitors and broadcast monitors. The simulator also indicates changes to audio coming from control panel headphones, in-seat headphones and cabin speakers.

An airline that takes delivery of a PAVES IFE system receives a customized virtual training simulator with the same configuration and branding as the actual onboard IFE system.

The new virtual training simulator is part of Rockwell Collins’ complete portfolio of PAVES™ IFEC (IFE and Connectivity) solutions, which meet the passenger engagement needs of any airline and include seat-centric IFE, broadcast and wireless IFE, high-speed broadband connectivity, moving map, and passenger services systems.

• Upgrade significantly reduces aircraft weight, works independently or with variety of passenger entertainment solutions

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | January 5, 2016– Air France Industries will soon upgrade four Airbus A330 aircraft for one of its customers with Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ Passenger Services System (PSS). The standalone, cost-effective reading light and cabin crew call system with USB charging port brings several benefits, including a significant reduction in aircraft weight.

Depending on the system it replaces, PAVES PSS can bring weight savings that exceed 1,000 pounds, producing millions of dollars saved annually from a significant reduction in fuel cost. Other benefits of upgrading to PAVES PSS include:

• Flexibility to operate as an independent system or with a variety of passenger entertainment solutions, including wireless, connectivity or overhead IFE such as PAVES Broadcast
• Greater efficiency as it requires much less power to operate than legacy systems
• Improved reliability resulting in a noticeable reduction in recurring maintenance costs.

“Our PSS provides a long-lasting solution to ensure that twin-aisle cabins are equipped for the future,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Flight Controls and Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. “A big challenge airlines face with legacy reading light and cabin call systems is dealing with obsolescence. With PSS, airlines can rest easier knowing they can meet regulatory requirements and keep their aircraft in service.”

Rockwell Collins teamed with Air France Industries on this cabin solution—Air France Industries designed the installation and continues to develop innovative solutions generated by Rockwell Collins’ new products.

Deliveries of PAVES PSS to Air France Industries will begin this month.

PAVES PSS is part of Rockwell Collins’ complete portfolio of PAVES IFE and connectivity solutions that meet the passenger engagement needs of any airline, including seat-centric IFE, broadcast and wireless IFE, high-speed broadband connectivity, moving map and passenger services systems—all from one company.

• Biman Bangladesh Airlines takes delivery of new 737—every seat equipped with new easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain, and reliable IFE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | November 30, 2015– Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ seat-centric in-flight entertainment (IFE) system has entered into service on a new Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 delivered to Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The company’s advanced large-screen, high-definition (HD) IFE system is featured in both business and economy classes.

“This is an exciting moment for Rockwell Collins and one that highlights the shift taking place in the IFE market,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. “It is gratifying to see the unique, personal touch that Biman was able to put into the design of its PAVES system using the Rockwell Collins GUI developer kit.”

With PAVES, airlines are able to develop their own look and experience for passengers as well as efficiently manage non-DRM content via Rockwell Collins’ graphical user interface (GUI) developer kit through a web portal management tool. Further, the system features an open-software architecture to support customized and third-party applications with minimal effort.

Additionally, the PAVES seat-centric design maximizes reliability by eliminating any single point of failure. Each in-seat system is independent, so seat monitors store viewing content. Also, the system is equipped with a quick-release mechanism to replace in-seat displays in less than 60 seconds or rapidly repair broken audio pins.

“Biman Bangladesh Airlines is pleased by the installation of Rockwell Collins’ new and innovative PAVES seat-centric IFE system on our new 737 aircraft,” said Mr. A.M. Mosaddique Ahmed, director, Customer Services, Managing Director & CEO (acting) for Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “Their excellent global service and quality of cabin products meets the same reliability and quality we see in their flight deck avionics. Our passengers will be pleased to use this advanced IFE system with intuitive interface and we look forward to it bringing value to Biman Bangladesh Airlines.”

The next PAVES seat-centric IFE system will be delivered on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft in December.

