Message: June 5, 2006: Mezzo Movies Ltd and e.Digital Corp announce IFE partnership to of
JetStar will offer digEcor’s digEplayerXT™ on its new international fleet of Airbus 330-200 aircraft
beginning in November and on its existing A320 fleet in 2007.
AIRLINE INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY - MAJOR NEWS TIMELINE
(Jan. – Nov. 2006)
January 2006
Connexion Lowers Prices, Expands Real-Time TV
Connexion by Boeing announced new pricing and service enhancements for its inflight real-time high-
speed connectivity service.
e.Digital Unveils New Portable IFE Device
e.Digital Corporation in December unveiled its new portable entertainment device, eVU™.
LAN Chooses Thales AVOD
LAN Airlines will install the Thales i-4000 AVOD system cabinwide in its new Premium Business and
upgraded economy class service. The service will be introduced in March on the airline’s Boeing 767-300
fleet.
SIA Intros Real-Time News
Singapore Airlines last month introduced Live Text News provided free in all classes of service via its
Krisworld IFE system.
Mexicana Chooses Stellarinteract For Portable Player Content
Mexicana Airlines selected StellarInteract as its content partner for its launch of Panasonic Avionics
Corporation’s eXpress portable media player set for first quarter 2006.
ANA Offers Pax Free Broadband To Celebrate Anniversary
All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd (ANA) during 1-7 March will offer passengers free inflight broadband
connectivity via its Connexion by Boeing-based ANA@AIR service to celebrate the airline’s 20
th
anniversary of international service.
CES Showcases Portable Devices
The 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (5-8 January in Las Vegas, Nevada) showcased some of the latest
developments in portable entertainment devices, many of which passengers will carry onto aircraft in the
very near future.
February 2006
FCC Sets Air-To-Ground Spectrum Auction Date
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on 10 May will auction four MHz of spectrum in the
800 MHz band currently dedicated to commercial air-to-ground (ATG) service over the US.
JAL & Lufthansa Offer Real-Time TV Via Connexion
Japan Air Lines (JAL) and Lufthansa German Airlines on 23 January began offering four channels of real-
time television to passengers on aircraft equipped with the Connexion by Boeing inflight high-speed
connectivity service.
Phitek Unveils New Noise-Canceling Products
Phitek Systems in January unveiled what it calls the world’s first feedback-based in-ear advanced noise
rejection (ANR™) solution.
Korean Air Is CBB’s First Authorized Retrofit Center
Korean Air and Connexion by Boeing have signed a three-year contract making the airline the first
authorized modification center for the retrofit installation of Connexion’s high-speed inflight service
onboard aircraft.
Boeing Displays 777 With Thales IFE
Boeing is displaying the interior of the B777-200LR aircraft equipped with the Thales TopSeries AVOD
system in a Seattle showroom.
Spafax Acquires DMX Inflight
Spafax Airline Network has acquired DMX Inflight, the IFE division of DMX Music, strengthening
Spafax’s audio capabilities and gaining a strong presence in the US airline market.
Air China Selects CBB for Aircraft Retrofit
Air China will install Connexion by Boeing’s high-speed connectivity service on up to 15 Boeing 747-400
and other long-haul aircraft.
BA Upgrades To Rockwell AVOD
British Airways will upgrade the Rockwell Collins TES™ (Total Entertainment System) IFE system
installed on 96 Boeing aircraft to provide AVOD and audio jukebox capability and facilitate the delivery of
daily news.
Etihad Unveils B777-300ER with AVOD & Connexion
Etihad Airways on 2 February unveiled its first Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) aircraft equipped
cabinwide with the Thales TopSeries i-4000 AVOD system and Connexion by Boeing’s high-speed inflight
connectivity services.
Rockwell To Focus on Narrow-Body IFE
Rockwell Collins has decided not to develop traditional IFE systems for aircraft such as the Airbus 380 and
Boeing 787, but will focus on improving and delivering current IFE systems such as PAVES, TES/dTES
and eTES. Rockwell Collins is continuing to promote digital upgrades across its IFE fleet. dTES offers
current TES customers enhanced AVOD, as well as a suite of enhanced functionality such as Audio
Jukebox, and faster content downloads to the seats, stated Tom Martino, Product Manager for TES and
dTES.
Panasonic AVOD, OnAir Connectivity get High Marks from Iberia Pax
Iberia said its IFE and communications system is a major element in the success of the airline’s new
Business Plus class and a nearly 20% increase in business-class travelers.
TriaGnoSys & 3Way Networks Develop Solution for 3G Phones
TriaGnoSys, a satellite communications specialist, and 3Way Networks, a UMTS (Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System) equipment specialist, have joined forces to produce a next -generation
solution that would facilitate high-bandwidth data and voice communication using 3G-UMTS-enabled cell-
phones, laptop computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) inflight.
Gulf Air Commits to IFE Upgrade
Gulf Air this month committed a significant investment in product upgrades and refurbishment of current
aircraft, new aircraft, and various areas of business as part of a new three-year strategy branded “Smart
Airline, Successful Business.”
March 2006
Paramount Purchase of DreamWorks Complete
Paramount Pictures' purchase of DreamWorks SKG has been completed, with Joan Filippini now heading
the new Worldwide Non-Theatrical division and Mark Horton continuing as Vice President.
