As a recognized leader in innovation, Delta Air Lines partnered with Airbus to enhance Skywise

Through the agreement an additional 400 Delta aircraft will be connected to Skywise

Toulouse, France | October 15, 2018– Delta Air Lines has entered into a multi-year contract with Airbus to continue using the Skywise open-data platform and related predictive maintenance services. The airline will expand the use of the tool to its A320 and A330 fleets – comprising around 400 aircraft – to track and analyse their operations and performance data and assess failure probabilities in order to anticipate maintenance tasks.

Delta was one of the airlines involved in the development of Skywise Predictive Maintenance by co-designing, testing and making improvement recommendations about some of its key features.

“Skywise is the latest example of our great partnership with Airbus,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “Delta people are continuously focused on improving the experience for customers, and this new tool will enable them to provide an exceptional, reliable experience.”

“I’m extremely proud to see our long-time partner Delta Air Lines, one of the leading airlines of the world, join the Skywise platform,” said Tom Enders, Airbus’ CEO. “Skywise is propelling the aviation industry to new levels of productivity and efficiency, and it is truly becoming an industry flagship. I want to thank Delta for their trust and confidence.”

Skywise was developed to enable Airbus, airlines, equipment manufacturers and maintenance operators to tap into vast amounts of aircraft operational and performance data and identify areas of improvement. Skywise can gather and track many thousands of data parameters on aircraft in operation.

Use of the Skywise-based applications to analyse extensive aircraft data can enable airlines to identify efficiencies, cost savings and enhanced revenue opportunities. Key applications help airlines reduce operational interruptions, maximise aircraft utilisation and flight operations. In particular, Skywise Predictive Maintenance enables them to turn unscheduled maintenance into scheduled maintenance and thus optimise aircraft operations. Airbus rolled-out the Skywise platform at the Paris Air Show in 2017.

Company says offer of award-winning IFE solution for visually impaired passengers is “the right thing to do”
APEX EXPO, Boston USA | September 24, 2018– At APEX EXPO, Bluebox Aviation Systems has announced that all existing and new customers of Bluebox’s iPad-based IFE platforms will benefit from the company’s development of Bluebox aIFE, an app for visually impaired passengers that won a Crystal Cabin Award earlier this year. For all Bluebox iPad devices currently in service, Bluebox offers to provide the upgrade free of charge, in line with device update cycles. The combined build platform will also be offered to any new customers of iPad-based IFE deployments at no extra cost. The combined build enables cabin crew to switch between the standard IFE mode (Bluebox Ai or Bluebox Hybrid, a Wi-Fi enabled version of Bluebox Ai) and accessibility mode (Bluebox aIFE) depending on a passenger’s needs.

“Since launching Bluebox aIFE with Virgin Atlantic, we developed a way of combining the standard and accessible versions on the same device,” said Kevin Clark, CEO, Bluebox. “Recognising how simple it is to update Virgin Atlantic’s iPads, we thought we would be just extend the same capability to all of our customers. Having worked with a group of visually impaired people in the system’s development, and hearing the feedback from Virgin Atlantic passengers about what it means to be able to use the system, we felt it was the right thing to do, and could be our contribution to directly improving the passenger experience of visually impaired passengers around the world.”
Bluebox worked closely with Virgin Atlantic and a group of visually impaired people from the UK charity Guide Dogs in the development of the original Bluebox aIFE platform, which has been entertaining passengers with visual impairments aboard Virgin Atlantic flights serving destinations across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, China, India and the Middle East.
The combined build offers airlines providing IFE a two-in-one solution for ensuring IFE is available to all passengers throughout their flight – at a tap of an on-screen button, a cabin crew member selects the accessible version for someone who is visually impaired, or the standard IFE mode. When the devices are offered for rent during a flight, it means visually impaired passenger can take up the offer just like anyone else. Or, where the devices are used for service recovery on an aircraft with seatback IFE, it means the same device can be used as the primary screen for a visually impaired passenger or as a backup if any other passenger’s seatback screen malfunctions.
Bluebox will upgrade devices in line with the deployment cycles of existing customers taking up the offer, working with them closely to ensure they understand how the new functionality works. For any new customer of Bluebox Ai or Bluebox Hybrid, the combined build with Bluebox aIFE can be included in the initial deployment.

Powerful and flexible, Kontron Cab-n-Connect™ P100 delivers high-quality streaming for up to 100 users from a single unit

Augsburg, Germany & Boston, USA | September 24, 2018– Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), today introduced its portable Cab-n-Connect P100 wireless streaming platform for the commercial avionics industry. Providing a flexible and robust solution, this small form factor IFE&C system utilizes dual 802.11ac/abgn radios that innovatively deliver high-quality streaming for up to 100 client devices enabling airlines to support an individual aircraft’s in-flight entertainment needs. Realizing its value in delivering a powerful and mobile IFE&C solution, the Cab-n-Connect P100 is already being evaluated by several customers.

