(Editor’s Note: Looking for an innovative company in the IFEC space? Try IFPL – InFlight Peripherals. The Queen-awarded product offerings are the result of CEO Geoff Underwood (front row, 2nd from the left) and his team’s interface product creativity and ingenuity. IFExpress wanted to let our readers see them in front of their offices on the Isle of Wight!)

One of the biggest issues when traveling on an airplane is interfacing with it. By that we mean, controlling or interfacing with the devices and power that entertains and provides power for travelers on a plane – like NFC payment interface devices that allow us to buy goods or services or USB connections that provide entertainment, data, or power. If you ever wondered who makes the interface hardware, look no further that this Hot Topic as we want to introduce you to InFlight Peripherals Limited, or IFPL, as they are know by most. The Queens Award winning company (three times to be exact) and their website (ifpl.com) says it all, but we wanted to dig a little deeper into Geoff Underwood’s company, so we contacted them and asked then to enlighten our readers about a few of their primary products: specifically NFC Payment Capability, the Reversible USB Plug, new USB 3.0 Data and Power Plug, and their new Dual Breakaway/Triple Breakaway Audio Jacks.

Before we get into the technology, a little about the company: IFPL is a Queens Award winning international product development company based on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. They specialize in tailored engineering solutions for the Global Inflight Entertainment (IFE) Industry. The company was founded by Managing Director Geoff Underwood in 1996 and Initial production took place in Geoff’s garage at home, before progressing to a modern design and production facility in Newport on Isle of Wight. In the summer 2011 IFPL relocated five miles west to larger offices in Calbourne where 53 staff are now employed. IFPL first introduced its Long Life Audio Jack in 1999. This reliable jack has been tested to 100,000 headset insertions. From this beginning, the company now boasts a range of over 35 innovative passenger interface products including IFPL’s Rapid Fit range of quick change audio jacks, as well as Passenger Control Units (PCUs), USB, Ethernet, and INCAM noise cancellation headset connectors. In recent years the company has diversified into the design and manufacture of multimedia docking stations and video deployment arms. customer requirements. We should also note the range of their products and they include: Contactless Retail Systems, Breakaway Jack, USB Reversible Jacks, USB Power Jacks, Self Testing Audio Jacks, a Microphone Compatible Jack, Stacking PCU’s, Audio Jacks, Passenger Call Units, Remote Power Outlets, and other products for aircraft and rail markets. We asked CEO Geoff Underwood to tell us a little about their company and their products and he sent the following:

“IFPL is rightly proud to supply some of the world’s leading IFEC manufacturers and airlines who have come to rely on us to provide inspiration to the enhancement of their passenger experience. This has been achieved by our proven reputation for reliability and innovative product design. After recently supplying our one-millionth product to Panasonic, we look forward to a 2016 full of exciting product developments within the IFE industry.”

1. NFC Payment Terminal

“The total value of Near Field Communication (NFC) payments in the US is expected to *grow by 210% in 2016. The IFE industry is not exempt from this growing trend with the possibility of IFE NFC integration. IFPL’s payment terminal facilitates this demand enabling passengers to purchase items from compatible devices and cards without the presence of cabin crew. This enhances airline passenger’s personalization and convenience and enables the passenger to shop, order and pay at their own convenience. Not only does the terminal support contactless bankcards, Apple Pay and mobile wallets, it enables other data to be transferred to enable personalization through Personal Electronic Devices (PED) applications and NFC enabled loyalty cards. From a design viewpoint, our payment terminals contain no mechanical moving parts and use durable and cost effective materials to provide a lifetime of use. IFPL is currently in detailed negotiations with a leading IFEC supplier, so expect this product to be on your flight soon.”

He went on: “The company recognized over three years ago the need to make payment onboard simple and straight forward and launched our CRS concept. This concept showed how simple payment on board could be using NFC. In addition, we recognized that the payment industry requirements would change in 2015, moving away from the traditional magnetic strip to NFC or Chip and Pin. IFPL identified that NFC could be used for both payment and transmitting other small amounts of data which could be used to confirm the person in the seat and personalize the IFEC experience. IFPL has worked with Thales to bring this technology onboard. Both the airlines and IFEC vendors see the advantage of making payment simple and personalizing the IFE as well as maximizing the retail experience.”

2. Reversible USB-A1337

“IFPL’s latest reversible USB leverages itself off our successful 1281 USB jack. It provides a single unit integrating both power and data, ensuring passengers can charge their Personal Electronic Devices (PED) at ease. Feedback from airlines suggested that there was a tendency for Customer Induced damage (CID) in standard USB ports. IFPL has addressed this issue by enabling passengers to insert their USB plug either way around. This has created a robust and reliable USB solution to CID while enhancing passenger experience. It boasts a reliability of 10 times the industry standard and has been tested to 60,000 cycles enabling airlines to achieve significant long-term savings. Furthermore, both the light guide color and decal print are customizable to support airline branding and cabin aesthetics.

