News
APAC carriers ink significant avionics deals on the heels of new IATA IFE statistics
October 28th 2016
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) last week announced the results of its 2016 Global Passenger Survey (GPS) which showed that passengers are looking for technology to improve their travel experiences. Read More » One of the GPS’ key findings was that air travellers want to stay fully connected when flying. Moreover, 51% (+12% year-on-year) of those surveyed said they would prefer to use their own devices on-board - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - to access entertainment options.
With availability of Wi-Fi connectivity continuing to have a direct impact on the overall air travel experience, adopting the latest on-board Wi-Fi technology remains an effective way for carriers to gain new customers and distinguish their brand.
On said note, Shanghai’s China Eastern Airlines on Wednesday announced a deal with Rockwell Collins for the firm’s PAVES on-demand in-flight entertainment (IFE) system to be installed on 30 incoming B737NGs and 60 B737 MAX aircraft.
Additionally, Rockwell Collins will provide China Eastern with various avionics systems to be installed on 15 of the carrier’s A330s, 70 A320neos, 50 B737NGs and 60 B737 MAX aircraft based on aircraft configuration, such as MultiScan ThreatTrack weather radar, GLU-925 Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR) and Head-up Guidance System (HGS).
Earlier this week, on Monday, China Eastern announced a deal with Panasonic Avionics for the firm’s eX3 inflight entertainment system and eXConnect Ku-band Wi-Fi for its 20 incoming A350s and 15 B787s.
China Eastern, in a tie-up with China Telecom Satellite, was the first Mainland carrier to offer Panasonic's global Wi-Fi service on domestic flights and it has since extended the offering to some of its international routes. With this latest deal, the Shanghai carrier’s entire wide body fleet will be equipped with Panasonic's high-speed communications services.
China Eastern CEO, Ma Xulun, said the state-controlled carrier “understands” its customers’ needs “for a premium inflight experience”, and given its proven track record, China Eastern looks forward to “strengthening” its “extremely successful relationship” with Panasonic Avionics.
The Lake Forest, California, headquartered IT solutions provider sealed another deal this week. French Polynesia flag carrier, Air Tahiti Nui, ordered eX3 IFE and eXConnect Wi-Fi for its four on-order B787-9s with deliveries in 2018-19. The -9s will replace the airline’s five A340-300s currently flying to Narita, Los Angeles and Paris.
Arguably the week’s most significant avionics deal came from Dubai, where Emirates Airline selected Thales’ AVANT inflight entertainment (IFE) system for its incoming fleet of 150 B777Xs from 2020. To underline the importance of this agreement, Thales said it will set up a maintenance and repair shop in Dubai, plus an innovation centre, at which Thales and Emirates engineers will brainstorm “future passenger engagement initiatives and programs in the air and on the ground.”