STELLARINTERACT Decides Against Merger
Stellar Inflight and Interact will not proceed to the next stage of integrating the two companies into a
formal and financial partnership, Rob Lynch, Executive Chairman of the Stellar Group, and John
Bruckman, CEO of Interact, announced on 27 February.
Cathay Pacific Expands IFE Offerings By Almost 50%
Cathay Pacific Airways in February expanded its on-demand IFE offerings in first and business class by
almost 50%.
ANZ Pax Embrace IFE Upgrade
Air New Zealand’s new long-haul in-flight experience, featuring on-demand IFE, new seating, and new
cabin interiors, has increased customer satisfaction according to a recent survey conducted by the airline.
El Al Offers Real-Time TV Via Connexion
El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. now offers four channels of real-time television to passengers on aircraft equipped
with the Connexion by Boeing inflight wireless high-speed connectivity service, branded El Al FLYWEB.
Lufthansa Upgrades IFE on Business Class-Only Aircraft
Lufthansa German Airlines offers passengers Pioneer personal DVD players and a selection of five feature
films and two music DVDs on its business-class only aircraft.
BMED Offers Thales AVOD on Single-Aisle Aircraft
Thales and UK-based BMED (British Mediterranean Airways Ltd.) have expanded their agreement to
provide full AVOD capability in business class on seven Airbus 320 and A321 single -aisle aircraft via the
Thales TopSeries system.
Royal Jordanian Offers CNN Programming
Royal Jordanian Airlines will offer a range of CNN news and feature programs in its AVOD offerings via
the Thales TopSeries system installed on its new Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft. The new aircraft will enter
service within the year.
JAL To Install CMC SatLite Antenna
Japan Airlines International will install CMC Electronics’ new SatLite compact satellite communications
antenna system on its new long-range Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Lumexis Kicks-Off Worldwide Demo Tour
Lumexis Corporation has begun a worldwide demonstration tour of its new FTTS™ (Fiber-To-The-Seat)
IFE system, which provides AVOD capability cabinwide without electronic boxes under the seat or within
the cabin.
Carnegie Mellon Research Finds Inflight Cell Phone Risk
Cell-phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs) can pose dangers to the normal operation of
critical electronics on airplanes according to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, USA) researchers. The study was conducted in September-November 2003 and published in
the March issue of IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers) Spectrum magazine.
UAL Airs XM Inflight
United Airlines (UAL) on 1 March began offering up to 19 channels of XM Satellite Radio© audio IFE on
all UAL and Ted flights, replacing audio programming previously provided by Disc Marketing.
ANA To Intro Audio-Enhancing Technology
All Nippon Airways in April will introduce sound-enhancement technology that works with any headphone
and lets passengers hear a wider range of sounds with more lows and highs, producing a sound that is more
natural and closer to the original sound.
TAROM Romanian Airlines Selects Rockwell Collins IFE, Avionics
TAROM Romanian Airlines, the national flag carrier of Romania, will install Rockwell Collins’
Programmable Audio Video Entertainment Systems (PAVES®) and Airshow 4200 moving map
information system on four new Airbus 318 aircraft on order. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin in
November 2006.
Connexion Expands Coverage to Pacific
Connexion by Boeing now offers coverage over the Pacific Ocean and select land masses in the Pacific
Rim using New Jersey-based SES AMERICOM’s AMC-23 satellite.
AeroMobile Joins GSM Association
AeroMobile, a joint venture between ARINC and Telenor, has been granted membership in the GSM
(Global System for Mobile) Association.
CO Launches Cross-Platform IFE Series
Continental Airlines in January began a monthly cross-platform IFE series, “Global Trends in Travel,” that
includes inflight video, audio, print, on-line, and sweepstakes elements to showcase a variety of
Continental Airlines’ global destinations.
AA Schedules First Flight to China With Chinese IFE
American Airlines on 2 April is launching its first flight to China, with daily non-stop service between
Chicago and Shanghai.
April 2006
DOT Rule Would Mandate Captioning In IFE
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) on 23 February issued a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) to make all audio and video presentations onboard aircraft, including IFE, accessible to
passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
SIA Stays Connected To Australia
Singapore Airlines now offers broadband connectivity via the Connexion by Boeing system to passengers
flying to and from Sydney, Australia, marking the introduction of Connexion’s service in the South West
Pacific region.
Oxford Media Signs LOI to Acquire IMS
Hotel pay-per-view provider Oxford Media, Inc. will purchase Innovative Media Solutions, Inc. (IMS
Consultants and IMS Inflight-manufacturer of the PEA portable IFE system), according to a letter of intent
signed in March.
Advanced Medien Completes Purchase of IFP
German distributor and licenser Advanced Medien on 20 March completed the purchase of Inflight
Productions (IFP) for an estimated £8.7 million. The deal began in October 2005.
Video Gamers Compete Inflight Via Connexion
Twenty-four of Europe’s best video game players on 22 March held real-time wireless online exhibition
matches inflight onboard a Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) plane via Connexion by Boeing’s (CBB’s) satellite
connectivity system.
