• Tech gadget-friendly tray tables facilitate hands-free use of portable electronic devices while freeing up much needed space on conventional aircraft tray tables

East Aurora, NY | April 5, 2016– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and semiconductor industries, today announced its collaboration with AirPac Enterprises (“AirPac”) and CIT Aerospace (“CIT”) in the deployment of SmartTray® tables onboard InterJet, the first commercial passenger Mexican airline to fly with SmartTray® onboard its Airbus 320 aircraft. AirPac is a leading provider of aircraft seating services and a FAA and EASA certified repair station. CIT Aerospace is a global leader in aircraft financing services.

SmartTray® tables feature an integrated, proprietary expandable groove mechanism that automatically expands and retracts to the thickness of Passenger Electronic Devices (PEDs) and smartphones. This configuration allows passengers to use their electronic devices inflight hands- free while freeing up much needed tray table space for other items and providing a significant improvement in comfort and convenience over conventional aircraft tray tables.

Dennis Markert, Director of New Business Development for Astronics, said: “We are delighted to have taken part in this deployment of SmartTray® with AirPac and CIT. Passengers instantly appreciate the simplicity and usefulness of SmartTray® which allows them to multi-task without juggling PEDs, drinks, food, and other personal items, making it a more productive and comfortable inflight experience.”

Mr. Markert added, “The study that we just completed in January of this year shows that more than 90% of travelers prefer SmartTray® over conventional aircraft tray tables. This high level of positive feedback tells us that this product has terrific potential.”

Lisa Rajic, President and Chief Executive Officer of AirPac said, “We’re very excited to collaborate with Astronics in deployment of the SmartTray®. As a leader in aircraft seating services, AirPac appreciates Astronics’ innovative power and entertainment solutions that dovetail nicely with our shared commitment to passenger comfort and an exceptional inflight experience. We both see SmartTray® as a sizable opportunity for us to work together. Airlines routinely replace tray tables, so why not provide a better traveler experience in the process?” added Lisa.

Astronics
Firstly, we want to congratulate the folks at SmartTray (Astronics) for being a Crystal Cabin Award Finalist! Astronics cleverly saw the future of the product and set up an agreement “…to exclusively market, sell, and manufacture SmartTray’s new passenger device-friendly aircraft tray table solutions that facilitate hands-free use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) including smartphones.”

The SmartTray website tells the whole product story… almost. The device is pretty much as advertises: The X1 features a groove/clip in the rear of the tray that is a device stand (iPad etc.) in the rear of the tray table leaving room to work, eat, drink… you got the picture. Version X2 clips the tablet to the tray in the tray upright position and X4 is for First Class. Both Nick Pajic Sr. and Jr. of SmartTray were on hand at the Astronics booth and added a classy presentation capability for all their products.

However, it is the X3 that caught our attention! Here is text from the X3 page:

“SmartTray X3, in development, will transform decades old food tray designs into modern, cutting edge technology tablet device IFE at a fraction of the traditional seat embedded IFE systems costs. SmartTray X3 is economy class solutions for an airline with IFE capability wanting a cost-effective narrow body solution. Works with existing IFE servers. Content preloaded or streamed.”

This says to us, Astronics will be in the seatback, mechanical docking station business for airline owned IFE soon. The next question to ask is if FAA certification of installed tablets (or semi-installed, if you like) on the horizon? While we saw no tablet power solution on the SmartTray, and the company did not discuss this solution, can that be next? After all, Astronics major’s in aircraft passenger seat power. We understand there is a major airline installation deal in the works for this summer that will include trays installed inline and retrofit. You can read more about the Astronics deal with SmartTray here. Here is the real deal: If this all comes about with powered airline tablets, the next question to ask: Is this the future of IFE? (Editor’s Note: If you have a clever and safe solution to running power to the installed device interface plug over the moving tray arms and flopping trays, we bet Astronics might like to hear about it.)

We should also mention the newest member of the EMPOWER family, the Model 1191-4X that provides 110 VAC and 5 Volt USB (2.1A) for three seats. Note the lighted USB power jack above the 110 AC receptacle. The 1191-4X In-Seat Power Supply unit is a “smaller profile” than the USB-only (Model 1325-1 on the left) In-Seat Power Supply.

