Page 19 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2016 Online Magazine

FeatuRe IFE MRO

oPPosite PaGe: In-Flight
Connectivity with high speed
internet and availability of
bandwidth will transform IFE in
aircraft over the coming years
RiGht: IFE upgrades are
complicated as is the retro-
fit of wireless connectivity
systems onboard aircraft
System and SKYFE-T Tablet Based Inflight are fast evolving on short-medium haul in when and what type of in-flight connectivity
Entertainment System respectively. With activity. In parallel, more and more airlines they require to be fitted on their new and existing
the SKYFE-W platform passengers will have are flying longer distances with turboprops. fleets. While new IFE systems are now emerging
access to Google Play and Apple Store and A high-quality on-board IFE becomes a key on an average every three to four years, the
be able to download applications to their own differentiator since it improves passenger life of a typical IFE system once installed
personal electronic devices (tablets, laptops, comfort and impacts positively the flight is anywhere between seven to ten years. A
smart mobile phones) during preflight and duration perception,” says Tom Anderson wrong choice of system could affect customer
access wireless an entertainment system ATR’s Senior Vice President Commercial & acquisition and retention as passengers may
which provides Audio and Video on Demand, Customer Support. choose to fly on another airline and the inability
Flight Map, Electronic Publications, Surveys to keep pace with technological changes may
and other services during the flight. Meant to Challenges again result in giving way to a competitor airline.
be deployed on aircraft which do not have an A major achievement with regards to IFE Upgrading the IFE and connectivity options are
IFE system, the SKYFE-T System provides a for airlines will be the ability to deliver ‘Over also expensive and time consuming efforts that
high resolution tablet, with pre-loaded films, the Top’ content which is streamed into are typically tackled only when the aircraft goes
music, magazines, documentary, surveys etc. in-cabin IFE and Personal Entertainment in for replacement of seats or refurbishment
When used in conjunction with SKYFE-W, Devices (PEDs). Such an approach would of the cabin. SR Technics’s Zurich-based
which will provide wireless connectivity, the free the airline from having to guess what Center of Excellence for Cabin Modifications
SKYFE-T devices can then automatically content its passengers require, and more which offers comprehensive services for cabin
connect to the existing server on the airplane importantly paying license fees for content refurbishment and reconfigurations is well-
and access 1.8 Tbyte of media content its passengers do not consume. While positioned to help airlines upgrade their IFE
while at the same time providing access to the sustained efforts of industry Original systems and according to Jeremy Remacha
maps and flight information (height, speed Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are likely CEO SR Technics, “When it comes to the IFE
exterior temperature etc.). The importance to overcome the technical challenges of upgrades, one of the key challenges is to
of both of the above systems from Havelsan delivering sufficient bandwidth to stream integrate the existing aircraft system with the
and Turkish Technic, can be gauged from the data for thousands of passengers in the new firewall and other system requirements,
fact that they allow for an airline to provide air; regulatory issues related to licensing as well as to increase the level of security to
a seamless IFE experience, regardless and management of content are likely prevent any unauthorized interference.” He
of the airline network, flight length or to take longer to resolve, though not adds, “Wireless technology helps overcome
aircraft type. In particular this applies to impossible. Airlines are also likely to explore many cabling issues, but requires an extensive
regional aviation flights where even though the possibility of offering lower fares to T-PED (Transmitting Portable Electronic
the flight duration is shorter, the trend is passengers, while having them pay for IFE Device) testing to make sure that it is not
going towards providing similar services content on the aircraft, once all challenges affecting flight systems, ensuring a safe flight.
on regional flights. “IFE is clearly moving related to ‘Over the Top’ content is resolved. The IFE upgrades are complex and require
into PEDs and passengers’ expectations Airline operators will also need to factor detailed planning.”
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