Rockwell Collins’ complete portfolio of PAVES IFE and connectivity solutions meets the passenger engagement needs of any airline, including seat-centric, broadcast and wireless IFE, broadband connectivity, moving map and passenger services systems—all from one company.

• Line-fit requirements met, new seat-centric IFE offering for the MAX

APEX EXPO, Portland, Oregon | September 28, 2015– Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ On-demand in-flight entertainment (IFE) system is now offered for the 737 MAX. The seat-centric IFE solution has been added to the 737 MAX catalog.

“PAVES On-demand quickly engages passengers with compelling applications on their own large-screen HD display in front of them,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. “The PAVES On-demand system is a big draw for airlines because of the attractive options it provides passengers, as well as the potential for ancillary revenue from advertising, paid services and more. Airlines also like the system because it eliminates any single points of failure.”

With the PAVES On-demand seat-centric design, each in-seat system is independent, so if one unit has an issue, no other in-seat systems are affected. Additionally, PAVES On-demand is equipped with a quick-release mechanism to quickly remove and replace in-seat displays.

PAVES On-demand seamlessly integrates with Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ Broadcast overhead IFE system. This allows airlines to configure cabins for their unique requirements, such as in-seat IFE in first class and overhead IFE in economy. PAVES also offers airlines a high degree of flexibility to manage their digital content.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa | March 24, 2015– Rockwell Collins’ PAVES™ Broadcast in-flight entertainment (IFE) and Airshow® 3D Moving Map systems will be featured on 45 Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft on order by China-based Xiamen Airlines and its subsidiary, Hebei Airlines. Deliveries will begin in early 2016.

“We’re honored by Xiamen’s PAVES IFE selection, which will deliver high levels of reliability for passengers and intuitive functionality for flight attendants,” said Jim Walker, vice president and general manager, International and Service Solutions, Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins.

Rockwell Collins’ PAVES Broadcast overhead IFE significantly reduces size, weight, and power consumption compared to previous overhead system offerings. The system’s High Definition Media Server (HDMS) offers 160 gigabytes of solid-state digital audio and video storage capability, integrated pre-recorded announcements, and music (PRAM) functionality with embedded Airshow 3D Moving Map.

Rockwell Collins’ Airshow 3D Moving Map system includes NASA’s Blue Marble map data, based on actual satellite imagery, to provide a modernized view of real-time flight information to passengers. Extensive features and performance enhancements not only deliver unparalleled 3D graphical realism, but also add even more new capabilities to what is already the industry’s most popular moving map system.

Additionally, with PAVES Broadcast, airlines have the option to handle updates of non-encrypted content themselves or through the Rockwell Collins Content Services Group. This choice gives airlines flexibility in responding to commercial opportunities as they arise, since time-sensitive content can be replaced at a moment’s notice, anywhere in the world.

During AIX, we had a long talk with Geoff and Claire Underwood of IFPL and traced out the tech steps and reasoning around NFC – Near Field Communication. When we got back, IFExpress reviewed a couple of articles that talked about the need for passenger identification on aircraft and realized that the passenger manifests are not the best passenger data device. The IFPL team noted that most people think of NFC as a payment device. Let’s face it, digitizing passenger data and having it available on the aircraft is probably one of the last parts of the airline network to be automated. While that is a true statement and someday, airlines will rely on some on-plane identification for things like security, passenger ID, sales, preference settings, etc., it certainly isn’t here yet. Geoff knows that and gave IFExpress an earful about the future of this technology. “Preferences” in the article we read were a reference too automatically set lighting, music, drinks, food… whatever. “But” Geoff noted, “NFC is a 2-way communication device, not just a credit card.” Good point. Certainly, upper classes need this to eventually keep those high value customers and provide 2 way communication with the airline. The concept of QR codes interfaces with passengers seems a little bit outdated with NFC around! And that is the problem, it is not around on many planes and an interface with passenger databases is a future need. NFC can open channels of service like Wi-Fi, IFE content, music streaming, GSM calls… there is no end to solutions once the infrastructure is in place. And that is the issue, the infrastructure. Lower in weight than crews, credit card readers, and who knows what, the light NFC sensors and circuitry in conjunction with a PIN number can open up a world of passenger spending and service… especially with a connection to the ground. A flier could put money on an iPhone or card (or whatever) from the ground for on-board purchases or eventual airborne or ground fulfillment. Today you can use the NFC only on a few seatbacks but someone has to integrate technology into the IFE based, passenger preference driven, iPhone supported, seatback installed and powered, electronic receipt dispensing, consumer interface system. Geoff and their IFE team is ready to talk your language. Geoff.Underwood@IFPL.com Call him about your passenger preference problem and see if NFC can help. Oh, and one last thing, NFC is supposed to be standard on all credit/debit cards starting in 2014!