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KID-Systeme GMBH
You remember Skypower, the inseat power source and perhaps, SKYfi an on-board connectivity platform for passenger and corporate aircraft to provide a wide range of on-board communication options, media applications and services. SKYfi can be installed on virtually every aircraft type and architecture. The lean system has certified hardware and uses different communication interfaces, making it very flexible… and attractive. We should also note, ‘SKYfi club’ is installed on Cebu Pacific Air, the largest airline n the Philippines.

At AIX, KID-Systeme also had their usual in-cabin connectivity solutions but what got our attention was their inseat display solutions shown. KID has been working with Lufthansa Tecknik for a Qantas installation using an iPad-based IFE solution.

While in the KID booth we were quite impressed with the in-seat concepts that the team has been working on and thought you might like to check them out if you did not get into to their exhibit at AIX. Their universal tablet holder solutions were really quite interesting and we note that they was an embedded IFE, noting that it is a concept study and a final product would not be a KID brand. In other words, KID would team with another vendor for the solution.

First, check out the tablet holder mechanism that resides behind the fold down tray.

Now, check out the tray tablet holder. Note that you can see the tablet holder mentioned in the previous shot. The spring loaded black clip is designed to provide a positive downward force holding the tablet in place.

This image is the protected insert device power source. Note: the area under the socket could contain available power information on a tag.

Here is an image of their simplest add-on device holder, probably for a small tablet or phone.

The seatback installation  is an adjustable seatback display design and this image shows use of a clear sliding screen designed to hold a tablet, when the LCD display is recessed back in the seatback permitting the support of a personal device and meeting FAA HIC requirements.

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We also wanted to mention that the folks from BAE Systems announced their launch customer at AIX for their Intellicabin IFE solution with India’s Vistara Airlines. With 3 aircraft now installed (6 Biz seats, 36 Economy Plus, and 96 economy), they have a total of 20 A320 installations ordered. The system uses one server, 3 Kontron WAP’s and we are told that some 50 passengers are covered per server. Here is an image of the system on display at AIX.

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PDT + Telefonix did a great job of trend prediction and observation at AIX. Be sure to check out their new ad in this issue of IFExpress to see the report!

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Here is a note we just got in from the folks at Zodiac Inflight Innovations and you might want to check the presentation: “We are very excited to be a part of the Global Connected Aircraft Summit again this year! Our VP of Business Development Connectivity, Dr. Axel Jahn is speaking on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 2:20pm. He will be speaking on the topic of Cyber-Security and How a Connected Aircraft can Manage this threat. Click Here to view the entire agenda!”

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You might want to read this bit of analysis about the US Congress and flying…

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Gogo secured an FAA STC to install new 2Ku antenna on its 737-500 flying lab for testing; it expects the second STC by end 2015 to launch commercial service.

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Sadly, we note the passing of Arthur Jamieson, who is remembered from his early days at British Caledonian to the founding of the InFlight Entertainment Co. Services at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, Hartfield, East Sussex, TN7 4AG, on Friday 12th June, at 11.00 a.m. Followed by a wake, to be held at: The Gallipot Inn Upper Hartfield.

Editor’s Note: A recent VT Miltope news release caught our eye and we wanted to set up this story for our readers with a bit of Cognitive Hot Spot background information, but then we saw this Innovation announcement in an Inflight’s e-message: “Inflight is pleased to award VT Miltope as the winner of the ‘Innovation in commercial airline cabins’ category,” said Mark Howells. “The company is a worthy winner with the development of its Cognitive Hotspot Technology which aims to provide airlines with a solution in facing the challenges of seamless connectivity in-flight.” It sort of says it all from a bottom line perspective!

However, to get a better idea of the company’s technology and its benefits, let’s start with their latest nMAP2 announcement. “VT Miltope has started delivering an IEEE 802.11ac Multifunction Access Point (nMAP2) as its latest wireless product. Building upon the success of VT Miltope’s wireless access point products, nMAP2 features Cognitive Hotspot Technology (CHT), an integrated MIMO antenna assembly and a second radio to support legacy 802.11n client devices.”

