New Analytics, Antenna and Cable Technology at AIX 2019

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

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. Photo: SmartSky Networks

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.

Viasat, China Satcom Bring IFC to Airlines Over China

In flight connectivity. Photo: Viasat

Viasat and China Satellite Communications (China Satcom) entered into a strategic partnership to jointly provide In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) services within China for domestic and international airlines. Viasat and China Satcom will help enable Viasat’s global airline customers to have roaming connectivity when flying over China; provide IFC service to domestic flights within China; and enable Chinese airlines to roam onto Viasat’s global network. China Satcom is a licensed telecommunications service provider in China and also owns and operates a Ka-band spotbeam satellite system in China, which is the only Ka-band system currently available for IFC service in the country. Yet today, only about four percent of flights within China are connected. “Our agreement with China Satcom is a significant step towards realizing a seamless global community of high performance IFC. China Satcom is now the only satellite operator and licensed service provider in China with the bandwidth resources to deliver the in-flight experience our airline customers have come to expect and depend on,” said Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, Commercial Aviation, Viasat. “Our partnership is a natural way to extend state-of-the-art services specific to China Satcom’s fleet and the China domestic market, and create a global roaming alliance for our existing and new domestic and international customers and the rapidly growing Chinese global commercial airline fleet. We are honored to work with China Satcom in China to make IFC-at-scale a reality.”

AIX 2019: Airlines Seek a Connected Aircraft Digital Sweet Spot

In January, the Lufthansa Group and the Lufthansa Innovation Hub established a new research alliance with Hopper focused on the subject of artificial intelligence. That was their third technology-related investment within a year, following investments in the startups Fleet Logistics and cargo.one. Photo: Lufthansa Group

HAMBURG, Germany  — Airlines must move faster in the digital world if they are to be successful. This was one of the key takeaways from the 2019 Aircraft Interior Expo’s (AIX) “Passenger Experience Conference” in Hamburg. The success of airlines is key for the satellite industry, given how many hope that selling bandwidth for connected transportation will be a driver for future revenue growth. Christian Langer, chief digital officer of Lufthansa Group says the airline industry can learn a lot from the automotive sector when it comes to innovation.
“Today, our industry has a unique position of fixing people to a seat for 10 hours. The car industry will be similar in the future. The innovation cycle of the automotive industry is much, much quicker. Our customers will compare experiences from the car. We have to speed up innovation cycles,” he said. An interesting fact that Langer pointed out, which again could have relevance to the satellite sector, is that $47 billion in venture capital (VC) was invested in the aerospace industry last year, significantly higher than in previous years. These start-ups could be key in driving a more progressive future for airlines. Langer admits Lufthansa is in the observer’s seat here, but says Lufthansa can learn from these companies. “We try to keep up the pace. How can we speed up internal processes to keep speed with a start-up? Speed is the thing we have to learn as a traditional company,” Langer said. Recently, Lufthansa announced it entered into a research alliance with Hopper focused on the subject of artificial intelligence. Lufthansa has made three technology-related investments within a year, following investments in the startups Fleet Logistics and cargo.one. By leveraging powerful machine learning and AI, Hopper’s proprietary technology accurately predicts flight and hotel prices and offers its users personalized recommendations at the optimal booking time, as well as alternative travel offers. This research project – in which the Lufthansa Group is making a multi-million-dollar investment – is an example of the direction airlines could head in the future. Langer also spoke about how airlines may have to change loyalty programs, as young people may no longer be interested in collecting miles and points in the same way. He spoke of things like car sharing, scooter rental perhaps having a broader appeal to young travelers. LEO at AIX One of the main speakers this morning was Johanna A Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, an airline that serves the residents of the Faroe Islands. It has fleet of three aircraft, soon to be four, and flies to 10 different countries. Interestingly, Atlantic Airways is working to provide connectivity services via Iridium’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation. It is working with AirFi, a provider of flexible IFE systems to provide these connectivity services. Even though it is a very small airline, it could be a sign of things to come in terms of other airlines eventually placing their operations in LEO technology. “We were a launch customer for AirFi LEO. Technology is helping us. We are cherry picking the best technology. We want everyone to have the same experience,” Bergi said. When looking at the connected aircraft a lot of emphasis/pressure will be placed on the likes of Boeing and Airbus to come up with the aircraft of the future that power this new layer of connectivity services. Anais Marzo da Costa, head of aircraft interiors marketing at Airbus, said there is a “mobile revolution” taking place with the number of smartphone users set to double from three to six billion over the next few years. In terms of connected aircraft, growth will also be pretty pronounced, going from 7,300 aircraft connected in 2017 to over 23,000 by 2025. This would clearly have huge implications for the satellite industry if we were to see this level of growth in the number of connected aircraft. “Things are moving quite fast,” said Marzo da Costa. “Smartphones are the number one traveler’s companion. There are more multiscreen environments. We are in a transition phase. Already 57 airlines were offering wireless IFE streaming in 2018. Airlines are developing personalized offers by mobile connectivity, data analytics. According to research, 27 percent of passengers would be happy to share personal data, if it leads to a better customer experience.” However, there were some grey areas, particularly when it comes to deciding who owns the customer data, whether airlines or the customers themselves. As airlines become more and more connected this will be a key issue. The overriding message is that airlines are going to move with more speed in terms of their digital strategies and undoubtedly consume more bandwidth to enable these strategies, which can only be good news for the satellite sector.