With the proliferation of PED’s, limited battery life and the ability for PED’s to become a second screen, IFPL recognized passengers need to charge their PED (up to 2.0A and 5V) and for the PED to be able to interface with the IFE system. IFPL have worked with both airlines and IFE companies to make this available.

In addition IFPL recognized that CID and reliability is a key design weakness of a traditional USB A socket, which may typically only provide 6,000 insertions/extractions before failure. In addition, as the passenger can only place their plug in one way it can cause the passenger to apply excess force in frustration and break their USB plug or the IFE systems USB socket resulting in high CID. IFPL’s bi-directional insertion and clever design eliminates the problem of CID and massively improves availability.”

3. USB 3.0 1342 – Delivering data and power to a new standard

An exciting new development at IFPL is our latest addition to the USB unit family.

At IFPL, we appreciate the importance of PEDs in today’s IFE environment and feel it’s vital to allow passengers to stay connected to their devices. With more demanding PED’s being used in flight year-on-year, higher transfer speeds are required to meet viewing demands. IFPL’s USB 3.0 provides a solution to this and coincides with IFPL’s commitment to innovation. It boasts transfer speeds of up to 5Gbits/s, 10 times faster than products centralized around the USB 2.0. This allows passengers to continue viewing media from their devices at ease while simultaneously charging them.

As well as supporting high PED power USB 3.0, IFPL offers a step change for data via a USB port as it supports up to 5Gbits/s enough to stream data to or from and IFE system using an attached device.

4. New Dual Breakaway and Triple Breakaway

“New are IFPL’s Dual and Triple Breakaway solution which addresses the issue of broken jacks, including: Containing *MagSignal technology which virtually eliminates customer induced damage, commercially attractive cost neutral solution for both the headset and the jack and two Long Life™ jacks, enabling the use of single or dual IFE headsets.”

In closing David Thomas, Business Development told IFExpress: “IFPL has recently supplied its one-millionth part to Panasonic and is expecting to deliver its two millionth product to the industry towards the end of Q1 2016.”

If you need more information on any IFPL product please call David at: + 44 (0) 1983 555900 or he can be emailed at innovate@ifpl.com .

Also, please note that IFPL will be exhibiting at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, 5-7 April 2016 at stand 2C40. For further information on the featured products or more of their industry leading solutions, please contact:

David Thomas Head of Business Development at IFPL
e.mail david.thomas@ifpl.com
tel +44 (0) 1983 555900
web www.ifpl.com

Reversible USB Release
NFC Release

IFExpress would like to thank Geoff Underwood and Jason Davies for their help in developing this Hot Topic. We now see why the company is so successful – Thank You!

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NEWS:

• PANASONIC AVIONICS was selected by Air Europa to provide eXConnect onboard Wi- Fi connectivity for retrofit on two A330-200s and one A330-300, plus its new 787s. The installation of Wi-Fi service on-board Air Europa aircraft, that aims to improve in-flight entertainment, ensuring a great comfort and amenities; is a new step in the modernization that the airline is immersed in and that aims to establish itself as one of the best and most modern airlines in the world.
• Gogo announced today that it has signed a term sheet with Beijing based Shareco Technologies to install its 2Ku in-flight connectivity technology on 50 commercial aircraft for Shareco’s airline partners, including Hainan Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines. This is the largest announced in-flight connectivity deal in China and the first airline deal for Gogo in China.  In addition to in-flight connectivity, Gogo will also provide its wireless in-flight entertainment solution – Gogo Vision – for Shareco to install on these aircraft. Beijing Shareco Technologies Co., Ltd. is a leader at providing in-flight entertainment and connectivity related services to Chinese and international commercial airlines. Gogo and Shareco will work together on necessary regulatory approvals to install the technology on these aircraft.  The goal is to install all 50 aircraftwithin two years following execution of a definitive agreement. Shareco is a high-tech company dedicated to building an ecosystem in the cabin that will create unique in-flight experiences which will benefit both airlines and passengers,” said Pan Yunbin, CEO of Shareco.  “We have been looking for great partners to find the best that can customize in-flight connectivity and in-flight entertainment solutions, as well as other things the passengers may be interested in. We believe that Gogo, as a pioneer in this field, is one of the best at providing these services.”
• Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched a freemium Wi-Fi service for all passengers as part of its 75th anniversary celebration. PAL is using SITAONAIR’s Internet Onair technology to deliver the service, rebranded as myPAL Wi-Fi.  Jaime J. Bautista, PAL president and COO said: “This myPAL Wi-fi freemium offering is a key part of our commitment to give the best possible service to our passengers. With 30 minutes each across all travel classes, this is the APAC region’s best free inflight internet offering, at least doubling almost every other airline.” The airline launched the freemium service to passengers on the first of March and this offering will continue to run for one year. The airline has 21 aircraft equipped with connectivity, including six B777-300ER and 15 A330-300s.
• You had better be aware that the IoAT (Internet of Aircraft Things) is real and that data requirements from new engines alone will boggle your mind – check out this article.