Because of the advances that nMAP2 with CHT offers over other wireless access points (AP), we wanted to point out it in this pre-AIX issue so our readers check it out at the EXPO. Further, we wanted to relate what it is and what it does, as well as, how airlines and airline passengers will benefit from CHT. VT Miltope has the only wireless access point with this feature and, according to Mr. Guidetti, “We are very proud of our accomplishment and what it will do for cabin connectivity performance – it’s the latest advancement in wireless!”

There is a lot more in the above sentences than meets the eye… let’s look at a couple the concepts, one at a time:

nMAP2

VT Miltope’s newest Aircraft Wireless Router with CHT built-in.

802.11n

VT Miltope expects passengers to be bringing legacy 802.11g & n passenger devices onto airplanes for many years.  This will be similar to today, with passengers bringing 802.11g devices even though 802.11n has been available for 5+ years.  Given the added complexity and higher power requirements of 802.11ac, it may be that some passenger devices never migrate to 802.11ac. That’s why they have a second radio to support 802.11a/g/n.

802.11ac

The other radio in the access point operates in the 5 GHz band and will deliver data rates in the gigabit range. The good news about that is that there’s far more room in that frequency spread than there is in the over-used 2.4 GHz.

Benefits: The most significant improvements are more data spatial streams, 80MHz channel width operation, and data aggregation scheme that should increase data efficiency.

At the raw bit level, 802.11ac will support data rates of at least 1 Gbps on three streams using a combination of wider bandwidth channels and high-density modulation. Where 802.11n could run on 20 MHz or 40 MHz channels, 802.11ac can be deployed on 20-, 40-, and 80-MHz channels. Bigger channels translate into more potential bits per second. To pack more bits into the available radio spectrum, 802.11ac also uses a coding system that delivers up to 33% more efficiency.

Benefits: It is here today; faster, more efficient data, and more channels will also benefit the users. This means a network can support simultaneously streaming multiple HD-quality videos to multiple devices. And, we understand, VT Miltope has begun delivering this new product.

GigaBit Ethernet

nMAP2 has a built in Ethernet switch providing multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect to the IFEC network server and for daisy chaining other nMAP2s to minimize cable installation to reduce weight and costs. VT Miltope completed nMAP2 qualification testing with all three Ethernet ports running during qualification testing.

Benefits: The improved 802.11ac data rates necessitate faster Ethernet capabilities with the wireless access point otherwise the wired interface becomes the bottleneck. nMAP2 has three Gigabit Ethernet ports, one for connecting to the IFEC network server, one to daisy chain to another nMAP2, and a third for connecting other IFEC systems or equipment such as Satcom. nMAP2’s preserve the Ethernet connection to the network and other nMAP2’s in the event there is a daisy chained nMAP2 failure because the Ethernet switch remains operational. Furthermore, to add redundancy the last nMAP2 may be looped back into the network so the last nMAP2 in the chain remains connected to the network even if an nMAP2 in the middle of the daisy chain fails. In the unlikely event that an nMAP2 wireless connection is interrupted; CHT senses the wireless interruption and reconnects those clients to the other operational nMAP2 or from a non-operational nMAP2 radio to the second radio. This improves the overall availability of the wireless network on the aircraft to meet the performance expectations of the passengers and crew. This is a reliability game-changer.

MIMO

Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output, or MIMO is the use of multiple antennas on both the transmitter and receiver to improve connectivity performance. Multiple antennas are used to perform smart antenna functions such as distributing the total transmit power over the antennas to achieve an array gain that improves the spectral efficiency (more bits per second per hertz of bandwidth), beam directivity and/or achieving a diverse gain that reduces fading and improves link reliability.

Benefits: Basically this is an antenna designed for aircraft cabin environments to improve connectivity performance at each seat with more seats served resulting in more happy users onboard!

