IFExpress reader. This is our latest edition of the AIRFAX.com, paid newsletter. We thought many of you who are going to the Airline Interiors Conference & Exhibition might find the information useful at the show. If you are interested in subscribing to the AIRFAX.com Newsletter, contact AIR at IFEnews@airfax.com.

Q A portion of this edition of AIRFAX.com focus on some of those IFE vendors who will be exhibiting at next weeks Aricraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg Germany at the Hamburg Messe Convention Center. AIRFAX.com should mention that our publisher, Terry Wiseman, will be speaking on the subject of Portable In-flight Entertainment: Airline and Passenger Perspective (AKA Gadgets). He will speak on Tuesday, April 5, at 9:30 to 9:50 (as if he could only speak for 20 minutes on the subject)! If you would like to contact Terry during the conference he will be staying at the Dorint Novotel Alster Hotel (+49)40/391900 or you can send him an email at tjw2552@aol.com or give him a call on his cell phone at 206 229 7890. Hope to see you there!

Things to see at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2005!

Q Learn more about the digEplayer and the new digEsystem by visiting Wencor & APS in Hall 7 booth D3 at the ``Interiors Show`` in Hamburg, Germany.

Q Be sure to stop by Verizon Airfone at Aircraft Interior Expo 2005 on April 5 - 7. Look for Verizon Airfone in Hall seven (7), booth nine (9).

Q ARINC invites you to stop by their booth in Hall 7 D10 where they will discuss AeroMobile-In-flight mobile GSM phone service for commercial passengers.

Q Stop by Hall 7, booth C 23 and check out Airtracks from TEAC.

Q Dont miss ASTRONICS Advanced Electronic Systems (formerly General Dynamics) in Hall 7, at Stand E12.

Q Inflight Peripherals will be exhibiting, so stop by booth B12 in Hall 7 for a chat. We will be showing all of our products, including INCAM, our Low Cost noise cancelling Audio Jack solution.

Q John Courtright will be attending the Expo representing Berg Engineering. If you wish to set-up a meeting, call John at (206) 618-3128.

Q See all the ACS Monitors at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2004; Stand 11/E26.

Q IMDC is presenting a session on trends and market dynamics, with particular emphasis on the high-end information, communication and entertainment services being offered. The session will cover findings from IMDC passenger research into factors like mobile phone usage as well as market forecasts for IFE devices. Places are limited to attend, please email Mark Reed at mark.reed@inflightmanagement.com or call +44 (0) 1332 344 339. The event will take place on Wednesday 6th April 2005 at 2.30pm Room: Marseille.

Q Be sure to stop by Booth 7/B13 and checkout IMS` Terminal Data Loader. IMS has launched their TDL recently on American Airlines. Alan Pellegrini, CEO, will attend with Chris Brady and Jim Miller of the sales staff.

Q At the upcoming Aircraft Interiors Show Thales will display its In-flight Entertainment System in booth 7/B7. Thales will demonstrate its TopSeries system featuring: AVOD, Internet Connectivity, Games, Broadcast Moving Map, Interactive Moving Map, and Web applications, such as, electronic books and electronic catalogues. Additionally, Thales will exhibit a wireless demonstration, separate from the system.

Q Dont miss Miltope at booth number 7/C1. They will be displaying

their cabin access point, wireless access bridge, printers, and servers. Also, Miltope is in the process of upgrading the CAP and WAB to offer the latest available COTS technology and software. And while youre there, talk with them about their new server development.

The Latest Releases

Q Thales and CalAmp Corp. jointly announced that the two companies have entered into a teaming agreement focused on expanding the capabilities of the Thales TopSeries(TM) in-flight entertainment system (IFE). Thales offers an advanced IFE platform for all Boeing and Airbus aircraft that is supported by CalAmp`s design expertise in software user applications, embedded systems and wireless solutions. This agreement will leverage the two companies` products and services which are expected to lead to many new system features for both passengers and crews. Under the agreement, CalAmp will support Thales` application roadmap by conducting research studies, designing and testing user applications and hardware, and packaging content. In addition, CalAmp will explore with Thales the utility of wireless technology in the aircraft cabin environment. ``Thales is at the forefront of new business growth in an industry that is increasingly exploring opportunities to remain competitive. CalAmp`s wireless engineering heritage and expertise in content delivery is well suited to achieve Thales` goals,`` said Steve L`Heureux, President of CalAmp`s Solutions Division. CalAmp has been providing breakthrough wireless and content delivery solutions for almost 25 years and is focused on providing solutions for the entertainment media delivery, healthcare and public safety markets. The agreement comes as a result of a successful working relationship that started over a year ago when Thales and CalAmp worked on an airline project specific to the A380 aircraft. It was during this time that Thales realized how well the two organizations worked together. ``CalAmp`s expertise in emerging technologies and ability to produce customer-driven system feature recommendations is what our business needs,`` said Brad Foreman, Vice President and General Manager for Thales` in-flight entertainment business. Both Thales and CalAmp see the user experience as the core element of success and will integrate system user inputs throughout the design and development of future system features.

