Aviation

AirFi’s Wireless IFE Now Available on 10 New Etihad Airbus A320s

Etihad Airways has enhanced the passenger experience on its Airbus A320 fleet by integrating AirFi’s cutting-edge wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform.

This upgrade, which saw 10 Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with AirFi’s technology, marks a significant leap forward in the airline’s in-flight service offerings.

From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad’s newly equipped A320 aircraft now provide passengers with complimentary access to a diverse range of in-flight entertainment via their mobile devices.

By connecting to the onboard Wi-Fi network powered by AirFi’s portable streaming technology, travelers can stream a wide selection of premium content, mirroring the high-quality experience found across Etihad’s entire fleet.

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The swift implementation of this upgrade is notable, with the AirFi platform going live in under a month following the signing of the contract between Etihad and AirFi. This rapid turnaround underscores the efficiency and commitment of both parties in enhancing passenger comfort and entertainment.

Egle Paleviciute, AirFi’s Sales Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “As a national carrier of the UAE, Etihad is a very discerning airline with incredibly high standards and a clear vision of its future as part of its ‘Journey 2030’ growth plan, so working with them is an honour. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will bring Etihad’s exceptional content library and award-winning user experience to more passengers than ever before.”

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The AirFi box, integral to this upgrade, not only facilitates the streaming of entertainment but also supports AirFi’s broader range of airline solutions. These include Connected Crew and AirFi LEO Connectivity, the latter of which earned the 2023 Crystal Cabin Award for best IFEC and Digital Services.

With the potential for expanding this agreement to include additional aircraft, the collaboration between Etihad Airways and AirFi signifies a major step in the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional in-flight experiences, etihad premium economy aligning with its ambitious “Journey 2030” growth strategy.

Aviation

Airbus Enhances A350 Cabin with 10-Abreast Seating

Airbus has announced a new partnership with Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, a Chinese aircraft seating manufacturer, to supply upgraded economy-class seats for the A350 widebody series.

This collaboration, unveiled at the 2024 Airshow China, focuses on developing a newly designed economy seat tailored for the A350‘s New Production Standard (NPS) cabin.

One of the key features of the NPS cabin is the ability to accommodate 17-inch wide economy seats, compared to the previous 16.5-inch wide seats that airlines were limited to in the A350’s earlier configurations.

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This change is made possible by the expanded space in the NPS cabin, which is 35 inches longer and 4 inches wider than the previous version. This extra space is achieved by slightly moving the cockpit wall forward and shifting the rear pressure bulkhead back by one frame.

The wider cabin allows airlines to add up to 30 extra economy seats without compromising comfort. For airlines opting for a 3-4-3 seating layout, the 17-inch wide seats are an excellent choice for a more comfortable passenger experience. However, some airlines, such as Iberia, may choose to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats for added comfort.

The NPS cabin also offers enhanced flexibility for airline operators. One major advantage is the ability to easily switch between a 9-abreast and 10-abreast seating configuration without requiring significant downtime for aircraft reconfiguration. Airlines can use the same seat rails, tracks, and IFE interfaces, making the transition smoother and quicker.

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In addition, the design of the floor attachments and air-conditioning systems has been optimized for 10-abreast seating, meaning airlines can upgrade their cabins without needing to make substantial modifications to the aircraft’s structure.

Though it’s still unclear when Jiatai’s economy-class seats will be officially added to the A350’s Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) catalogue, the collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the A350’s cabin offerings.

With this partnership, Airbus is providing more seating options for airlines, ensuring that they can meet diverse customer needs while improving overall operational efficiency.