Rockwell-Collins now offers three PAVES product lines: PAVES Broadcast (overhead), PAVES On Demand, and PAVES Wireless. The company has also begun the third generation of the product line. RC has selected Kontron servers and WAPS for the wireless version but is still working the software side of the mix. And speaking of software, while PAVES Wireless hardware clients and servers are owned by the airline, they also own the client software. This is significant because the software has to be constantly updated with programming and updates to talk with passenger PEDS. An aircraft that has to talk too 30 or 40 devices will need a lot of support and software updates each month. As Rockwell observed, “This is going to change the game because the business model will have to include software updates.” In fact, multiple, ongoing software updates with PED interfaces included will be the new business model. RC notes that traditional IFE may need a new model and the perception of getting into an inexpensive hardware solution may be supplanted by a new higher cost, software-based paradigm. Back to the hardware – Rockwell will be installing PAVES hardware on Thomas Cook in the May/June time-frame and the airline plans to launch PAVES in front of passengers in 2013.

The IFE Thought Of The Day – When will someone invent a drop-down overhead video display with built-in audio for regional jets so they can make money selling infomercials on short haul flights? For that matter, couldn’t the content exist resident in the PSU device (toggled on by the purser) and not on a server? And perhaps, audio might not be needed at all with clever images and graphics – what’s wrong with a moving billboard? Why couldn’t you send the audio via Wi-Fi to your smart device?

And Now For Something Completely Different… and Expensive!

One of the articles we wanted to do for sometime now is the definition of ancillary revenues that lie under airlines balance sheets of most carriers today. Ostensibly because of higher fuel costs, the airlines began a “pay-for-play” approach to incremental goods and services introduced around 2007 by Ryanair’s, CEO, Michael O’Leary (and others). And boy, has this concept caught on! Admittedly, paying higher ticket prices is the option but airline management has opted to charge, often for options, incrementally. Here are just a few: First Shipped Bag – Free to $100 – second and third bag up to $150; Pet Shipping – up to $200+; One Carry On Bag – up to $100 extra; Reservation Change – up to an extra $200, Pillow/Blanket – up to $10; Drinks – (alcohol & non-alcohol) another 10 bucks; Inflight Entertainment – free to $10; and Wi-Fi – up to $14. We won’t talk about GSM phone bill increases for talk and texting but they will show up on your card later. What’s next – Pay for Power? You just can’t blame the airlines for covering fuel increases because, in this case fliers do have options, up to a point. It is just that the ‘nickel and dime-ing’ is a term heard on almost every flight and it will not get better because prices do go up. No doubt, the future is bright (or dim depending on your view) for higher ticket prices as well.

Also, here are a few web links that you might not have seen and will find interesting:

Have your say in Teague’s ‘Take Travel Back’ campaign

Inside Alaska Airlines’ new Boeing Sky Interior – GeekWire

05-2013 : Time to hire a mobile strategist

New luggage blocks ID theft on the road

12 in-flight innovations to keep an eye out for | CNN Travel