EASA Proposes New Aircraft Cybersecurity Certification Amendments

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is proposing new cybersecurity amendments to the way aircraft electronic networks and systems are certified. Under the new amendments, manufacturers and operators seeking certification of new aircraft systems and networks or modifications to existing ones will be required to address threats that can lead to unauthorized access and disruption of electronic information or electronic aircraft system interfaces. EASA is proposing the new amendments to address the growing presence of connectivity within modern aircraft network designs. “Since aircraft systems are increasingly connected, and thus potentially vulnerable to security threats, EASA needs to consider the state-of-the-art means of protection against these threats when certifying new products or parts,” the agency said in the NPA. EASA identified seven different certification specifications areas, including technical regulatory requirements for business jets, commercial airliners and rotorcraft. Amendments were developed based on recommendations provided by an Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) that was tasked by the FAA with standardizing the way aircraft systems are protected from emerging cyber threats. The amendments will also introduce more harmonization between EASA and FAA regulations. As more satellite and air to ground-based connectivity has been introduced onto aircraft over the last decade, the industry has relied upon the separation of aircraft networks into three different domains: aircraft control, airline information and passenger information domains. EASA’s proposed amendments focus solely on protecting the aircraft control domain, which features safety-critical flight controls used by pilots. As aircraft system designs evolve from point-to-point data bus communications to standardized protocols connected by switched Ethernet, they are increasingly susceptible to new cyber threats. “These interconnections are susceptible to new threats, which may potentially have catastrophic effects on the safety of air transport. Those threats are caused by unauthorized electronic interaction that can be triggered by human action either intentionally or unintentionally,” the agency said. The proposed amendments come as cyber attacks on airline and aircraft networks are increasingly occurring. As an example, in October 2018, Cathay Pacific reported the largest data breach ever suffered by a commercial airline when a hacker accessed information about 9.4 million of its customers. Alaska Airlines was also at the center of a major attack in 2017 when it merged with Virgin America. Researchers with cybersecurity firm IOACTIVE also demonstrated their ability in late 2017 to hack into a live commercial aircraft satellite communications modem. EASA made it clear within the proposed amendments though that it is only concerned with threats to the safe operation of aircraft or continued airworthiness of systems or parts. Those would not include the type of attack demonstrated by IOACTIVE, or the data breach suffered by Cathay. EASA is seeking industry comments on the new amendments through May 22, 2019, and expects to make a decision on implementing the new rules by the third quarter.

Air Esurfing Named Honeywell JetWave Sole Distributor in China

JetWave hardware being installed on an aircraft. Photo: Honeywell Aerospace

AirMedia Group revealed that one of its subsidiaries, Air Esurfing (ARE), has been selected as the sole distributor of Honeywell‘s next-generation JetWave satellite communications hardware in China. This gives Chinese airlines access to a solution that aims to provide high-speed, in-flight Wi-Fi service. According to the release, Honeywell’s JetWave satellite communications hardware aims to provide high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi service worldwide by establishing Ka-band communication links with the Global Xpress Network of the International Maritime Satellite Organization (Inmarsat Aviation) and satellite ChinaSat 16 and ChinaSat 18. “China plays a significant role in our global growth and we are committed to working with local partners to help advance the country’s aviation industry,” said Honeywell Aerospace President of Asia Pacific Steven Lien. “This exciting cooperation with ARE gives Chinese airlines a competitive edge in a globalized market – providing them with hardware and connectivity that delivers in-flight Wi-Fi with in-office speed.”

