FTS announces landmark agreement with Donghai Airlines to provide Next Generation Inflight Broadband Service fleet-wide that will be first in China to integrate both cockpit and passenger cabin applications

Boston, USA | September 24, 2018– FTS announces at the APEX EXPO Boston 2018 that it has signed a landmark agreement to equip Donghai Airlines fleet with its XStream-SAT Next Generation Inflight Broadband system.  The agreement is significant as it will be first fully “Connected Aircraft” implementation in China to integrate both cockpit and passenger cabin applications over Inflight broadband connectivity service.

Donghai Airlines is a private airline headquartered in Shenzhen China that started commercial flights in 2006.  It flies to over 41 destinations and operates the youngest fleet in China, comprising 18 B737-800 averaging less than 2.5 years in age.  Mr. Yang Jianhong, CEO of Donghai Airlines said, “Our vision of “Connected Aircraft” is not merely just Wi-Fi streaming IFE.  With full integration of front and back cabin applications over inflight broadband, we aspire to offer unparalleled passenger experience, improve air travel safety, efficiency and quality.”

Rich Salter, Chief Technology Officer of FTS added, “The seamless integration of the aircraft data network with the airline’s IT infrastructure enables the aircraft to become more intelligent and data-centric.  Airlines can provide precise support to flights through analysis of real time data transmitted via the air-ground broadband network.  By remote monitoring of flight systems’ performance and leveraging AI deep learning, airlines can even preemptively predict defects, recommend preventive measures and thereby greatly improve flight reliability.”

Under the agreement, Donghai Airlines fleet will be installed with FTS XStream-SAT Inflight Broadband Connectivity system, featuring a Ka-band satcom sub-system and highspeed cabin wireless network.  Apart from front cabin applications, passengers can expect to browse the internet, interact on social networks, watch live TV and shop on e-commerce sites using their own mobile devices.

FTS High Speed Inflight Broadband Connectivity solution set to transform air travel in China

Boston, USA | September 24, 2018– With the CAAC (Civil Aviation Authority of China) relaxation of regulations early this year to allow passengers to use smartphones during flights, the China market has been buzzing with activities in a rush to provide Inflight Connectivity.  FTS announced at the APEX Expo 2018 in Boston, USA, that it is partnering with Qingdao Airlines in China to equip its entire fleet of A320 aircraft with the FTS XStream-SAT Broadband Connectivity system.

Qingdao Airlines is a fast expanding private airline in China, currently operating a fleet of 14 A320s and serving a route network of over 20 domestic destinations.  With its commitment to “Passenger First”, the airline has been outperforming the market and plans to expand to over 100 aircraft by 2025. “Even before the lifting of the ban on passengers using their smartphone, we had been actively looking for a solution that meets our needs. The timing is right now that the smartphone ban was lifted, ChinaSat launched its Ka-band satellites CS-16 and FTS is here with its XStream-SAT system to complete the puzzle“, said the spokesperson for Qingdao Airlines.

“We are extremely honored and delighted to be working with Qingdao Airlines on this groundbreaking agreement to equip their fleet with our XStream-SAT Broadband Connectivity solution.  In the end what won them over is that we are not just offering hardware, but a total solution including a business management platform that helps minimize cost, improve operational efficiency and maximize ancillary revenue.  FTS can offer local support, integration services and market know-how that differentiates us from other providers,” added Mr. Duan Shiping, President of the FTS group.