Survey Says: Pax Would Pay for IFE Choice
Forty percent of US travelers would be willing to pay more for their choice of IFE, according to a recently-
released survey of 1,001 adult leisure travelers in the US.
AirCell, Verizon, LiveTV Among Bidders in FCC ATG Spectrum Auction
AirCell, Verizon Airfone and LiveTV LLC are among the 12 potential bidders in the US Federal
Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) 10 May auction of four MHz of spectrum in the 800 MHz band
dedicated to commercial air-to-ground (ATG) service. This spectrum allows broadband and other
communications services onboard aircraft.
Panasonic Launches Inflight Broadband Service
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is launching a new antenna system, which will enable global broadband
data and digital voice services inflight via Panasonic’s IFE systems.
AeroMobile Mobile Phone Option on Boeing Aircraft
AeroMobile (a joint venture of ARINC, Inc. and Telenor ASA) has signed a Technical Services Agreement
with Boeing that allows AeroMobile’s inflight mobile phone solution to be an airline-specified ‘line-fit’
option for all current Boeing aircraft.
Air France To Fly First Aircraft with OnAir Line-Fit
Air France will take delivery in early 2007 of the first Airbus aircraft, an A318, with the OnAir GSM
(global system for mobile) inflight mobile phone connectivity solution line-fit.
AA Selects New “Dockable” IMS Portable for B767s
American Airlines has selected IMS Inflight’s portable entertainment device, which can be docked in the
seatback or removed and used as a handheld or tray table device, stated Mary McKee, Managing Director
of Inflight Products for AA.
WAEA Responds to DOT Proposed Rules On IFE Captioning
The WAEA has drafted a potential formal written response to the US Department of Transportation’s
(DOT’s) 23 February notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to make all audio and video presentations
onboard aircraft, including IFE, accessible to passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Etihad IFE Offers Pax Plug-and-Play Connection
Etihad Airways has expanded its IFE offerings on its new Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus 330-200 aircraft,
equipped with the Thales TopSeries i-4000 AVOD system.
Astronics Offers USB Power for PEDs
Astronics (Advanced Electronics Systems) in April introduced a USB in-seat power charger providing a 5V
power source for passengers to re-charge batteries in their personal electronic devices, including personal
digital assistants, iPods, Sony PSP game units, Bluetooth headsets, and mobile phones brought onboard.
IMS to Offer ARCHOS Portable AVOD Device
IMS Inflight has teamed with global consumer electronics manufacturer ARCHOS to offer the ARCHOS
AV 700 personal media player (PMP) and expected follow-on products to the IFE market.
digEcor Launches Next-Gen Player With Gambling
digEcor will offer eFlyte games and FlyteBet gambling software on its newly -released digEplayer XT
portable IFE player.
Connexion Survey Shows Connectivity a “Must Have” For Passengers
Global air travelers (85% who typically travel for business reasons) prefer airlines that offer inflight
Internet connectivity and will adjust their travel plans and choose an airline based on this capability,
according to a Connexion by Boeing survey released 29 March.
May 2006
WAEA Fine-Tunes Response to DOT Captioning Rules;
Comment Deadline Extended
The WAEA has fine-tuned a potential written response to the US Department of Transportation ‘s (DOT’s)
23 February notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to make all audio and video presentations onboard
aircraft, including IFE, accessible to passengers who are hard of hearing.
Radio Talk-Show Broadcasts Live Inflight Via Connexion
Travel Journalist Peter Greenberg, on 22 April, broadcast his weekly radio talk show from a Lufthansa
flight via Connexion by Boeing’s (CBB’s) real-time connectivity service and Comrex Access codec.
JAL Pax Get Real-Time Japanese News Via Connexion
Japan Airlines passengers using the JALinflight connectivity service provided by Connexion by Boeing
can now access “JIJI Web World,” a Japanese-language news and information website provided by the
Tokyo-based news-gathering agency Jiji Press.
Virgin Launches First Middle East Route with AVOD
Virgin Atlantic Airways on 28 March launched its first service to the Middle East with a flight to Dubai,
featuring two films in Hindi or Arabic in addition to its regular IFE offerings. The films are available via
the V:Port AVOD system installed cabinwide.
Emirates Scores FIFA Partnership
Emirates has signed a US$195 million partnership deal with FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football
Association), which gives the airline the exclusive right to broadcast matches of the 2010 and 2014 FIFA
World Cups on its IFE systems.
Virgin Screens Short Films;
Will Launch Film Competition
Virgin Atlantic Airways in its IFE will showcase some of the best films produced by graduates of the
National Film and Television School (NFTS), starting with the Oscar-nominated short film Badgered
screening June-August 2006. The short films will be inserted around TV programming.
FCC Spectrum Auction Underway
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on 10 May began its auction of four MHz of
spectrum in the 800 MHz band dedicated to commercial air-to-ground (ATG) service. This spectrum allows
broadband and other communications services onboard aircraft.
UK Telecom Authority Studies Inflight Cell Phone Use
British telecommunications regulator Ofcom in April issued a discussion paper on the inflight use of cell-
phones, outlining issues that must be addressed and inviting comments from stakeholders and other
interested parties by 23 June 2006.
Virgin America Names Panasonic Lead Hardware Supplier
Virgin America, which plans to launch domestic US service later this year, has announced its core IFE
development team, with Panasonic Avionics Corporation named as lead IFE hardware supplier.
