What are airlines looking for in terms of IFE systems?
Multi-function is expected to be the way to go for In-Flight Entertainment systems
Airlines are primarily looking for connected systems that could enable multiple functions. Currently, IFE systems in aircraft are seat display units (SDUs) that are preloaded with content that the user can access in flight. SDUs are designed to be fault-tolerant, which means that if one of the units is non-functioning, it does not affect the entire IFE network on the aircraft. In the coming years, SDUs are expected to be replaced with handheld devices or portable devices that can be connected to SDUs. Furthermore, wireless streaming and update is expected to be deployed on aircraft so passengers may access content on their personal devices.
What do passengers want from IFE systems?
IFE systems to replicate personal handheld devices for ease of use
Passengers expect IFE systems to perform the same way as their handheld devices for ease of use. In the best-case scenario, IFE systems should be able to provide a variety of audio content (audiobooks), videos (streaming content), games, flight information, connecting flight status, dynamic maps, SMS, chat, phone, destination information, in-flight shopping, and food menus, among others. Moreover, passengers want high-quality displays, social networking, and immersive human machine interfaces (HMIs) on their personal devices.
Are airlines moving toward providing Wi-Fi and related services such as free messaging?
Penetration of W-Fi services in low cost carriers is expected to drive free internet services
Connexion was the first Wi-Fi connectivity service offered by Boeing. Wi-Fi connection offers various benefits such as elimination of cabling, which reduces wiring complexity and weight, thereby saving costs and simplifying installation and maintenance. Currently, Wi-Fi services are deployed for basic computing functions such as surfing the web and checking e-mails. In the coming years, the demand for high-speed Internet on aircraft is expected to stream media such as high definition (HD) videos. Currently, airlines charge passengers for Wi-Fi services, but these prices are likely to be lowered or eliminated with the increasing adoption of Wi-Fi by low-cost carriers. This is also expected to result in the lowered costs of onboard services such as steaming, messaging, and shopping in the coming years.
How do consumers rank services such as Wi-Fi, messaging, TV shows, and movies?
Tailored audio/video content offering is expected to increase passenger preference for a particular airline
The primary focus for airlines is to provide tailor-made content for passengers. The content includes movies, TV series, documentaries, and reality TV content. As the majority of seats on an airplane are economy class, the number of passengers requiring Internet services is limited as the service are primarily availed by premium economy and business class passengers. In the coming years, a surge in demand for internet services is expected from economy class passengers for services such as in-flight shopping.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity refers to technology that enables communication without the use of cables or wires. The major advantage of wireless technology is that devices such as mobiles and laptops can be easily connected with other in-flight devices. Wireless connectivity can be used onboard to offer entertainment and advertisement content to passengers on their respective smartphones, tablets, or laptops. The connection uses radio frequency waves and infrared waves.
Eye Tracking Technology
Eye tracking technology utilizes gesture control, so passengers do not require a controller for the screen. For example, with eye tracking technology, passengers would no longer need to press the pause button on screen; rather, sensors and gesture control technology are employed for all functions. Thales Group has partnered with EyeTech Digital Systems, an eye tracking engineering service provider, to design and develop the next generation of custom eye tracking systems for premium, first, and business class aircraft. At present, this technology is implemented in premium class as the installation and service costs are extremely high.
In-Seat Power Outlets for Handheld Devices
As a growing number of passengers opt to use and charge their personal electronic devices, airlines are required to provide reliable in-seat personal power supply for handheld devices. Standalone USB power solutions deliver up to 5 V 10 W (2.1 A) supply at every aircraft seat with an additional 110 V. As compared to a universal seat box or universal seat power box, remote USB power outlets, and power supply, in-seat power outlets are a compact, easy-to-install solution. Technological advancements would reduce the cost of in-seat power outlets for handheld devices in the future.
Aircraft Interface Devices
Aircraft interface devices are aircraft data management technology designed with enhanced functionality and broader capabilities. Aircraft interface devices are integrated with software and services to create a complete, ready-to-use solution for airlines. The various applications of aircraft interface devices are flight tracking, quick access recording, and aircraft condition monitoring. These devices offer field loadable software, communication with preferred SATCOM and ACARS providers, a 4GB RAM, solid-state Fast SATA 32 GB storage (field removable/upgradable), and backward compatible first-generation aircraft interface device qualified to DO-160G environments.