Measuring just 9.8-inches (25cm) x 3.5-inches (9cm) x 12.6-inches (32cm), the portable Cab-n-Connect P100 system features dual hot-swappable batteries that enable more than 12 hours of streaming video. The P100 platform offers up to 8 terabytes (TB) of onboard storage giving almost unlimited capacity to add engaging content. In addition, the system’s removable storage device (RSSD) allows for quick content updates. The Cab-n-Connect P100’s operating system supports Docker Applications and Virtual Machines to further simplify IFE content management system integration. The unit provides an intuitive interface for the cabin crew to manage the system and it also provides status information via an OLED display.

Based on Kontron’s highly reliable, open-architecture COMe-bDV7R Computer-on-Module, the Cab-n-Connect P100 provides Intel Atom processor C3000 series server-grade processor performance with 8 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. Different C3000 series and Broadwell-DE series processors along with memory options are possible. Futher options include an integrated 4G LTE cellular modem.

Kontron’s ongoing strategy is to support partners and airline customers with critical system components that meet the connected aircraft wireless and network backbone requirements. With this commitment, Kontron has built a strong reputation for providing breakthrough IFE&C platforms that help accelerate development for quick time-to-market at the lowest cost of deployment. There are currently more than 4,000 commercial aircraft and business jets operating worldwide with Kontron equipment on board.

For detailed information on the Cab-n-Connect P100 specifications, please see:https://www.kontron.com/downloads/datasheets/c/cab-n-connect-p100_preliminary-ds-09.19.18-.pdf

To learn more about Kontron’s avionics product portfolio, please visit: https://www.kontron.com/industries/avionics

Enhanced platform unifies the travel ecosystem, bringing new revenue opportunities to airlines by focusing on the complete passenger journey.

APEX EXPO, Boston MA | September 24, 2018– Guestlogix, a leading travel technology company that inspires and delivers better journeys, has introduced new platform features that bring unification to today’s fragmented passenger experience. Built around the Traveler and Crew Experience, the new features are an industry first and offer the best of B2B and B2C travel technology, helping airlines and other travel brands streamline products and services for their customers, inflight, through destination and back home.

“The connected traveler wants a seamless, end-to-end experience regardless of what airline they fly, what airport they use or what hotel they stay at,” said Robin Hopper, President of Guestlogix. “Our platform delivers this experience to travelers and helps airlines more effectively manage revenue, loyalty and customer relationships in today’s highly fragmented travel environment.”

Winning Over the Connected Traveler 
Today’s travelers have a “what I want, when I want it” mentality – and why not, when they can hire a private car service for a few dollars, right from their mobile phones, or take a trip around the world on a low-cost carrier. But most traditional travel merchandising platforms lack the crucial element of customer-centricity, even as airlines want to position their passenger-facing apps as delivery mechanisms for convenience and delight.

Airlines and other travel brands need a new solution to meet their customers’ expectations, one that provides concierge-level service to the connected traveler. This means empowering passengers to use the app anytime, anywhere and for anything – booking flights and hotels, shopping at the airport, ordering limo service upon arrival, and using their loyalty points and miles as currency.  It also means using available customer data to create personalized, localized and curated experiences.

The Guestlogix platform makes all this possible, helping airlines make sure they are “always there” for passengers pre-, during- and post-trip.

Platform Features and Capabilities
With a Traveler and Crew Experience app and robust backend tools for retail success, personalization and campaign management, the enhanced Guestlogix platform comes with everything an airline could possibly need to captivate today’s connected traveler and deliver better journeys.

The platform’s features and capabilities include:

  • Traveler and Crew Experience app for inflight sales and beyond
  • Inflight and travel retail solutions for sales and fulfillment in the air and on the ground
  • Travel analytics helping airlines get to know the individual behind the booking
  • Personalization and campaign management tools for smarter campaigns and customized offers

“The connected traveler is the future not only for our product roadmap but for the travel industry as a whole,” said Robin Hopper. “We can help airlines get to where they need to be as retailers throughout the travel journey, while making their customers happier with personalization and experience curation.”

For more information about the company’s travel platform or to speak with Guestlogix President Robin Hopper, please contact Vanessa Horwell at +1.305.749.5342 x 232 or vhorwell@thinkinkpr.com.

Guestlogix, Creating Solutions for Better Journeys
Guestlogix builds travel technologies that inspire and deliver better journeys. The company was founded over 10 years ago, helping airlines around the world transform the way travellers purchased onboard. Today, Guestlogix provides a comprehensive platform that connects the entire travel ecosystem, giving passengers and crew a go-to app to enhance travel and airlines significant new revenue streams and loyalty opportunities inflight, through destination and back home. The Guestlogix head office is located in Toronto, Canada with skilled teams in the USA and UK who empower over 25 airline and transportation customers across the globe. Visit www.guestlogix.comto learn more.