DAL Begins Swan Song
Delta Air Lines has begun integrating its low-fare carrier Song into the mainline domestic system, creating
a new long-haul product that will launch this fall, featuring Song’s IFE offerings.
Lufthansa Expands AVOD Selection
Lufthansa German Airlines on 1 May expanded offerings on Lufthansa Media World in first and business
classes via the Rockwell Collins eTES™ (Extended Total Entertainment System) IFE platform, according
to Michael Manstein- Spanbloechl, Manager IFE.
Airbus Completes Ground Test With Pax/IFE
Airbus this month completed a five-hour on-the-ground test in a fully-equipped A380 aircraft, using 474
passengers and 20 crew members.
AA Pax Use Credit Cards for Inflight Purchases
American Airlines on 1 May began accepting credit and debit cards using wireless handheld devices for
onboard purchases.
ANZ Lets Pax Use Portable Devices in Flight Mode
Air New Zealand now lets passengers use their mobile phones and portable electronic devices onboard in
“flight mode” to perform non-transmitting functions such as composing e-mail and text messages, taking
pictures, playing games, and editing documents. The new policy follows an exemption by the New Zealand
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Lufthansa Technik Router Offerable on A380
Lufthansa Technik’s Mobile Access Router (MAR), a fully-integrated office solution, is now available as a
standard option on the Airbus 380 aircraft.
AA Intros “Scene It?” Film/TV Trivia Games
American Airlines in conjunction with Screenlife (creator of Scene It?® DVD game) in April introduced a
variety of games onboard domestic and international flights equipped with IFE systems.
June 2006
AirCell Leads as FCC Spectrum Auction Nears End
AirCell (bidding under the auspices of AC BidCo LLC) on 29 May appeared to be the winner of three of
the four MHz being auctioned by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the 800 MHz
band. This band is dedicated to commercial air-to-ground (ATG) broadband communication service.
Survey Says Connexion Popular With Lufthansa Pax
Ninety-four percent of German users of the Connexion by Boeing (CBB) real-time inflight connectivity
service onboard Lufthansa German Airlines would use the service on future flights and would recommend
the service, according to a survey conducted July-December 2005 by Burke Research for Connexion.
digEcor XT Set for Summer Release
digEcor on 17 May announced that Wolf Electronix, a Utah-based company specializing in electronic
circuit board assembly, will manufacture the circuit board for the digEplayer XT, set for release this
summer.
Cathay Named Airline of the Year & Inflight Retailer
Cathay Pacific Airways on 18 May was named Airline of the Year 2006 by OAG, global travel and
transport information company. The awards are based on a poll of business travelers worldwide. Cathay
Pacific Airways in May also was named “Best Inflight Travel Retailer in Asia Pacific” by travel retail
publisher Raven Fox.
JAL Supports Football Team in Video IFE
Japan Airlines (JAL) in May aired “Samurai Blue 2006,” a video featuring the Japanese national football
team, including player profiles, an interview with the team’s manager (soccer legend Zico), and highlights
from recent matches.
AirCell/LiveTV Win ATG Communication Spectrum
AirCell (bidding under the auspices of AC BidCo LLC) was the highest bidder for three of the four MHz in
the 800 MHz band being auctioned by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with LiveTV
LLC (wholly-owned by JetBlue Airways) winning the remaining one MHz. This band is dedicated to
commercial air-to-ground (ATG) broadband communication service.
LiveTV First Install In Europe
LiveTV LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation, will provide in-seat IFE systems
for Italian carrier Air One’s 30 new Airbus 320 aircraft. Installation of the system is scheduled for the
fourth quarter 2006.
Air China Chooses Thales
Thales’ TopSeries IFE system soon will enter revenue service on the first of Air China’s 20 new Airbus
A330-200 aircraft. A second and third aircraft will enter revenue service in June and July with installations
continuing through October 2008.
Emirates Scores With World Cup
Emirates is broadcasting onboard aircraft all 64 matches of the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament and
providing live inflight updates of each match as it is being played.
Vietnam OKs Connexion
The Vietnamese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications will allow Connexion by Boeing (CBB) to
provide its inflight Internet access service on foreign carriers flying to Vietnam.
e.Digital and Mezzo Movies Partner to Offer eVU™
e.Digital Corporation and Mezzo Movies are partnering to make e.Digital’s proprietary eVU™ personal
media player available to airlines, with emphasis on short-haul and low cost carriers.
July 2006
Boeing Responds to Speculation on Connexion Sale
In response to published news accounts that it is considering selling high-speed inflight connectivity
provider Connexion by Boeing, the Boeing Co. said: “We are evaluating the long-term business model for
Connexion by Boeing to assess what is best both for the business and our customers. The system is
performing well, and we know we have a useful product, but we are trying to determine how good a
business we have. The decision ultimately will be based on a disciplined market analysis, financial
analysis, and discussion with customers. No decisions have been made.”
Verizon Exits Inflight Biz
Verizon Airfone intends to close its commercial inflight seat-back telephone service before the end of the
year, according to a company spokesperson.
AirCell To Launch Service in Late 2007
AirCell on 2 June won the US Federal Communications Commission auction for three MHz in the 800
MHz band to provide commercial air-to-ground (ATG) broadband communication service over North
America.
