Panasonic Avionics at AIX 2019 unveiled its new Insights cloud-based data analytics platform, and the latest solution set of its NEXT platform. Photo: Panasonic Avionics
Avionics manufacturers and aircraft connectivity service providers are responding to airlines' demands for faster connection speeds, more flexible architectures and aircraft data analytics platforms at the 2019 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2019 in Hamburg, Germany.
Here are some of the newest connected aircraft technologies and components that made their public debut on the second day of AIX.
Panasonic Unveils ‘Insights' Data Analytics
Panasonic unveiled the latest component of its NEXT platform: a cloud-based analytics solution that harvests data from onboard and third-party sources from a wide range of touchpoints, including entertainment, connectivity, social media, location and weather monitors. It analyzes this data to help airlines improve the onboard passenger experience, pre-emp maintenance needs and drive revenue. Airlines will also have access to seasonal and temporal trends data through Insights, with the ability to benchmark their performance against industry averages and KPIs.
Insights will be accessible via a secure dashboard on mobile devices. It has two components: A Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application and Consulting. The SaaS component offers the data and insights described above while the Consulting piece offers airlines tailored solutions for specifics challenges. Consulting will also release monthly trends reports based on Panasonic's global data, available by monthly subscription.
"Airlines today have access to more data points than ever before, and Panasonic's Insights solution takes all the leg-work out of analyzing and leveraging that data," said David Bartlett, chief technology officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
"By fully integrating Insights across every aspect of their passenger experience, airlines will be able to use the information it delivers to optimize their passenger experience and business performance," he added. "It is solutions like this that will enable airlines to remain competitive in the saturated market place and continue to grow their market share."
Insights will be available in the second half of 2019, according to Panasonic.
Viasat's Second-Generation Hybrid Ku/Ka-band System
Photo: ViaSat
Viasat has a new second-generation Ku-/Ka-band shipset, including a hybrid antenna and complimentary radome. The shipset will allow airlines to provide connectivity via today's Ku- and Ka-band networks as well as prepare for the global ViaSat-3 constellation planned for launch in 2021 and 2022.
"Hybrid antenna systems are not new to Viasat–we have nearly two decades of experience deploying and managing these systems," said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager for commercial Aviation at Viasat. "Similar to the first generation, Viasat's latest dual-band system promotes smooth transitions among multiple satellite beams across Ku- and Ka-band networks."
When flying on routes with the hybrid shipset installed, customers will have in-flight access to all Ka-band satellites currently participating in Viasat's global network. When out of Ka-band coverage, service will switch to the Ku-band network. Once the Viasat-3 constellation is fully deployed – which the company estimates will happen in 2022 – global Ka-band coverage will be available.
SmartSky Selects Gore's Vapor-Sealed 7 Series Cable Assemblies
Gore's vapor-sealed 7 Series cables. (SmartSky)
SmartSky Networks selected Gore's vapor-sealed 7-series for their new in-flight connectivity system that provides 4G LTE air-to-ground (ATG) connection in aircraft such as the Embraer ERJ-135 operated by JetSuiteX. The connectivity system has now received supplementary type certification for the ERJ-145.
"Gore's 7 Series is high performance and exceptionally reliable, enabling a real fit-and-forget installation to exceed our customers' expectations now and for many years to come," said Darren Emery, vice president for product support at SmartSky.