Immfly offers the opportunity to airlines to engage passengers with an amusing experience that starts at the airport and continues while flying

APEX EXPO, Boston MA | September 24, 2018– The digital services platform Immfly, that, until now, could only be accessed onboard, can now entertain the passengers on the ground, while waiting for the flight. Based on the passengers’ access ratio and satisfaction level with Immfly’s platform, the company decided to extend, and specially, anticipate its offer to the airport. Airport vip lounges, or pre-boarding areas at the terminals can now have Immfly’s digital services at their disposal.

The day of the flight
The extension

The day of the flight means not only the flight but also beforehand in the airport, where only very few airlines can have a digital relationship with its customers.

From the moment someone looks for travel inspiration to the time it gets back home, there are several touch-points that constitute a commercial opportunity for airlines and its partners to interact with customers and get the most of those interaction in the form of revenue or in the form of customer satisfaction. Many airlines have done a great job using their digital channels and capabilities to communicate in a more personal and personalised way with their customers at most of those touch points, but still, there are significant gaps in that digital customer journey. There are still touch points that are not being used in a digital way. The biggest digital gap is the day of the flight, “the moment of truth” for NPS, the phase that most affects customer perception of the whole experience.

A seamless experience
Its benefits

Immfly offers now the opportunity to not only entertain passengers during that typically hectic time, improving their experience through personalization and choice, but also a new opportunity to monetize that digital relationship.

It is the chance to improve customer experience at the airport through entertainment and service at the same time that opens a new opportunity for ancillary revenues such as seatupgrades or activities at destination. Eventually, everything that could be done and enjoyed during the flight, can now be done before, on the ground.

Jimmy von Korff Martinez, co-founder of Immfly states “Combining the in-flight entertainment platform with the in-airport platform that offers the same entertainment content will allow customers to browse and select content before the flight for watching it later. In the same way will allow them to start watching a movie while waiting to board and continue watching the same movie in-flight, or to book or buy an activity on their final destination, which means passengers will benefit from a seamless experience and content consumption before and during the flight”.

From the airport, during the flight and post-flight, the Immfly wireless digital platform lets the airline expand the digital relationship with its customers, the data collection and revenue generation opportunities, and imp

  • Why the industry should embrace open systems development and unlock digital service innovation for airlines

October 2016– The first inflight connectivity revolution is already well advanced. Airlines are investing heavily in the latest satellite broadband and connectivity technologies in order to meet growing passenger expectations for fast, reliable and consistent Wi-Fi digital services on any aircraft, anywhere in the world.

But how will this develop? SITAONAIR, the world-leader in developing inflight connectivity solutions, has unique experience and perspective.

Going forward, we believe services should be provided consistently on every frequency band with an open architecture – ushering in the second inflight connectivity revolution.

Read More Here

Harrison, NY and Singapore | October 25, 2016– Oct. 25, 2016 — At the 2016 Airline Passenger
Experience Association (APEX) Expo today, Panasonic Avionics Corporation (“Panasonic”) and CoKinetic Systems Corporation (“CoKinetic”) marked the 10th anniversary of their software licensing relationship. Each year, the APEX Expo brings
together thousands of aviation professionals from around the world, with this year’s show hosting more than 150 vendors and representatives from more than 100 airlines.

Panasonic and CoKinetic first joined forces in October 2006, when Panasonic licensed CoKinetic’s in-flight entertainment (“IFE”) product known as AirPlay. Since then, AirPlay has been powering Panasonic seatback entertainment systems on airlines around the world.

Looking forward, CoKinetic is rededicating itself to keeping AirPlay at the forefront of IFE technology on all generations of Panasonic’s platforms, including Panasonic’s eFX, eXI, eX2, eX3, eXLite and eXW, bringing together the features of AirPlay with Panasonic’s advanced suite of IFE systems.

Kris Stevens, CoKinetic’s Chief Executive Officer, described the technical cooperation between Panasonic and CoKinetic as crucial to its airline customers – a driving force for innovation and improving bottom lines. “CoKinetic’s unique licensing relationship with Panasonic, which continues through 2025, offers airlines the unmatched flexibility, innovation, and independence that comes with AirPlay with the confidence of a trusted partner that can deliver expertise and systems compatibility for all generations of Panasonic hardware, past, present and future. Whether AirPlay is licensed through Panasonic or directly from CoKinetic, airlines get the very best of both worlds when they combine the power of AirPlay with the Panasonic platform.”

Paul Margis, Panasonic’s Chief Executive added, “At Panasonic, we truly value the constant focus of our partners to improve their products to the delight of our airline
customers. We’re excited about CoKinetic’s continued focus on innovation with their AirPlay product and look forward to mutually improving the passenger experience through our IFE products.”