OnAir intends to launch inflight GSM (Global System for Mobile) and GPRS (General Packet Radio
Service) mobile services on select European flights in 2007, allowing passengers to make and receive
phone calls, text messages and e-mails using their personal mobile phones and portable electronic devices
(PEDs).
IMDC Sees Uncertain Times for IFE
IMDC (The Inflight Management Development Centre) forecasts “uncertain times ahead” for the air
transport market, according to its “Market Outlook for Inflight Technologies 2006-2011” released this
week.
WAEA Submits Response to IFE Closed-Captioning Rule
The WAEA on 23 June submitted its formal response to the US Department of Transportation’s Notice of
Proposed Rule-Making (NPRM) which would require all audio and video presentations onboard airlines
(including non-US carriers landing in the US) be made accessible to passengers who are hard of hearing by
including captioning.
IFE Wiring Plays Role in Airbus A380 Delays
Airbus last week said it will shift the delivery schedule of its new A380 aircraft by six-to-seven months
“due to production ramp-up issues,” which are primarily traceable to bottlenecks formed in the definition,
manufacturing, and installation of electrical systems and resulting harnesses, including those supporting
IFE systems.
TranStar Orders Next-Gen Mobile Computing Devices
TranStar Communications Systems of LaVerne, California in a joint venture with Aircraft Communication
Inc. in June ordered 100 of Seamless Internet’s Next Generation Mobile Computing Devices, specially
modified for inflight applications.
Global AirWorks Installation on Avianca
Global AirWorks has completed the first installation for Supplemental Type Certification of its IFE retrofit
solution on Bogotá, Columbia-based Avianca Airlines. The company expects to install the system on six of
the airline’s Boeing 757 aircraft and six B767’s.
LAN’s New AVOD Business Class
LAN Airlines this month will unveil its new Premium Business class equipped with an AVOD system. The
new service, a blending of the airlines’ current first and business class service, will be introduced on the
airline’s Boeing 767-300 long-haul flights between North and South America during the second half of this
year.
DAL Upgrades BusinessElite Class
Delta Air Lines is refurbishing its BusinessElite class equipped with the Panasonic eFX AVOD platform on
its fleet of 75 aircraft flying international routes.
Bose Intros New Noise-Cancelling Headphone
Bose has introduced its new QuietComfort ®3 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling® headphones, offering the same
audio performance and noise reduction as the QuietComfort®2 in a smaller, more portable on-ear design.
Creative Designs In-Ear Earphones
Creative Technology Ltd. has developed the ZEN Aurvana™ In-Ear Earphones, featuring AuraSeal™
noise-isolation technology that blocks up to 90% of ambient noise.
Etihad Unveils ‘Diamond Zone’ With 23-inch PTVs
Etihad Airways this month unveiled its new Airbus 340-500 aircraft equipped with the airline’s new
Diamond Zone Suite featuring 23-inch personal LCD screens and the Thales TopSeries i-4000 AVOD
system. TopSeries i-4000 provides AVOD capability in all three classes of service.
Air Mauritius To Intro AVOD
Air Mauritius beginning in December will offer AVOD cabinwide via the Panasonic System 3000i IFE
platform on select aircraft.
Panasonic Names Security Provider for eXpress Portable IFE Device
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is using SynCast, a provider of digital rights management (DRM) and
content delivery solutions, to provide security for content distribution onto Panasonic’s eXpress portable
media player.
SIA Expands Film Options
Singapore Airlines this month expanded film options to 80 titles (up from 60) on its KrisWorld IFE system.
Emirates Increases Movie Choices
Emirates now offers 16 new film releases--an increase of 20%--onboard in addition to a broader range of
television programs, 26 audio channels, and 50 interactive games.
August 2006
Thales Intros Broadband Connectivity
Thales in July introduced its inflight satellite communications solution, the TopFlight Satcom, that lets
passengers safely use their wireless portable electronic devices (PEDs) and laptop computers onboard and,
when it is allowed, will let them use their cell-phones inflight.
ASiQ Creates “Data-Only” Device for Cell-Phone
ASiQ Pty Ltd has applied for a patent for its new concept that lets personal cell-phones be used inflight for
non-voice capabilities, without interfering with the aircraft's avionics and ground networks.
AA’s New Biz Class Features Portable/Dockable IFE
American Airlines this month unveiled its Next Generation Business Class on Boeing 767-300 aircraft,
featuring IMS Inflight’s portable entertainment device and lie -flat seats. The new Business Class will be
installed on the airline’s B777 fleet beginning in 2007.
Rockwell IFE/Avionics Selected by Aegean and Buraq Airlines
Rockwell Collins’ Programmable Audio Video Entertainment Systems (PAVES®) and the Airshow
moving map 4200 have been selected by Aegean Airlines (based in Greece) and Buraq Air (a private airline
based in Libya).
Live TV Plans Affordable Connectivity
Live TV, LLC, which won one MHz of spectrum in the US Federal Communications Commission’s
(FCC’s) June auction for air-to-ground (ATG) spectrum in the 800 MHz band, plans to use that spectrum to
provide “the inflight connectivity experience at an affordable price,” said Scott Easterling, LiveTV’s
Manager Sales and Marketing.