Alaska Airlines Adds Gogo 2Ku IFC

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737. Photo: Alaska Airlines

Gogo and long-time partner, Alaska Airlines, launched Gogo 2Ku high-speed connectivity and Gogo Vision wireless In Flight Entertainment (IFE) on an A321neo featuring the airline’s redesigned cabin interior. Alaska will have satellite Wi-Fi powered by 2Ku available to guests on most of its Boeing and Airbus mainline fleet by the end of 2020. Gogo 2Ku is an In Flight Connectivity (IFC) solution and delivers an internet experience comparable to what guests have on the ground, including the ability to stream video from popular streaming video services. 2Ku also has global coverage, which means guests onboard Alaska aircraft will have service nearly everywhere they fly — even over the ocean to Hawaii, where connectivity was not previously available. “Gogo 2Ku is a key feature of the seamless digital experience created by Alaska as part of its integration with Virgin America,” said Gogo Commercial Aviation President John Wade. “We are proud to be part of this transformation as two great airlines come together.”

StandardAero Awarded SmartSky STC for Embraer Jets

Cabin interior of Embraer’s Legacy 650 business jet. Photo: Embraer

StandardAero achieved the first supplemental type certificate (STC) for SmartSky’s in-flight connectivity system for an Embraer model aircraft type. Under the new STC, SmartSky’s system can be installed on the Embraer ERJ135/140/145 regional airliners and Legacy 600/650 business jets. The STC was awarded to StandardAero under its organization designation authorization from the FAA. The company is also working on additional SmartSky STCs for Embraer Legacy 450s and 500s, as well as Dassault Falcon 7X, 8X and 50EX models. “This allows a significant section of the aviation community to access SmartSky’s affordable and secure inflight connectivity solution,” says StandardAero Certification Services Director John Miedwig. SmartSky recently announced JetSuiteX as the official launch customer of its next-generation air to ground in-flight connectivity network. The company is anticipating full coverage across U.S. airspace by the end of 2019. Under the new STC, SmartSky’s system can be installed on the Embraer ERJ135/140/145 regional airliners and Legacy 600/650 business jets. The STC was awarded to StandardAero under its organization designation authorization from the FAA. The company is also working on additional SmartSky STCs for Embraer Legacy 450s and 500s, as well as Dassault Falcon 7X, 8X and 50EX models. “This allows a significant section of the aviation community to access SmartSky’s affordable and secure inflight connectivity solution,” says StandardAero Certification Services Director John Miedwig. SmartSky recently announced JetSuiteX as the official launch customer of its next-generation air to ground in-flight connectivity network. The company is anticipating full coverage across U.S. airspace by the end of 2019.

#GCAPODCAST Ep. 8: Wheels Up CSO Miles Rogers

Miles Rogers is the chief strategy officer of Wheels Up. Photo: Wheels Up.

On this episode, we talked to Wheels Up Chief Strategy Officer Miles Rogers about in-flight calling, web surfing and how his company is becoming the Uber of private air travel.

Previously, Rogers served senior vice president at Marquis Jet and NetJets from 2004-2014. Since joining Wheels Up in 2014, he has played an integral role in the marketing, branding, and business development of Wheels Up working with numerous Fortune 500 companies, media outlets and brand ambassadors including Serena Williams, Wayne Gretzky, Russell Wilson, Sidney Crosby among others.

Check out the new episode in the link below, or download it from Apple Podcasts.

Addvalue, Avionica to Develop New SwiftBroadband Aircraft Terminals

Singapore-based satellite communications terminal maker Addvalue has a new partnership with Miami-based avionics manufacturer Avionica to start developing a new generation of Swift Broadband aircraft terminals. Under the partnership, Addvalue will provide satellite connectivity components while Avionica will develop the new system’s avionics and provide system integration and certification. A key component of the partnership is Inmarsat’s Swiftbroadband internet protocol-based network. It will provide the medium through which the new terminal will transmit aircraft data transmissions and voice communications between controllers and pilots. The terminals are being developed for commercial airliners, Sean Reilly, vice president of development for Avionica, told Avionics International.
“Using SwiftBroadband terminals will enhance safety by incorporating voice and data communications as part of the SwiftBroadBand operations. We’re taking SBB technology, which is already in use today, and adding air traffic control services over the same network. We see this as a way to maximize the value of aircraft data through the combined use of more real-time and reliable data connectivity,” Reilly said. The new partnership is Avionica’s effort to continuing ascending within the connected aircraft ecosystem of manufacturers, service providers and operators. In May 2018, the company established a new joint venture with GE Aviation. The joint venture pairs Avionica’s mixture of lightweight flight data management avionics with GE’s extensive lineup of digital aircraft analytics platforms. Reilly said the partnership with Addvalue will enable the delivery of aircraft data over the SwiftBroadband link to products and services that are provided by GE. “The terminal is designed to be used as part of the current satellite system. It will be fully integrated into the aircraft’s voice and data communications. We’re strictly using Inmarsat L band,” he said. Addvalue’s partnership with Avionica will also be its first move to break into the commercial aviation market, as the company’s 15-year history has focused on developing communication terminals for mobile satellite systems within other markets. The company will also provide post-production maintenance support on the new terminals for Avionica’s customers based in the Asia Pacific region. The two companies expect to bring the new terminals to the market in early 2020. “The partnership with Avionica signifies a watershed in the history of Addvalue as it extends our business portfolio into the exciting and fast growing aviation market,” Addvalue CEO Colin Chan said of the new partnership.