 

• Latest SITA OnAir innovations on booth 1023 deploy the solution

APEX EXPO, Portland, Oregon | September 28, 2015– At this week’s APEX EXPO in Portland, SITA OnAir is demonstrating how it is helping airlines realize the full potential of the connected aircraft.

“With everything in our lives becoming digitized, there are a million and one opportunities to improve the passenger experience,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “We can use real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, create new programs, applications and content. We can make far better use of air space, improve turnaround times and remove passenger pain points, making the whole experience smoother.”

The e-Aircraft presents significant opportunities for airlines to streamline operations and improve efficiencies. It also presents the major challenge of what to do when confronted by terabytes of data produced during each flight. Some of it will be stored for downloading on the ground. But increasingly, the demand is for real-time interaction, for the aircraft to be connected nose-to-tail throughout the flight for both passengers and the airline.

“We need to be able to transmit data from the ground to the aircraft, and vice versa, rapidly and efficiently, making high throughput satellite networks are an essential piece of the jigsaw. Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, with its consistent global coverage, will provide exactly the connectivity we need for the connected aircraft,” continued Dawkins. “The key question, once airlines have access to the Big Data, is how to use it.

“One of the key areas of our focus is enabling the development of apps, both for passengers and airlines. Combined with the introduction of standards and solutions offered by SITA OnAir, the use of APIs to create apps is an area of enormous potential for thousands of innovators, start-ups and small technology companies worldwide – particularly by linking into the IT ecosystem of passengers, crew and pilots. From consumer-style shopping apps for passengers to service enhancement apps for cabin staff, the only limit is the extent of developers’ imagination.”

At this week’s APEX EXPO in Portland, SITA OnAir is demonstrating how it is helping airlines realize the full potential of the connected aircraft.

“With everything in our lives becoming digitized, there are a million and one opportunities to improve the passenger experience,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “We can use real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, create new programs, applications and content. We can make far better use of air space, improve turnaround times and remove passenger pain points, making the whole experience smoother.”

The e-Aircraft presents significant opportunities for airlines to streamline operations and improve efficiencies. It also presents the major challenge of what to do when confronted by terabytes of data produced during each flight. Some of it will be stored for downloading on the ground. But increasingly, the demand is for real-time interaction, for the aircraft to be connected nose-to-tail throughout the flight for both passengers and the airline.

“We need to be able to transmit data from the ground to the aircraft, and vice versa, rapidly and efficiently, making high throughput satellite networks are an essential piece of the jigsaw. Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, with its consistent global coverage, will provide exactly the connectivity we need for the connected aircraft,” continued Dawkins. “The key question, once airlines have access to the Big Data, is how to use it.

“One of the key areas of our focus is enabling the development of apps, both for passengers and airlines. Combined with the introduction of standards and solutions offered by SITA OnAir, the use of APIs to create apps is an area of enormous potential for thousands of innovators, start-ups and small technology companies worldwide – particularly by linking into the IT ecosystem of passengers, crew and pilots. From consumer-style shopping apps for passengers to service enhancement apps for cabin staff, the only limit is the extent of developers’ imagination.”

Read the full story

First up this week we have a Portland Preview of what to see at APEX EXPO in Oregon September 28 – October 1, from the folks at IFPL:

The 2015 EXPO will see IFEC industry innovator IFPL bring its new Dual-pin MagSignal magnetic Audio Jack, a new USB 3.0 and USB C plug and its highly reliable Reversible USB A data and power port, strengthening the industry proven audio jack and data port range. In addition, IFPL will demonstrate the latest NFC technology for payment and personalization; together with the launch of its combined Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) concept specifically design for the aircraft cabin. All aimed at intensifying relationships, passenger personalization and truly enhancing the experience on-board current and next generation aircraft.

IFPL takes a new turn with the introduction of its range of Long Life jacks, the innovative Dual-pin and triple pin magnetic Breakaway Audio jack; a new cost neutral solution, virtually eliminating customer induced damage providing cost effective lifetime use. IFPL extends its USB range to include its reversible USB-A and new USB 3.0 and USB-C combining power and data module to meet current and future USB standards to support at-seat Portable Electronic Device (PED) charging and data transfer without requiring modification or re-certification of existing seats.

IFPL lead the way when it comes to NFC payment technology on-board aircraft and already works with global OEM’s on using this technology to deliver in-flight retail sales and customer personalization that enables airlines to enhance on-board revenue and customize the passenger experience.