Q The digEplayer was awarded the ``IFE product of the year Award`` at the IPEC/LARA conference held in London, England. The digEplayer is the world`s first self-contained, hand held portable video on demand (VOD) entertainment unit. It is typically preprogrammed with 10 or more movies, television shows, cartoons, videos, music, as well as airline destination information, promotions and advertising. Alaska Airlines won the Airline ``IFE Service of the Year award`` on the strength of digEplayer on their aircraft. Alaska recently doubled the number of flights with players on board as the result of a new order being placed with APS. ``We are delighted to receive the award,`` said Brent Wood, CEO and President of APS. ``It`s a verification that the cutting edge design, ease of use and wide variety of entertainment choices on the digEplayer? is making the passengers flying experience better than ever.`` Mr. Wood also stated, ``The airlines are also voting with their pocketbooks as the DigEplayer is currently the portable IFE of choice with ten airlines using the players and six more airlines signed up to launch within the next 60 to 90 days.`` DreamWorks SKG, Buena Vista, Warner Brothers, and 20th Century Fox currently have content provision agreements for the digEplayer. Additional studios are to be announced. Films are usually available three months ahead of store rentals. Many films are available on the digEplayer in multiple languages. Each digEplayer is about the same weight and size of a typical portable DVD player with the screen embedded into the face of the case. Units contain a 40 (or larger) gigabyte hard drive and utilizes the latest digital technology. The Wencor digEsystem™ is a lightweight, state of the art in-seat entertainment system, giving passengers a wide spectrum of cabin entertainment options. The digEsystem is the first and only standalone embedded IFE system. Airlines now have the option to provide entertainment to any cabin, zone, seat or passenger on any flight, on any aircraft. The system is flexible, scalable, and configurable with a 60 GB hard drive, and 802.11a wireless technology network. An USB 2.0 port is provided for optional passenger control devices for games, keyboards, and memory sticks (future). The digEsystem is the perfect solution for your passengers In-flight entertainment needs. A credit card reader allows the capture of funds, easing flight attendants involvement. Once a plane lands for the day, credit card

transactions can be transferred via an encrypted wireless network. The unit comes with an eight inch Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with a touchscreen that gives passengers easy access to all content options. The system is typically programmed with movies, plus television shows, cartoons, videos, music, as well as airline destination information, promotions and advertising.

Q A new approach to content loading in IFE has been launched by portable and wireless communications provider, IMS Inflight, in the form of a wireless communications/content management device called the Terminal Data Loader (TDL). TDL ports the media, not the loader, IMS CEO Alan Pellegrini says, and provides onboard content loading and wireless gate communications. IMS first TDL customer is American Airlines who has chosen TDL for its international fleet of 767 aircraft, says Pellegrini. American will be followed by another North American carrier to be announced shortly. The TDL is permanently installed onboard the aircraft, according to IMS president and COO Rod Farley. It is capable of supporting automatic (wireless) data transfers utilizing 802.11 and GSM or CDMA. It also supports semi-automatic data transfers via removable media. Depending on the TDL configuration selected by the airline, data can be loaded to or offloaded from an aircraft using a DVD or CD, a USB memory stick, a removable hard drive, and/or an AIT tape. In all cases, data loading takes place automatically as aircraft and IFE conditions permitonboard the aircraft, not on the tarmac. Because the TDL can decrypt content in real time, movies never need to be transported to the aircraft in the clear, says Pellegrini. Content remains encrypted from the time it leaves post-production until it is safely read by the TDL. The TDL provides built-in hardware decryption on the aircraft that supports DES, 3DES, and AES. The TDL uses a physically secure FIPS 140-1, level 2-compliant hardware device to perform authentication and encryption key storage. The TDL accommodates high-volume content loading through the 50-200 GB-capacity AIT tape drive or 100GB removable hard drive, and medium-volume loading using 8.5 GB-capacity DVDs. Low volume content loading and data offloading can be accomplished manually using a CD or USB memory stick, or automatically using a wireless link. In addition to the 802.11 b/g capability, the TDL contains either a tri-band (900, 1800 and 1900 MHz) GSM/GPRS phone or a CDMA phone that provides a wireless, bi-directional data link to your aircraft, says Farley. Because communications are bi-directional, delivery of the content/data is tracked online, and anxious IFE managers can use the CabinTrends Web portal to determine delivery status of each aircraft`s load. The TDL provides a wireless connection when the aircraft is at the gate. This connection supports key management, remote software updates, remote IFE system monitoring, Passenger Usage/BIT reporting, and more. The increasing need by airlines to control costs has resulted in greater focus on the content supply chain where airlines are beginning to realize that an increasingly automated, integrated supply chain can reduce costs and create operational efficiencies, observed Pellegrini. The TDL provides the only automated method in IFE today to update content encryption keys to comply with MPAA guidelines for key replacement, explains Farley. ``IFE managers can initiate key updates from their desk-tops. The combination of end-to-end content encryption, real-time hardware decryption on the aircraft, and automated and secure key management should give IFE managers considerable comfort that they can conveniently and easily comply with MPAA content security guidelines. In this respect, the TDL helps airlines ensure that they continue to qualify for early-window content.``