Mobile World Congress: Telcos Look to AI and 5G

Telefonica CEO José María Álvarez-Pallete López speaking at Mobile World Congress. Photo: Telefonica

The rise and rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) was at the heart of many keynote presentations on day one of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. JosĂ© MarĂ­a Álvarez-Pallete LĂłpez, chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telefonica — one of the world’s biggest telcos — spoke of how networks will get smarter as they become AI-driven. He gave the interesting statistic that mobile data traffic is growing at more than 50 percent every year, and said no other sector comes close to this level of growth. Interestingly, he was one of the speakers that urged governments not to look at 5G as a cash cow. “Why do we need to acquire the same spectrum over and over again? We need a refresh, and a bold regulatory approach,” he said. “The aim of regulators should be to reduce regulation. Governments are using spectrum as cash generators. Spectrum needs to be awarded for a longer period of time.” LĂłpez spoke of the new global data sphere, and how we are flooded with data. However, he spoke of how this data revolution could help revolutionize sectors such as transportation and health, and how data now powers “information factories.” “People give it (data) away in exchange for free services. Data should be treated as a new factor of production. Data is like dignity. It has its own value. We need a data bill of rights. This will take a forward-looking approach. In Telefonica, we want to put customers in control of their data. We are working on a data portability model for our customers,” he said. He also spoke of telcos being responsible business spreading the benefits of intelligent connectivity. “We need to have more sustainable business models. We need to do business in a financially, in socially responsible and environmental way. The opportunity is amazing,” he said. Another company that spoke was SingTel, an Asian telco, that has spread far beyond the boundaries of Singapore. Singel CEO Chua Sock Koong stated that mobile connectivity transforms the life of billions. The statistics she gave were quite mind boggling. More than two thirds of people are now connected to mobile. There are 8.8 billion mobile connections. There are 3.3 billion mobile internet users, There will be 1.3 billion 5G subscribers in 2025. 5G goes beyond just connecting people — it makes Internet of Things (IOT) applications a reality. There will more than 25 billion global IOT connections by 2025, and data-driven value creation will reach $4.6 trillion. However, while Chua talked about the potential opportunity for telcos, she spoke with a degree of caution similar to Lopez. “Mobile revenue growth is stagnating even if data growth is growing rapidly with 400 percent data growth by 2025. There is subdued mobile revenue growth on mobile operators who are investing billions on new networks. There is a dichotomy taking place here,” she said. GSMA Director General Mats Granryd spoke of the benefits of 5G and said that the industry needed to move beyond just connectivity to “intelligent connectivity.” Although he spoke about its applications in several areas, he highlighted how AI and intelligent connectivity can help in healthcare He said, “Tuberculosis kills more than any other disease in the world — 2000 people will die today from it. With Big Data, we can predict where the next outbreak will happen, and put up treatment centers. The possibilities for intelligent connectivity are endless. Doctors can also perform real time remote surgery.” Like others, he urged governments around the world not to engage in a short-term land grab. “If the mobile ecosystem would be a country, we would take the place of Germany as the fourth largest in the world,” he said. “We are at the heart of the global industry. We need a framework for the digital age. Our message to governments is: don’t get short-term greedy and kill the golden goose.” European Commission The European Commission (EC) Digital Economy and Society Commissioner Mariya Gabriel spoke of her ambitions to make Europe a global leader in terms of 5G and AI. She said that the EC has supported investments in research. “We have set-up a large scale European 5G piloting structure. European operators will launch 5G services commercially this year. Europe has to keep pace with other regions,” she said. Gabriel said she was “well aware” of the unrest with the key actors in telecoms players around cybersecurity. She also said it was the EC’s intention to give a major boost to AI related research and innovation. “We want to reach $22.6 billion (20 billion euros) in AI-related investment,” she said. Context Not surprisingly, satellite wasn’t mentioned at all during the first morning. However, reading between the lines, telcos are using statistics to show their need for spectrum. All were talking about the inflection point of 5G, AI, blockchain, and Big Data leading to the biggest revolution of modern times. However, with wireless players hinting at how they need to make more profits from their huge investments in 5G, the stage is set for an interesting few years ahead. There is no doubt that the fusion of AI and 5G in this new data world will lead to new digital economies where more digital skills will be needed. The new industrial revolution is happening. The question is — what role will the satellite industry play in this revolution? That is to be determined.