IFPL demonstrates the latest version of the its semi embedded IFE concept enabling airlines to provide tablet based solution while delivering an experience that is comfortable and integrated to meet the passenger requirements.

The IFPL team will be delighted to welcome you to stand 1408 at APEX 2015 and demonstrate our exciting range of products and new innovations. If you would like further information, please contact us at innovate@ifpl.com.

IFExpress will have more on the best places in Portland is forthcoming issues, but remember, the town is dedicated to good food, good coffee, good beer, and good times!

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And speaking of conferences, Aircraft Interiors EXPO Americas runs in Seattle November, 4 – 5 and you can find out a bit more and signup here – it is free! Airbus’ Francis Bouchard will be sharing his knowledge with us on passenger comfort and the genesis of a new IFE generation in his A350 XW comfortably yours Case Study. He will also be discussing how we can improve integration of inflight entertainment and connectivity systems with seating.

EXPO will also have Günter Boomgaarden from Zodiac Aerospace who will join to discuss and share knowledge on how you create lighting solutions that enhance all the major brand elements of the cabin and what the benefits are of thinking about lighting solutions earlier in the design process. Check out the full list of speakers and seminars

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Kymeta Corporation and SHARP Corporation announced a development agreement to design products that will pave the way for cost-effective mobile satellite communications. Under the agreement, SHARP will use its liquid crystal display production technology to manufacture Kymeta’s new flat-panel satellite antenna, allowing both companies to create new opportunities for the satellite communications industry.

Kymeta antennas use liquid crystal-based metamaterials to solve one of the satellite industry’s longest-standing technical challenges: the need for lightweight, slim and efficient antennas that use software to electronically point and steer towards a satellite, eliminating the need for costly and cumbersome mechanical steering equipment and allowing for rapid setup and installation.

Enabled by Kymeta’s mTenna technology, this suite of antennas uses a first-of-its-kind, glass-on-glass design concept that leverages the same components and manufacturing processes as SHARP’s existing flat-panel display production lines. This means that SHARP can manufacture the Kymeta antennas using its existing production capabilities and, with little or no modification, produce electronically scanned antennas for mobile satellite communications.“Three years of intensive collaboration with SHARP have led us to a product design that can be manufactured utilizing SHARP’s existing production capabilities. This is an important moment for Kymeta. By using a production technology that is already widely deployed in consumer devices, with over $250 billion of industry-wide investment in infrastructure and R&D, we will be able to mass-produce antennas on a scale previously unattainable,” said Dr. Nathan Kundtz, CEO of Kymeta. “Sharp is an excellent partner for Kymeta because of its history and culture of innovation and releasing excellent products.”

“We have over 40 years of experience bringing high-quality liquid crystal displays to consumers,” said Atsushi Ban, division general manager of the Display Device Development Division of Sharp Corporation. “Working with Kymeta, we’re able to create antennas thin and light enough to bring entertainment and connectivity to wherever our customers are.”

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Gogo reported record quarterly revenue of $121.2 million, up 22% year-over-year. Service revenue increased 28% to $101.4 million, exceeding $100 million in a single quarter for the first time. “Q2 was another outstanding quarter for Gogo. We delivered record financial results; received the first of two certifications needed to fly 2Ku on our own aircraft; and signed a definitive agreement with GOL, a leading Brazilian airline, to equip its entire fleet of 140 aircraft with 2Ku, our next generation satellite technology,” said Gogo’s President and CEO, Michael Small. “We expect this year that 2Ku will begin to bring an industry leading combination of capacity, cost, reliability and global coverage to planes both in North America and internationally. I am very pleased with our progress to date in getting 2Ku to commercial deployment and with our continued success in winning airlines as we expand internationally.”

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SITA OnAir announces first EASA STC for GX Aviation – Introduction of GX Aviation moves a step closer. SITA OnAir is developing the first EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Inmarsat’s high speed Ka-band broadband service, GX Aviation. SITA OnAir is working with EAD Aerospace, an Eclipse company, on the STC to retro fit Boeing 777 series aircraft, on behalf of an undisclosed Airline. The development of this first GX Aviation STC brings the commercial availability of GX Aviation closer. Combined with the expected launch of the third and final GX Aviation satellite at the end of August, momentum is building rapidly.

“This STC will allow the installation and activation of connectivity covering SITA OnAir’s nose-to-tail e-Aircraft portfolio. This includes solutions and products for passengers, cabin crew, cockpit crew, aircraft data and maintenance, flight operations and air traffic control,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “What’s new is that inflight connectivity using high throughput satellite networks extends the possibilities for passengers as well as airlines’ professional use. Airlines will be able to exchange data for operational purposes, and passengers will have the same Internet speed they are used to at home.”