Now, back to the news release:

“Cognitive Hotspot Technology (CHT), available exclusively with nMAP2, is state-of-the-art wireless management technology tailored specifically to improve wireless performance in congested aircraft cabins… With CHT, nMAP2’s provide proactive cabin network management to optimize the total network capacity, thus supporting a substantially better passenger experience. CHT features various dynamically and automatically adapting modules such as intelligent roaming, wireless power control, channel assignment, load balancing, and interference minimization. These modules are customized according to each airline’s service and content delivery requirements and priorities.”

Cognitive Hotspot Technology

CHT is software embedded on VT Miltope Wireless Access Point that converts them into Smart Access Points. Smart APs are collaborative. They talk to one another and act together as a team to optimize the network capacity. Smart APs take their environment into account, continuously sensing it to adapt in real-time and deliver the best signal for each receiver (PED). Information is shared among the Smart APs to create aircraft network awareness and manage the available resources jointly. CHT helps to prevent interferences and network congestion, sets measures to guarantee network-wide Quality of Signal (QoS), enables seamless roaming and balanced networks, and improves overall network capacity. In other words, CHT delivers the best signal to each user, in each seat.

Benefit: The benefit is to your passengers. The Wi-Fi signal they receive on their personal electronic devices is higher in signal strength and faster in data rate. This means a more consistent wireless signal for better audio, better video, and a much better user experience.

Access Controller

Access Controller mode adds DHCP server capabilities with routing, traffic control, and prioritization for different user VLANS or traffic to nMAP2 operation.

Benefit: Basically, access controller is a mode of operation that allows for the creation of a wireless local area network on the aircraft. An nMAP2 operating as an access controller in conjunction with other nMAP2s operating as access points establish the wireless local network and provides intelligent data forwarding to maintain the security of the network. Access controller can take advantage of an external RADIUS server to store user accounts that can be locally defined. The access controller establishes links with the access points wirelessly.

And finally here is the ‘plane’ benefit to your airline and your passengers, also from the news release:

“Pioneering the introduction of wireless access point technology to aircraft cabins since 2001, VT Miltope has a proven history for delivering highly reliable wireless products. Improving on our current nMAP, nMAP2 incorporates the latest in wireless security, is more compact, weighs less further enhances reliability, and reduces overall ship set costs.”

The company continues to bring about innovation in their product line… that is what this business is all about. For example, the nMAP2 weighs less, is more compact, and improves reliability more than earlier products. Up to 64 VLANs (IEEE 802.1q) are available to support separate user networks.  Customized network and user group profiles are possible using 16 concurrent VSC (Virtual Service Community), each having configurable SSIDs, QoS, security, and filtering.”

In closing, we want to let you know that there will be more VT Miltope news coming during and after AIX, Mr. Guidetti told IFExpress, and the best advice we have for our readers is to Stay Tuned!

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Astronics AES, known for bringing power to passengers and airline personnel,  announced its agreement with SmartTray International, LLC.  Astronics AES will exclusively market, sell and manufacture SmartTray’s new passenger device-friendly aircraft tray table solutions that facilitate hands-free use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) and smartphones for an improved passenger experience. This is a brilliant product diversification. Stay Tuned for what’s next! (Editor’s Note: Check out their website here TheSmartTray.com  for an idea of how this simple and useful product works!)

East Aurora, NY | April 7, 2015– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with SmartTray International, LLC to exclusively market, sell, and manufacture SmartTray’s new passenger device-friendly aircraft tray table solutions that facilitate hands-free use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) including smartphones. The tray tables offer air travelers superior ergonomics, better space management, and improved comfort and convenience over conventional tray tables.

“SmartTray’s solutions are best-in-class and represent a strong opportunity for Astronics as they are complementary to our leading EMPOWER® aircraft in-seat power systems,” said Pete Gundermann, CEO of Astronics. “With our existing industry relationships, proven track record of customer support, and portfolio of over 190 airline customers, Astronics is perfectly positioned to enhance the passenger experience by combining PED power and the convenience of an ergonomic tray table to manage passenger carry-on devices. Under this exclusive agreement, Astronics will deliver SmartTray’s patented solutions to airlines and seat manufacturers globally, and airline passengers will enjoy the power and convenience they desire,” added Mr. Gundermann.