Q ASI Entertainment Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary ASiQ Pty Ltd, has signed a contract with Saudi Arabian Airlines for the ASiQnet in-flight Email, Internet and SMS system. ASiQnet is the lowest cost solution for in-flight connectivity and is designed to give passengers the greatest range of connectivity options. Passenger can access their Email and Internet for as little as $1.00 and in some cases absolutely free. Ron Chapman ASIs CEO says the selection by Saudi Arabian Airlines is the result of an extensive evaluation and flight demonstration program. As part of the contract, Saudi Arabian Airlines has also selected ASIs G3CARS system, which will provide a low cost broadband link to the aircraft while parked at the terminal gate. Further details of the contract will be announcement shortly in conjunction with Saudi Arabian Airlines. (Ed. Note: The latest issue of IFExpress (see the archived Hot Topic on our website.)

Q MediaPass Network LLC is launching a new music video download service for Windows Mobile-based devices, making it possible to watch music videos on portable handheld devices wherever you go. The music video services, announced at the years premier music industry event, South by Southwest 2005, will deliver videos that can be played back on Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Centers and select Smartphones and Pocket PCs. Available at http://www.mediapass.net/musicvideodownloads, the mobile download service allows MediaPass Music subscribers access to download free music videos via a 30-day license to download videos to load onto portable devices. The service is delivering the latest content from popular artists such as Emma Bunton, Kate Ryan, as well as up-and-coming bands including Slunt, Submersed and The Comas. We are ecstatic to be at the forefront of digital music videos on the go, says Daniel Harris, President & CEO of MediaPass. MediaPass has always supported emerging artists, and were excited to be working with innovative Windows Mobile technology to make that happen in new and unique ways. Windows Mobile is the choice for people who, beyond a fantastic music-listening experience, also want a fantastic music video-watching experience, said John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile applications and services marketing at Microsoft. MediaPass is helping to deliver more videos for these devices, making it easy to find, transfer and enjoy music videos wherever you are. MediaPass Network LLC is launching today a new music video download service for Windows Mobile-based devices, making it possible to watch music videos on portable handheld devices wherever you go. The music video services, announced at the years premier music industry event, South by Southwest 2005, will deliver videos that can be played back on Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Centers and select Smartphones and Pocket PCs. Available at http://www.mediapass.net/musicvideodownloads, the mobile download service allows MediaPass Music subscribers access to download free music videos via a 30-day license to download videos to load onto portable devices. The service is delivering the latest content from popular artists such as Emma Bunton, Kate Ryan, as well as up-and-coming bands including Slunt, Submersed and The Comas. We are ecstatic to be at the forefront of digital music videos on the go, says Daniel Harris, President & CEO of MediaPass. MediaPass has always supported emerging artists, and were excited to be working with innovative Windows Mobile technology to make that happen in new and unique ways. Windows Mobile is the choice for people who, beyond a fantastic music-listening experience, also want a fantastic music video-watching experience, said John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile applications and services marketing at Microsoft. MediaPass is helping to deliver more videos for these devices, making it easy to find, transfer and enjoy music videos wherever you are.