GX Aviation will provide 50MB/s to the aircraft, in particular, giving passengers high-speed Wi-Fi. This is the new reality of inflight connectivity. For the very first time, there really is no difference between being in the air and being on the ground. SITA OnAir already has over 40 STCs, covering the retro fit of inflight connectivity systems on Airbus aircraft, including the A320 family types, A330s and A340s, as well as Boeing aircraft including B737s, B767s and B777s. In addition, SITA OnAir systems are available as line fit on the entire Airbus fleet as well as on Boeing B777s and B787s. It is also a line fit option on selected VIP aircraft, including the Dassault Falcon 7X and Airbus Corporate Jets. OnAir’s STCs have been awarded by the major certification authorities across the world, including the FAA in the US, EASA in Europe, the Singapore CAA, and Japan’s CAB. Importantly, existing STCs can be reused for new airline orders. SITA OnAir can also adapt the STC to meet airlines’ specific technical, cosmetic and/or maintenance requirements. “We have worked closely with EAD Aerospace on many STCs and I fully anticipate this will be a smooth process,” continued Dawkins. “In tandem, we are also working together to kick-start similar GX Aviation STCs on other aircraft types, including the A320 family.”

Marc Pinault, General Manager of Eclipse, said “Our cooperation with OnAir is a good example of how the Eclipse acquisition of EAD Aerospace earlier this year allows our partners to benefit from Eclipse’s extensive background in satcom issues and EAD Aerospace’s Part 21 skills to ensure all variables relating to a satcom installation are taken into account when delivering an STC.” The STC is expected to be completed in the first half of 2016. SITA OnAir is a key Distribution Partner for GX Aviation. With 400 airline customers operating over 14,000 aircraft, SITA OnAir is ideally placed to be the Tier One provider of connectivity solutions across the globe.

(Editor’s Note: You can view SITA e-Aircraft Nose-To-Tail Solutions here  Very nice web work, scroll and see!)

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Rockwell Collins announced it has acquired Newport News, Virginia-based International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG), a leading provider of satellite-based global voice and data communication products and services for the aviation industry. The initial purchase price was $50 million and additional post-closing consideration of up to $14 million may be paid.n “This acquisition broadens our portfolio of information-enabled avionics by adding ICG’s latest generation of Iridium satcom terminals and smart routers to our existing flight deck and cabin connectivity offerings,” said Kent Statler, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins. “When coupled with our broad array of network solutions, including our ARINC aviation networks and other satellite communication services, it accelerates our vision of being a leader in end-to-end information management solutions for airlines and business jet operators.” ICG’s products and services will be integrated into Rockwell Collins’ Commercial Systems portfolio.

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Global aeronautical communications provider Satcom Direct Communications, Inc., a U.S. company, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Airbus DS SatCom Government, Inc. (ASGI), expanding its market presence and offerings to the U.S. government sector. ASGI is a government satellite communications business unit of Airbus Defense and Space for the U.S. market and will operate as a subsidiary of Satcom Direct Communications (SDC), of Satellite Beach, FL. The purchase agreement includes acquisition of ASGI’s business operations as well as two satellite earth stations located on the East and West Coasts of the United States. “Combining the two organizations provides distinct synergies, allowing for a greater support infrastructure as well as enhanced capabilities, technology and expertise to our respective U.S. government customers,” said David Greenhill, President of Satcom Direct Communications. “The acquisition will also provide an increased ability to competitively offer fixed and mobile satellite services in Ku, Ka, L, C, and X bands in multiple markets, especially aviation.” The deal has been submitted to the U.S. authority and is expected to close within the next few months.

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Lastly, if you wanted to know a bit more about the famous Pan Am China Clipper, we have terrific video, recommended by Boeing retiree, Bob Bogash… Good Stuff, and we bet you don’t know half of what went on in Pacific flying in the 30’s!

• Brazilian low-cost carrier is first airline in the Americas to deploy Flight Tracker

Geneva | August 18, 2015– Azul is the first airline in the Americas to deploy SITA OnAir’s AIRCOM® FlightTracker, The service was activated on 1 August. Brazil’s leading low cost carrier, flying to 100 destinations across the country, can now track flights in real time on every route.

“FlightTracker’s momentum is building rapidly as more and more airlines across the world start using it to meet industry requirements for tracking each and every flight at all times,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir.

FlightTracker was the obvious choice for Azul. From its beginnings in 2008, it has used SITA OnAir AIRCOM® technology, making the addition of FlightTracker a simple software upgrade to the ground-based server. Now Azul can track its entire fleet of Embraer 190 and 195s, ATR 72-600s and Airbus A330s. The A320neos and A350s that Azul has on order will also be tracked as soon as they enter service.

Video about AIRCOM FlightTracker

FlightTracker uses multiple sources of data, including air traffic control information, terrestrial and satellite feeds, and the airline’s flight plans, to provide real-time aircraft position monitoring. These include theDepartment of Airspace Control’s air traffic management network, which is managed by SITA. FlightTracker generates automatic alerts when an aircraft goes outside pre-determined parameters, giving flight controllers full information at all times.