Pax Absorb Inflight Media,
Arbitron Study Says
Ninety-eight percent of frequent flyers pick up the inflight magazine and 71% of those say they read it
more closely than magazines they pick up elsewhere, according to a recent study conducted by independent
and authoritative international media and marketing research firm Arbitron.
OnAir First to Provide Inmarsat SwiftBroadband
OnAir will be the first distribution partner for Inmarsat’s new SwiftBroadband satellite connectivity service
providing 432 kbps air-to-ground (ATG) connectivity.
ASiQ Adds VoIP To Inflight Cell-Phone Device
ASiQ Pty Ltd. on 8 August said it plans to develop an advanced VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) version
of its new cell-phone technology that lets personal cell-phones be operated inflight without interfering with
the aircraft avionics and cellular ground networks.
US Carriers’ Connectivity Plans
With the conclusion of the FCC’s auction and the announcement of tentative service launch dates by
several potential ATG connectivity providers, WIN asked US carriers their plans to provide the service.
Austrian Launches Upgraded Biz Class
Austrian Airlines on 27 July launched its upgraded business class equipped with the Panasonic 2000E
AVOD system on a Boeing 777 aircraft.
BA Upgrades To AVOD
British Airways in July announced it will upgrade its High Life IFE system to provide AVOD capability
throughout the aircraft via the Rockwell Collins dTES (digital Total Entertainment System).
Virgin Answers Questions
Virgin Atlantic Airways later this month is launching AQA (Any Question Answered), a text service that
lets passengers get any question answered while inflight using the IFE system.
Virgin Launches Inflight Mag Exclusively for Dubai Route
Virgin Atlantic Airways this month launched an inflight magazine, DXB, published exclusively for the
airline’s flights between London Heathrow and Dubai.
AA Airs CBS Series Prior to Network TV Debut
American Airlines beginning 1 September will screen the pilot episodes of new CBS television series Shark
and The Class on all IFE-equipped flights prior to their network TV premieres.
September 2006
Connexion To Discontinue Service/ Airlines Respond
Boeing Co. on 14 August announced it would discontinue its Connexion by Boeing (CBB) high-speed
inflight connectivity service, saying the market for the service has not materialized as had been expected.
The service on commercial flights will be phased out between now and 31 December 2006.
Ryanair To Offer OnAir Inflight Connectivity
Ryanair will install OnAir’s inflight satellite communications solution on its entire 200+ fleet of Boeing
737 aircraft flying throughout Europe.
Virgin Blue Launches Real-Time Inflight TV
Virgin Blue in late August launched its first aircraft fully-fitted with “live2air” pay-per-view inflight real-
time television programming provided by Australia’s FOXTEL and AUSTAR subscription TV providers.
Qantas to Test AeroMobile
Qantas Airways Ltd. in early 2007 will trial the AeroMobile connectivity solution that lets passengers send
and receive e-mails, SMS (short message service) messages and phone calls inflight using their GSM
personal mobile phones or personal electronic devices such as Blackberrys.
ASiQ Releases Cost of Inflight Connectivity
ASiQ Pty Ltd last week released the cost to airlines for the new ASiQ connectivity “package” using an
Inmarsat broadband link and providing Wi-Fi access.
Laptop/PED Battery Safety Questioned
Recalls by Dell Inc. and Apple notebook computer batteries because of potential smoke and fire risk and a
15 May onboard incident involving the batteries that caught fire in an overhead bin have triggered concern
about the safety of these lithium-ion battery packs inflight.
Phantom Media Intros Handheld IFE Device
Phantom Media on 18 August unveiled two handheld versions of its embedded bluebox IFE system.
LOT Polish First to Fly New IMS Portable IFE Device
LOT Polish Airlines is the launch customer of the newest IMS (Innovative Media Solutions) portable
media player, the ARCHOS P700.
Starling Antenna Passes Airworthiness Test
Starling Advanced Communication Ltd.’s MIJET fuselage-mounted bidirectional Ku-band aircraft antenna
has successfully passed its airworthiness test.
Jet Airways Launches Service to Punjab
Jet Airways India Ltd. in August launched service between Amritsar in Punjab and London, flying a new
Airbus 330-200 aircraft equipped with the Panasonic Avionics Corporation System 3000i providing AVOD
capability cabinwide.
e.Digital Counters digEcor Complaint
e.Digital on 17 August amended its response to a complaint filed by digEcor in June and filed
counterclaims against the company in on-going litigation involving delayed shipment of products and
alleged intellectual property infringement.
UPDATE: DOT Proposed Closed Captioning Rule
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is reviewing and evaluating comments received in response
to its proposed rule to make all audio and video presentations, including IFE, onboard commercial aircraft
accessible to passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
October 2006
Panasonic Plans Global Ku-Band Connectivity System
Panasonic Avionics Corporation “is ready and prepared to launch” a new global Ku-band satellite
broadband communication service, stated David Bruner, Head of Strategic Marketing.
DAL Unveils New AVOD Service
Delta Air Lines in September is unveiled its new two-class domestic transcontinental service featuring
AVOD at every seat via the Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s eFX™ single-aisle IFE system.