“We could not be more proud to partner with Astronics,” said Nick Pajic, CEO and Founder of SmartTray International. “With millions of air travelers using their mobile phones and electronic tablet devices on airplanes for work and entertainment, airline operators are in need of simple, practical, and cost effective solutions that make using and stowing PEDs inflight more convenient and easier. SmartTray products do exactly that,” added Mr. Pajic.

• IFE Services and SmartTray announce strategic partnership for a winning combination in in-flight entertainment.

Knutsford, Cheshire, UK | August 30, 2013– Leading in-flight entertainment provider, IFE Services, announced today a strategic partnership with SmartTray International LLC.

“We’re very pleased and excited to include SmartTray in our portfolio of solutions for our customers,” said Andy McEwan, CEO of IFE Services. “SmartTray aligns perfectly with our focus to enhance the delivery of our world class in-flight entertainment.”

“The combined offerings by IFE Services, a very strong global content provider and leading innovator in the world of in-flight entertainment and SmartTray’s revolutionary IFE platforms, make for a winning combination,” said Nick Pajic, Founder & CEO of SmartTray International LLC.

IFE Services works with a broad client-base worldwide topping 50 airlines and cruise ship operators. The company’s headquarters are in Cheshire, UK with regional offices located in Madrid, Singapore, Santiago, Sao Paulo, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Oberhausen, Johannesburg and Irvine, California.

Earlier this month, SmartTray X2 was nominated by APEX for the Avion Award for Best Achievement in Technology. The 2013 winner will be announced at the upcoming APEX/IFSA 2013 EXPO on 9th September 2013, in Anaheim, California.

SmartTray proprietary platforms, SmartTray X1, X2 and X3, make using portable electronic devices in-flight easier, help protect fragile devices from falling and breaking in-flight, greatly enhance the traveler experience and make the cabin safer for passengers and in-flight crews.

• The winners will be honored at the APEX Awards Ceremony September 9, 2013, in Anaheim, California

Phoenix, Arizona | August 19, 2013/PRWeb/– SmartTray International, LLC announced today that its SmartTray X2™ proprietary IFE platform for holding tablet devices inside airplane tray tables has been selected as one of only four finalists by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for the Avion Award for Best Achievement in Technology.

“Literally hundreds of firms, big and small, compete in the IFE space,” said Nick Pajic, Founder & CEO of SmartTray International. We are very pleased and proud to see the X2 recognized as one of the leading solutions for making IFE a better experience for passengers and a more cost effective solution for airlines,” added Pajic.

The APEX Avion Awards and the related Passenger Choice Awards recognize industry innovation and contributions to the inflight entertainment (IFE) industry. Awards are presented annually by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The 2013 winner in each category will be announced on September 9, 2013, at the APEX/IFSA EXPO during the 2013 Awards Ceremony in Anaheim, California.

The explosive growth of personal electronic devices (PEDs) on airplanes has been influenced by introduction of onboard internet connection at 35,000 feet. By 2016, industry experts are forecasting over 760 million electronic tablet devices will be in circulation. Combined with e-readers and smartphones, that means that almost everyone flying will bring onboard at least one of these gadgets. The problem all airline carriers are facing today is that the airplane cabin was not designed for these devices.

“Of course, we are flattered to be nominated as a finalist for this prestigious Avion Award for Best Achievement in Technology,” said Pajic. We are even more proud to bring a simple and affordable solution to all airlines that makes using these devices onboard safer for travelers and inflight crew and that can be installed literally overnight,” added Pajic.

The SmartTray X2™ features a unique ‘tray-in-a-tray” design which safely holds passenger-owned personal electronic devices (PEDs), makes the cabin safer for travelers and inflight crew, and makes using these devices easy when the tray tables are in the upright, or down positions. For more information including product video demonstrations, please visit http://www.thesmarttray.com.

SmartTray International will showcase its SmartTray X1™ and SmartTray X2™ tablet device IFE platforms at APEX/IFSA 2013 EXPO, September 9-12, 2013, in Anaheim, California, exhibit Hall C, Booth 1644.