“Our flight tracking brief, through ICAO and IATA, was two-fold,” says Dawkins. “Flight operations teams need to be able to follow aircraft positions and identify any unexpected deviations or gaps in position reports, while using existing equipment and procedures, without adding significant cost. We can also exceed the initial specification for reports every 15 minutes, depending on an airline’s requirements.”

AIRCOM® FlightTracker is used in every phase of the flight. More frequent reports can also be provided, for example in the case of an emergency.

More than 90 airlines around the world use SITA OnAir’s AIRCOM® technology. Several have already deployed FlightTracker, with more expected to follow.

A reader sent us this:

Old News – “Boeing CEO Jim McNerney apologized Friday in a company-wide message for telling analysts this week that he won’t retire after turning 65 next month because “the heart will still be beating, the employees will still be cowering.” Despite having reached the company’s customary retirement age, analysts say, McNerney has privately expressed his wish to remain at the helm until Boeing’s 100th anniversary in 2016.”

New News – “Boeing Co. said Chief Executive Jim McNerney will step aside next week after a tumultuous decade at the aerospace giant and hand over the top job to one of his lieutenants. Mr. Muilenburg’s appointment also returns an engineer to the company’s top management position. Mr. Muilenburg holds a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the University of Washington. The outgoing Mr. McNerney was often criticized for not having a classical technical background when running the aerospace giant. Mr. McNerney holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale and a master’s of business administration form Harvard University. Tuesday’s appointment, however, came sooner than many analysts had expected. Boeing fell 1 percent to $143.01 at 4:59 p.m. in New York in extended trading.”

Newest News –  “Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group said that Boeing’s “toxic labor relations” are worse now than any he’s seen in 26 years in the industry. And he’s concerned about “an erosion of Boeing’s core capabilities” if Puget Sound-area engineers leave the company when it transfers work to new design centers around the country. “This is an engineering company. That’s been forgotten,” said Aboulafia. “A ruthless focus on cost is not a very good long-term vision for an engineering company.”

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The SITA Airline IT Trends Survey is available now. The connected passenger is a reality. But are airlines focused on the best areas to meet their demands? This year’s Airline IT Trends Survey focuses on the key needs of the connected passenger and outlines how airline IT deployments fit with the latest passenger trends.
The survey provides key insights into how airlines are making life easier by:

• Enabling a wider range of passenger choice through personalization
• Easing passenger anxiety at journey pinch points
• Keeping passengers up to date with the latest information
• Empowering staff with mobile devices

For the first time the survey asks airlines about their intentions for the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s still early days, but the IoT is fast becoming a reality and airlines are already planning for the dawn of this game-changing technology across the Air Transport Industry.

You can get it here

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Looking for the good article on the Paris Air Show about Airbus/Boeing? Look no further

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Today, Global Eagle sent out the following press release… but we had a few questions: Global Eagle Entertainment and flydubai Sign Groundbreaking Agreement to Deploy Fully-Integrated Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFE&C) System

Los Angeles, CA | June 23, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (“GEE”) (Nasdaq:ENT), a market-leading media and connectivity provider to the travel industry, today announced that it will equip Dubai-based airline flydubai’s current and future fleet of Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft with GEE’s broadband AIRCONNECT satellite connectivity system. The comprehensive agreement provides flydubai with a unique offering and technical capabilities that will continue to differentiate the airline from its peers. The deployment on flydubai will be the industry’s first to provide a bundled solution of inflight connectivity, in-seat IFE content and a provision for operations data, all from a single provider.  GEE will also introduce a new capability, which updates the media content on the in-seat IFE system already in place on flydubai aircraft via the AIRCONNECT connectivity system. This is expected to be the industry’s first use of broadband connectivity to routinely update the media content on embedded IFE systems. flydubai is already a GEE customer for inflight media content, and this new agreement greatly expands the relationship between the two companies.  GEE’s integrated IFE&C solution will offer wifi-enabled internet connectivity, an extensive library of stored content, such as local and international movies and TV shows, and other media delivered to passenger’s handheld devices. GEE will support the generation of ancillary revenue through the sale of advertising and sponsorships, and will manage billing and payment processing. “This is a ground-breaking opportunity for both companies and will provide flydubai with the industry’s broadest and most integrated inflight entertainment and connectivity solution.  GEE is excited to partner with one of the world’s most innovative airlines,” commented Dave Davis, CEO of GEE. “We’re eager to help flydubai further enhance its award-winning IFE&C strategy.” “GEE’s solution, which we are deploying across our fleet, will bring a new level of connectivity to our passengers,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai. “With an integrated inflight entertainment, connectivity and digital media system, we are able to provide the highest standards and latest innovations of inflight services to our passengers and enhance their onboard experience.” So here are our our IFExpress questions:

• Does every flydubai 737 (existing and future) get equipped with GEE’s AIRCONNECT (Row 44’s satellite connectivity)?
• They are calling it “a bundled solution of inflight connectivity, in-seat IFE content and a provision for operations data, all from a single provider.” (what about Lumexis?)
• Will flydubai use AIRCONNECT to routinely update the media content on the embedded IFE system? (Remember the size of media loads, isn’t that going to be expensive?)
• GEE’s integrated IFE&C solution includes Wi-Fi-enabled internet connectivity and an extensive library of stored content, such as local and international movies and TV shows, and other media delivered to passenger’s handheld devices… isn’t that going to be expensive as well?
• GEE is going to help flydubai generate revenue via sales of ads, sponsorships — who also will manage billing and payment?

If we get some answers, we will keep you posted.

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SITA OnAir’s Tracker just announced 3 new carriers – Singapore, Royal Brunei, and Norwegian Air Shuttle  – Read about it here

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Now Available: TripCase Apple Watch Travel App.  With the TripCase Apple Watch travel app, you’ll be able to see your upcoming trip items on your wrist.  You can use handoff to easily open the TripCase app on your iPhone, use their convenient “Remember This Place” feature, or even immediately access the new TripTime widget, right on your watch. You can also view a map of your destination, and they’ve hidden a few other great features in the experience for you to discover, as well. The TripCase Apple Watch travel app now includes Glance support! To access, simply swipe to the Glances section on your watch and you’ll be able to see information about your next upcoming trip item. Tap the watch to load the full TripCase Apple Watch app to view more details about your trip.

And don’t worry – you’ll also continue to receive the real-time travel notifications that you already expect on your iPhone, delivered straight to your Apple Watch.

… Of course, you do have an Apple Watch right?!

Geneva, Switzerland | April 20, 2015– SITA OnAir and UTC Aerospace Systems have launched AIRCOM®Connect, the new Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) software solution. Two airlines will deploy the solution this summer.

AIRCOM®Connect is a standard plug and play offering, meaning EFB applications can now access ACARS narrowband connectivity for all phases of a flight. This new messaging capability means airlines experience the many benefits of ubiquitous ACARS, including:

• Aeronautical Operational Control (AOC) messaging, for example to initiate performance calculation requests to be performed by the ground systems, with the result being displayed on the flight deck devices
• Enhanced route optimization and reduced detours thanks to real-time weather updates – on the ground and in the air – sent direct to the EFB tablets
• Free text messaging between dispatchers, maintenance engineering and flight crews, enabling effective defect troubleshooting during flights
• Downloading automated reports, such as exceedance and cruise reports
• Dispatch data reports, including:
  • Dispatchers up-linking automated messages that contain updated METAR and TAF information
  • Flight crew requesting ramp service requirements during approach to destination airport

SITA OnAir partnered with UTC Aerospace Systems and deployed the software solution on all of the UTC Aerospace Systems EFB hardware platforms. This also includes its latest tablet-interface device (TIM™) which connects to and leverages the UTC Aerospace Systems Aircraft Interface Device (AID) features.

Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir said: “We have a history of collaborating with UTC Aerospace Systems to bring our customers innovative solutions. By combining the UTC Aerospace Systems hardware with the AIRCOM®Connect software, we can offer our customers the exact functionality they desire for their EFB solutions. Increasingly, those EFB solutions are tablet based.”

Jim Tuitt, manager of business development for aircraft data management at UTC Aerospace Systems said “The UTC Aerospace Systems tablet EFB, in combination with the SITA OnAir AIRCOM®Connect software, enables an airline to maximize the benefits of paperless operations. We look forward to applying our extensive experiences together in developing and supporting EFB systems worldwide and to help airlines implement value added solutions.”

AIRCOM®Connect gives airlines the choice of two messaging service options. The first is standard ACARS, which while constrained by message size limitations is compatible with any ACARS ground host processors and with most ACARS routers.

The second option is AEEC 841 Media Independent Aircraft Messaging (MIAM) over ACARS. This overcomes the ACARS size limitations, enabling third party applications to transmit large messages over any networks, including VHF, VDL Mode 2, Iridium and Inmarsat.

UTC Aerospace Systems has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for AIRCOM®Connect to be used on their EFB hardware platforms on a range of commercial aircraft types.

• Ground based applications allow airlines to track aircraft

Aircraft Interiors Expo, Hamburg | April 14, 2015– Malaysia Airlines will be the first carrier to implement global flight tracking using SITA OnAir’s AIRCOM® FlightTracker, starting this summer. Both airlines have already conducted extensive testing of the technology, which uses existing equipment and re-purposes air traffic control data. This ground-based software upgrade allows airlines to follow aircraft positions and identify any unexpected deviations or gaps in position reports. Because it utilizes existing equipment, the solution is highly cost effective.

