Next Gen IFE

Walk up to the Gulfstream 650 with an I-Phone in your pocket and the aircraft asks if you would like to download the cabin control app. The “I” world is changing around us at speeds even computers can’t keep up with. So is In-Flight Entertainment known as IFE and Cabin Management Systems or CMS. Seamless connectivity that allows the passenger to move from home to office to aircraft without missing any voice or data has been around for a few years. Now with the app revolution, it goes one step beyond to cabin controls and entertainment selected from your device.

Not only does this mean lower cost IFE and CMS equipment, it also cuts the weight of having excessive monitors, DVD players and source equipment on board. In the cabin WIFI environment, these devices can “live stream” TV, Audio and Video directly to passengers hand held devices and portable pads. It also eliminates large switch panels located on side ledges and cabinets as well as many sub-control units buried in or under furniture.  

It starts with a Broad Band connection, typically operating over an Inmarsat SATComm System connected to a cabin distribution unit or server over a secure WIFI connection. Then by adding a SAT-TV connection or an Audio/Video on Demand System passengers can watch TV or movies by tapping on screen.

Sound simple, almost; there are numerous types of systems. Before you jump into one, find out the cost per minute of the service. These rates can vary but constant live streaming over long flights can come with high monthly bills. If you are upgrading and existing system, work with you modification center to select a system that will be compatible with your aircraft’s CMS/IFE backbone and the aircraft’s antenna.

Once you have created this “in-flight hot spot”, passengers can connect and control all cabin functions. This cuts down significantly on the miles or wires used in a traditional cabin management system. Weight is also cut significantly and these hand held devices are inexpensive and can be stored anywhere in the cabin. Intuitive Graphic User Interfaces or GUI’s, help the passenger access and control the system with little help from cabin crew.