BYOD
At present, airlines across the globe are investing significantly in the implementation of contemporary satellite broadband and connectivity technologies in order to meet the growing expectations of passengers. With the growth in wireless connectivity and increasing adoption of the BYOD trend, passengers increasingly prefer wireless services for in-flight entertainment and connectivity. The BYOD trend has prompted many airlines to eliminate the seat-back IFE systems, thereby reducing the overall weight and fuel costs. This is particularly helpful to cost-competitive airlines in reducing airfares while still delivering a substantial IFE experience.
There have been 504 patents filed by the companies in the field of in-flight entertainment market, over the last five years (1st August 2014 – 1st August 2019), out of which 344 were in the application phase and the remaining 160 were granted.
Regulatory Landscape/Standards
Federal Aviation Administration Regulatory Norms:
In October 2013, the FAA issued new guidance and an assessment tool to assist aircraft operators in determining whether they can safely expand the use of passenger portable electronic devices (PED) during flight. This new guidance was developed based on recommendations contained in the final report produced by the PED aviation rulemaking committee (ARC) dated September 30, 2013. The guidance includes:
FAA InFO 13010 - Expanding Use of Passenger Portable Electronic Devices (PED),InFO 13010SUP - FAA Aid to Operators for the Expanded Use of Passenger PEDs, and(AC) 91.21-1 – Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft.
If the portable IFE system is not connected to the aircraft for power or signals, then the system would need self-contained power, such as batteries, and wireless communication capability. If the portable IFE system includes wireless communication capability, then the aircraft operator is responsible for verifying, validating and demonstrating that the wireless system and the passenger PEDs using the wireless system does not interfere with navigation or communication systems of the aircraft. The guidance in FAA InFO 13010 may be used to support this demonstration.
If the portable IFE system remains onboard (e.g., in a luggage compartment or overhead bin) and the system is charged through a connection to an aircraft electrical power source, then the means of charging needs to be an approved installation. If the portable IFE system is not connected to an aircraft electrical Information for Operators US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration InFO 17020.
This interim memorandum will help ensure a more standardized approach in IFE certification independent of Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) or designated alteration station (DAS) geographical location. Several unsafe conditions were identified as a result of the mandatory corrective actions are being prepared to address them. These conditions can be summarized as follows: The inability to load shed the electrical bus supplying IFE system power without removing power from systems that are required for continued safe flight and landing, the inability to remove IFE system power, when required, other than by pulling the IFE system circuit breakers, (that is, there is no switch dedicated to the IFE system or combination of systems for the purpose of removing power).
Crew (flightcrew and cabin crew) procedures have not been properly revised to address removal of power from the IFE system In order to prevent the same types of designs from obtaining future FAA approval, the following certification guidelines should be used on all IFE system certification projects: The IFE system should be connected to an electrical bus that does not supply power to airplane systems that are necessary for continued safe flight and landing. Inflight entertainment system designers should be encouraged to select lower level electrical busses.A means should be provided for the crew to disconnect the IFE system from its source of power. The removal of power should occur as close to the bus supplying power as possible. The disabling/deactivating of component outputs is not considered an acceptable means to remove power (disabling/deactivating the output of a power supply, seat electronic box, as opposed to removing input power to the system).Reliance on pulling system circuit breakers (CB) as the sole means to remove IFE system power is not acceptable. The use of CBs as a switch will degrade the CBs ability to trip at its rated current trip point.
Also note that for some IFE systems, CBs are not accessible during flight (For example, located in the electronics bay), or require the flightcrew to leave their seat to locate and pull the appropriate CBs.Although incorrectly rated and coordinated CBs were not found to be an issue during the reviews, as with any wiring, IFE system wiring must be protected by appropriately rated and coordinated CBs.The design and installation of the IFE system should be such that impact upon operational procedures is minimized. However, the airplane flight manual (AFM) must address any changes to normal, non-normal, and emergency procedures that are due to the installation of the IFE system. If IFE system power removal is accomplished by the cabin crew, then the cabin crew procedures should contain the appropriate information regarding power removal. Also, the AFM should be appropriately amended to inform the flightcrew that IFE system power removal is accomplished by the cabin crew. Revisions to the AFM should be coordinated with the flight test branch of your organization, and with the Aircraft Evaluation Group.