AIRCOM® FlightTracker was launched to meet the needs of the aviation industry. Moving beyond the trial phase, the airlines are now ready to roll out the system across their entire fleets. Malaysia Airlines will be the first to go live with deployment this summer, in under a year after the solution was launched in fast track mode in June 2014.

SITA OnAir’s solution provides the tracking capabilities the airline needs without the requirement for new and expensive equipment. SITA OnAir has designed a solution that works using the AIRCOM Server ACARS message handling system, which airlines already has in place, so the cost and disruption are minimal.

AIRCOM® FlightTracker uses multiple sources of data that guarantees tracking intervals of at least every 15 minutes for every flight. The airline also has the option to configure the system to intervals of less than 15 minutes. In addition, AIRCOM® FlightTracker enables the airline to proactively obtain ADS-C tracking data immediately when it detects a gap in data from other sources. AIRCOM®FlightTracker can also obtain one-off position reports from the Flight Management computers on short-haul aircraft that do not have FANS data link avionics.

“We have designed the solution so airlines have straightforward access to ATC-like tracking data,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “For those airlines already using our ACARS messaging, we can deploy it very quickly. Following the recent ICAO discussions, we are also working on the definition and development of a new system to detect and report unusual situations. As part of our commitment to the air transport community we are also investigating new aircraft solutions that are independent of aircraft power or systems.”

ICAO’s Multidisciplinary Meeting on Global Flight Tracking in May 2014 called for, ‘global tracking of airline flights…to provide early notice of and response to abnormal flight behaviour.’ The ICAO meeting also concluded that airlines, ‘will be encouraged to use existing equipment and procedures to the extent possible to support flight tracking’. The same principles were reiterated by IATA’s Aircraft Tracking Task Force in its report and recommendations in November last year, and reinforced at ICAO’s Second High Level Safety Conference in February 2015.

AIRCOM® FlightTracker therefore has an important role to play in providing improved tracking and detection of unplanned movements, without requiring modifications to the aircraft. It is simply an extra software layer on top of SITA OnAir’s existing AIRCOM® Server ACARS message handling system, which is already used by over 90 airlines around the world. It is very efficient: it is straightforward to install and therefore adds only minimal cost.

“As part of our commitment to the air transport community we will, during an emergency, provide AIRCOM® FlightTracker position reporting free of charge to SITA member customers,” concluded Dawkins. “AIRCOM® FlightTracker will request emergency positioning reports if it identifies that a flight has left its normal route for an unknown reason – and we will waive charges for that reporting until the emergency ends.”

Airlines in Europe and Asia are currently assessing SITA OnAir AIRCOM® FlightTracker, with a view to making the necessary upgrade from the ACARS system.

• SITA OnAir provides nose-to-tail connectivity

Geneva, Switzerland | March 9, 2015– Solar Impulse 2 HB-SIB, which has just started on its round-the-world flight from Abu Dhabi this morning, is the world’s first aircraft with full nose-to-tail connectivity.

“Solar Impulse is driving the next generation of aviation technology”

HB-SIB uses SITA OnAir satellite connectivity for pilot voice and data communications, as well as operational applications such as live weather updates and real-time aircraft monitoring. Thousands of sensors on the aircraft send a constant stream of data during the flight, including power and resistance information, and performance data covering every piece of equipment. The system also allows the public to experience the flights real-time via the video stream and messaging on social networks.

“This aircraft is pushing the boundaries of technology in many ways,” said Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of Solar Impulse. “The batteries are based on new brand-new electrolytes that allow the energy density to be increased. We are using carbon fiber that is lighter than any previously seen. And thanks to SITA OnAir connectivity, we are able to monitor every aspect of the plane at all times.”

SITA OnAir provides Solar Impulse HB-SIB with Inmarsat SwiftBroadband-based satellite technology. The related airborne and ground infrastructure has been designed specifically for the aircraft by Solar Impulse’s Official National Partner, Swisscom. The combination of the two means HB-SIB has reliable and consistent communications whenever and wherever it flies.

Swisscom engineers spent a year devising the communications solution. The airborne element is very light and is designed to use as little power as possible, while providing uninterrupted connectivity.

In parallel, the design and building of HB-SIB has required the optimization of new kinds of technology and a drastic reduction in energy consumption. Solar Impulse’s 80 engineers and technicians, led by André Borschberg, have had to apply highly innovative solutions. It is an airborne technology lab.

“Solar Impulse is driving the next generation of aviation technology”, said Ian Dawkins, CEO of SITA OnAir. “It is a great accolade to SITA OnAir to be involved. This shows that innovations are already filtering through to commercial aviation. It is absolutely clear that nose-to-tail connectivity is a reality.”