Virgin Intros Live Text News
Virgin Atlantic Airways has introduced a live inflight text news service, providing hourly updates to
aircraft equipped with Virgin’s V:Port IFE system on the Panasonic Avionics Corporation System 3000
platform.
Southwest Mag to be Published by Pace
Southwest Airlines has selected Pace Communications to publish Spirit, the airline’s inflight magazine,
beginning with the January 2007 issue.
IFE Expenditure to Rise,
Research Firm Says
Airline expenditure for IFE will increase from US$1.86 billion in 2006 to US$$2.444 billion in 2011,
driven primarily by inflight connectivity solutions, projected Walé Adepoju, CEO of IMDC, a research
firm specializing in the airline industry.
Further Delay for A380
EADS (European Aeronautic Defense & Space), which owns 80% of Airbus, on 21 September announced
further delays in delivery of the A380 due to “continuing industrialization challenges with the wiring of
production aircraft” including wiring for IFE systems.
Member News from WAEA Annual Conference
AeroMobile demonstrated its pico-cell mobile-phone and data service solution, which operates with
Inmarsat’s ‘Classic’ service and will work with Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband when it becomes operational
in 2007. AeroMobile plans to be in operation on Qantas Airways and an unnamed airline within six
months.
AirCell will open a major new 30,000-square-foot facility in the Chicago area this fall to support its new
airborne broadband service, which will launch in early 2008. New AirCell executives in Chicago named.
DTI-Software and Electronic Arts (EA) have partnered to offer The Sims™ 2 and Pogo.com to airlines.
DTI is focusing on delivering next -generation content to its 62 airline partners. The Sims game and
expansion packs have sold more than 58 million units worldwide.
ECS has released its new electronic flight bag (EFB) installation solution, EZMount™, which, with minor
interface adjustments, works with any EFB system on the market.
e.Digital demonstrated its new portable entertainment device, eVU™, with improved content security, an
embedded credit card reader, high-resolution LCD, extended battery life (almost 14 hours of video
playback), and dual headphone jacks.
Emirates has selected the new Rockwell Collins Airshow 4200D for its Airbus 380 aircraft. The Airshow
4200D incorporates a new digital video interface, all-digital display, and a widescreen format.
Entertainment in Motion (EIM) will donate 50% of every dollar collected in inflight licensing fees for
the award-winning film “Beat The Drum” to Heart for Africa, a charity to help orphans in Africa.
IMS will offer four-hour packages of content from Discovery Communications on its portable media
platforms.
IMS will offer three-hour packages of content from EIM’s library of A&E, Biography, and The History
Channel on IMS’ portable media platforms.
Intheairnet LLC demonstrated its new inTV™ international television antenna system, designed to
receive Ku band radio frequency signals from satellite TV providers around the world.
JetBlue Airways Corp. has added CBS Television to its lineup of 36 channels of DIRECTV®
programming available on all flights beginning 13 September.
JetStar will offer digEcor’s digEplayerXT™ on its new international fleet of Airbus 330-200 aircraft
beginning in November and on its existing A320 fleet in 2007.
OnAir will launch its inflight voice-call service at US$2.30-2.50 per minute, noting research indicating a
steep drop-off in expected usage above US$3.00 per minute.
OnAir released results of a recent survey supporting pax desire to use cell-phones inflight.
Mobile OnAir, which will let passengers use these devices inflight, will be installed on Air France from
early 2007. Ryanair will retrofit the system on its entire fleet of 250 Boeing aircraft, with the Mobile
OnAir service expected to be available from mid-2007. bmi and TAP will begin inflight tests of the
system from the middle of 2007.
OnAir has chosen ECS to develop a retrofit installation solution for Mobile OnAir inflight telephony on
Boeing 737 aircraft.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will offer digEcor’s digEplayer XT™ portable AVOD device on
its A310 and B777 aircraft beginning in November.
Rockwell Collins introduced dPAVES® (a digital upgrade to its PAVES® programmable audio video
entertainment system), available in early 2008 as a retrofit solution for Airbus and Boeing narrow-body
aircraft.
Row 44 has hired James Costello to help guide development of its satellite broadband system.
Broadband service provider Row 44 has retained DeCuir Inc. Consulting Solutions to provide business
and product development services.
Dr. Carole Lieberman, Shrink on Board and author of the just-released book Coping with Terrorism:
Dreams Interrupted, is offering audio and video relaxation channel content targeting the needs of today’s
passenger with fear of flying.
SonAir will offer the IMS portable entertainment appliance (Pea) in first and business class on flights
between Houston, Texas and Luanda, Angola, with content in Portuguese and English.
Thales and Proximetry will partner to offer GateSync™, a Wi-MAX-based, high-speed, wireless
transmission system and service designed to deliver media content and aircraft operational data on and off
the aircraft while on the ground, to be deployed in 2008.
Thales said it was “very pleased” with the performance of its TopSeries i-5000 IFE system which flew on
the A380 early long-flight series of four flights.
TriaGnoSys has successfully tested TriaComMa™, its Internet access software for the Airbus A380,
providing live Internet access to both passengers and crew using their own laptop computers or the
aircraft’s seat-back IFE system.