Q Aircraft Cabin Systems (ACS) received FAA-PMA for its 2005 Model 42 Plasma Video Monitor. This achievement has already allowed delivery of the product. This is the first Plasma Video Monitor in the marketplace to receive FAA-PMA for Plasma displays under the auspices of the new RTCA DO160E Environmental Testing typically required by the FAA for design approval. It also meets the requirements of FAA Issue Paper C-1, Acceptable Means of Compliance for a large glass video display. The Issue Paper compliance includes demonstrating that the display meets: s The Rapid Decompression requirements of RTCA DO-160E s The Operational Shock and Crash Safety requirements of DO-160E s The ability to withstand a 300 pound static abuse load s The ability to withstand the UL Labs UL-1418 criteria for Ball Impact Strength Tests.

Q Just a reminder to everyone in the IFE industry, Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation is changing their name to Panasonic Avionics Corporation as of April 1, 2005. Their website will be http://www.panasonic.aero/ and their new email address will be as follows: name.lastname@panasonic.aero

Q In a first for the air travel industry, ARINC Incorporated is delivering Inmarsats high-speed Swift64SM satellite service for passenger communications on a commercial airline. Iberia Airlines of Spain has completed successful flight trials of high speed E-mail and Instant Messaging (IM) aboard Airbus A340-600 aircraft with Swift64 avionics. The service is expected to be operational during the second quarter of 2005 and will be offered to passengers in Iberias new Business Plus Class on long-haul routes. Swift64 satellite connectivity offers greater bandwidth than earlier Inmarsat services, enabling more powerful communications both for passengers and the flight deck. Swift64 offers airlines with classic Inmarsat equipment a cost-effective upgrade path for inflight communications. ARINC is currently developing a large communications portfolio to leverage the benefits of Swift64, as well as the future SwiftBroadbandSM service planned for launch in 2006. SwiftBroadband will offer a minimum data rate of 432kbit/s while still making cost-effective use of key elements of existing aircraft equipment.

Q SITA, the worlds leading supplier of information technology and telecommunications services to the air transport industry, announced strong results for 2004, following a successful restructuring of the company since 2003 with the group as a whole posting combined revenues of US$1.58 billion, well above budget. SITAs robust results were achieved by its two operating entities SITA SC and SITA INC. SITA SC, a cooperative, provides communications services to the world`s airlines who as customers also own SITA SC. SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) provides IT solutions for the management of passengers, cargo, aircraft communications and airport operations. SITA SC 2004 revenues came in at US$940 million. The result reflects of SITA SCs continued success in migrating the air transport industry from legacy networks to Internet Protocol (IP) - based networks. SITA SC has reduced the industrys overall network costs by about US$80 million in price reductions, across both legacy and IP connections. Total sales performance as measured by total contract value reached US$317m.

Q Two mainstays of the aviation industry, Swissport International and SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) signed an agreement to develop a standardized user-interface for self-service kiosks which will be available worldwide and provide a common platform for all airlines and passengers check-in needs. The persistent efforts of airlines to minimize their costs and the desire among passengers for even shorter and simpler check-in procedures are two of the main challenges faced by the ground handling sector today. The fast, user-friendly devices incorporating the latest IT technology will be designed to slash waiting times for passengers, to reduce queues and to replace individual airline self-service check-in. In the medium term, the new self-service solution known as CUSS (for common use self-service), is being rapidly adopted at numerous airports, and offers promising market potential. SITA INCs experience in passenger management facilitated the development of this new technology which was deployed at Athens Airport during the last Olympic Games.

Q MediaPass Network LLC is launching a new music video download service for Windows Mobile-based devices, making it possible to watch music videos on portable handheld devices wherever you go. The music video services, announced at the years premier music industry event, South by Southwest 2005, will deliver videos that can be played back on Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Centers and select Smartphones and Pocket PCs. Available at http://www.mediapass.net/musicvideodownloads, the mobile download service allows MediaPass Music subscribers access to download free music videos via a 30-day license to download videos to load onto portable devices. The service is delivering the latest content from popular artists such as Emma Bunton, Kate Ryan, as well as up-and-coming bands including Slunt, Submersed and The Comas.

Airbus, Airbus

Q Airbus will show off a full-scale interior mockup in Hall 6 wow! What else can we say but see it!

Boeing, Boeing

Q Boeing and Emirates officials, led by the airline`s Chairman H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Alan Mulally, on Friday celebrated delivery of the airline`s first two B777-300ER airplanes. The Dubai-based airline will receive 10 B777-300ERs this year, with four coming from International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) and six from General Electric Commercial Aviation Service (GECAS). The airline currently operates 21 B777s and plans to increase its fleet through lease and direct purchases to 51 by late 2007, making it one of the world`s largest B777 operators.