TriaGnoSys and 3Way Networks are launching a 3G inflight passenger communications service for
business jets, which lets travellers make and receive calls and access bandwidth-heavy 3G applications
using their laptop computers.
United Airlines has selected Inflight Productions (IFP) (part of the IFE Alliance) to handle all short-
subject programming, beginning January 2007. Inflight Productions’ Los Angeles and London offices will
handle the account jointly.
Virgin America has chosen Pace Communications to manage all aspects of video IFE programming and
Spafax to handle all audio aspects of its IFE.
Virgin America Signs IFE Deals with Major Hollywood Studios
Virgin America has signed individual agreements with Disney, Fox, Paramount Pictures, and Warner
Brothers to provide major theatrical content to the new US start-up airline when it begins domestic service
in early 2007 following government approval.
SIA Intros Upgraded IFE/Economy Class
Singapore Airlines on 17 October will unveil the newest version of its KrisWorld IFE system and upgraded
economy class cabin, which will be introduced on new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft later this year and
subsequently on the Airbus 380.
Cathay Intros Next-Gen Cabin
Cathay Pacific Airways in September unveiled some details of its “Future Innovations” next generation
long-haul cabin featuring new seats and AVOD cabinwide via the Panasonic Avionics Corporation eX2™
IFE platform.
Royal Jordanian Upgrades IFE
Royal Jordanian Airlines has introduced its new Crown Class and upgraded economy class equipped with
various IFE systems on its entire Airbus fleet.
ASiQ's Safecell “Shielding’ Test
ASiQ Pty Ltd last week completed preliminary testing of its new Safecell shielding system, which the
company says can make any cell-phone comply with international aviation certification standards.
ARINC Sponsors Gatelink Conference
ARINC Incorporated on 24 October is sponsoring a conference in Orlando, Florida to increase the airline
industry’s awareness of the feasibility of Gatelink—the wireless transmission of data to and from airplanes
at airport gates.
Inflight Dublin Announcements Major Growth
Inflight Dublin reported its most successful six-month cycle in the company’s 22-year history with the
announcement of a number of new and extended contracts.
November 2006
ARINC Intros Gatelink Solution
ARINC on 24 October introduced GateFusion, its “gatelink” solution for the “rapid, seamless” wireless
transmission of large files such as IFE, Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA), and Electronic Flight
Bag (EFB) data to and from airplanes at airport gates.
Connexion Free to Year-End
Connexion by Boeing beginning 2 October is offering passengers its inflight real-time connectivity service
free on all flights until the service is discontinued at the end of the year.
PAL Unveils Single-Aisle AVOD
Philippine Airlines on 20 October unveiled the first new Airbus 319 aircraft featuring Panasonic Avionics
Corporation’s eFX single-aisle IFE system.
Air India To Install Thales AVOD on New B777s
Air India will line-fit the Thales TopSeries i-5000 AVOD system cabinwide on 23 new Boeing 777 aircraft.
The first revenue flight is scheduled for February 2007.
SIA Chooses Phitek Headphones for Entire Fleet
Singapore Airlines will offer Phitek Systems’ ANR™ (Active Noise Rejection) noise cancellation
headphones in first and business classes across its entire 90- aircraft fleet beginning in late November.
Lufthansa Adds Languages to Films and IFE Navigation
Lufthansa German Airlines in November is offering films in more languages and is increasing the number
of IFE navigation languages from six to nine on its Lufthansa Media World IFE programming in first and
business classes.
Oasis Launches Long-Haul Flights With Free IFE
Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, a new low-fare long-haul only carrier, on 26 October launched service between
Hong Kong and London with free IFE cabinwide.
Airlines/Apple To Offer iPod Connection
Air France, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and United
Airlines have teamed with Apple® to provide in-seat connections to let passengers play and charge their
iPods inflight.
Emirates Expects to Launch AeroMobile in January 2007
Emirates expects to launch AeroMobile’s inflight GSM cell-phone connectivity service on a Boeing 777
aircraft in January 2007, following receipt of all necessary approvals.
Thales Chosen by Four Chinese Airlines
Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines and one unannounced Chinese airline have
chosen the Thales TopSeries i-8000 IFE system for installation on new Boeing 787 aircraft on order.
NWA Flies A330 with AVOD
Northwest Airlines on 31 October completed the transition to an all Airbus 330 fleet on transatlantic flights
(replacing the retiring DC-10s). The A330s are equipped with the Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s 3000i
AVOD system cabinwide.
AirCell Receives FCC Broadband License
AirCell this month officially was granted its FCC (US Federal Communications Commission) frequency
license that will let the company provide inflight broadband connectivity across North America to
commercial and business aircraft beginning in early 2008.
Cathay Selects Rockwell Airshow 4200D
Cathay Pacific Airways will line-fit the Rockwell Collins Airshow 4200D moving map and inflight
information system on five Airbus 330 and 18 Boeing 777 aircraft beginning in July 2007.
Response to ‘Trends in IFE Editing’Article
Responding to the article “Trends in IFE Editing” ( 1 November WIN), Julian Levin of Twentieth Century
Fox Film Corporation/Fox In Flight, “challenges the WAEA to coordinate with all airlines and publish,
even if it is unofficial and voluntary, a set of airline edit guidelines for overhead, VOD, PTV, pay-per-view,
and handheld players.”
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