Q Boeing and Oman Air announced the delivery of the airline`s sixth Next-Generation B737. Oman Air`s new B737-800 left Seattle Friday on a shuttle flight that arrived at Seeb International Airport in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday. Oman Air`s latest B737-800 was an additional purchase added to a five-airplane order and was arranged through the U.S. Ex-Im Bank. Oman Air now flies an all-Boeing jet fleet of six Next-Generation B737s, making it one of the most modern fleets in the region. Oman Air introduced the Next-Generation B737 to the Gulf region, with its first delivery taking place during the fourth quarter of 2001.

Q Connexion by Boeing announced initial pricing and details for its new high-speed Internet service for the maritime market, scheduled for commercial availability this fall. ``Our Connexion by Boeing maritime service marks a revolutionary change in the way shipping operators can access high-speed Internet, corporate intranets, e-mail and other offerings while at sea,`` said Sean Schwinn, vice president of maritime service for Connexion by Boeing. ``Today, many operators work hard to minimize communication, given the cost. By making truly office-like communications available on a global basis at affordable rates, we think our service brings a much needed choice to the maritime market,`` Schwinn added. The commercial maritime market is accustomed to ``on-demand`` offerings (where users are charged by the minute) and ``always-on`` offerings (where users are charged by the megabyte). Connexion by Boeing provided the details of its ``on-demand`` service, bringing a new, high-value global maritime communications choice to commercial shipping companies and other maritime customers. Details regarding ``always-on`` pricing will be released at a later date. For a monthly fee of $2,800 USD per vessel, Connexion by Boeing will provide the terminal equipment necessary to access its full suite of communications capabilities, including high-speed data, voice and fax services, television programming and an innovative fleet-sharing program that allows a customer to share unused system minutes among all vessels within its fleet. Specifically, the on-demand service package includes: High-Speed Data Services: All vessels in a customer`s fleet may share up to 2,000 minutes of data connectivity per vessel per month. Vessels will receive data on Connexion by Boeing`s 5+ Mbps forward link, and will send data at up to 256 Kbps, enabling multiple simultaneous data and voice sessions. Additional minutes will cost $1.25 USD per minute. Voice/Fax Services: All vessels in a customer`s fleet may share up to 100 minutes of send or receive voice/fax calls per vessel per month using equipment provided by Connexion by Boeing. Additional voice/fax minutes will be charged at $1.25 USD per minute. Connexion Television: Beginning in 2006, all vessels in a customer`s fleet will be able to receive up to four channels of television content, which may be viewed 24 hours per day/7 days per week, at no extra charge. Management Tools: The connectivity usage for all vessels in a customer`s fleet will be tracked and reported daily on a secure, Web-based portal to enable fleet masters and owners to see and manage usage and expenses quickly and efficiently. Fleet-Sharing Program: All vessels within a customer`s fleet will be able to share the monthly data and voice/fax minutes. This will allow vessels with less monthly usage to offset the potential expenses of vessels with higher usage times. This will also help ensure communications costs are predictable. The service will become commercially available this fall. By 2006, Connexion by Boeing`s maritime service is expected to cover shipping vessels an estimated 99 percent of the time while those vessels are at sea.

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors!

Q In case you are the last one to know, Ms. D. Peabody the femme fatale who sunk the HMS Stonecipher has left Boeing. No doubt, she departed with a healthy retirement nest egg which in no way, helped shareholder value. Hey, dj vu all over again!

Q Wanna play Lets Pretend? Here goes: suppose a manufacturer of large airplane components started a new venture called Vapor Hookup that developed a wireless data system along with technology and engineering companies in the Midwest USA. The purpose of this venture is to provide ongoing data of various aircraft systems. Now, suppose they teamed with a big pipe provider-to-be, and a manufacturer of low cost, light weight IFE units. What would you have? Thats right, children, a new IFE paradigm and possibly a new vendor that really could take the single aisle market to a new place namely entertainment and connectivity! Or, you could have a very expensive piece of Vaporware.

Upcoming Events

Q Aircraft Interiors Expo 5, 6 & 7 April 2005, Hamburg, Germany. For further information log onto http://www.aircraftinteriors-expo.com/.

Q World Low Cost Airlines Congress 2005, September 15 -16, 2005 at Amsterdam RAI, The Netherlands. Log on to http://www.lowcostairlinesworld.com/

Q The WAEA 26th Annual Conference and Exhibition will be held in Hamburg, Germany at the Hamburg Messe/Congress Centrum Hamburg on September 20 23, 2005.