AeroMod International and SITAONAIR today jointly announce a partnership to install SITAONAIR wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) services on Philippine Airlines. The rapid installation program will see AeroMod International deploy a consistent cabin experience across Philippine Airlines fleet and implement the systems in record time.
This industry leader in avionics and airplane structural modification and repair services commenced installation of the SITAONAIR wireless IFE system on Philippine Airlines’ Airbus A321 fleet in July. Under the program, Philippine Airlines will have one wireless IFE-installed aircraft returned to service every day.
PAL is fitting wireless IFE to its A321 fleet. Image: SITAONAIR
“This agreement with a worldwide aircraft connectivity leader such as SITAONAIR capitalizes on our growth to provide operational support to customers around the world,” says AeroMod President Gary Girard.
Market analysis by AeroMod reveals that only 13 percent of non-U.S. airlines have wireless IFE fully deployed. Despite this, a recent SITA survey of passengers worldwide showed IFE is now more commonly consumed via Wi-Fi on a personal device, rather than on the aircraft’s seat-back screen (46% vs 44%, with 10% using both). Additionally, two thirds (65%) of passengers would choose to access it via their own devices if wireless IFE was available.
Installation on PAL. Image: SITAONAIR
Improving the customer experience is a key driver for commercial airlines, and wireless IFE systems allow a wide range of content to be made available directly to passengers’ personal devices. SITAONAIR’s system delivers reliability and cost savings as well as easy installation and maintenance. Now with AeroMod rapid installations, these products can be rolled out across an entire airline’s fleet in a matter of weeks. All combine to make an especially appealing fit for airlines.
“86% of passengers take a smartphone onto a plane and they would prefer to also use them to access IFE,” says David Lavorel, CEO of SITAONAIR. “These networks therefore need to be highly robust in order to deliver HD quality video to all passengers. AeroMod has an enviable track record for installations that are both of exceptional quality and are turned around quickly, getting the planes back in the air as soon as possible.”
AeroMod relocated its corporate headquarters to Orlando Melbourne International Airport in April 2016. Its new 114,000-square-foot site takes advantage of Melbourne’s position as the fastest growing aviation and aerospace manufacturing center in the United States.
BYOD is becoming very common. Image: SITAONAIR
“Our new facility was designed to offer connectivity and IFE installations significantly faster than other MROs,” says Girard. “To prevent fleet-planning disruption, we can also adapt to customers’ needs and send a qualified team to the customer’s chosen location, anywhere in the world, as we have been doing for Philippines Airlines.”
Philippine Airlines is the national carrier of the Philippines, operating in over 40 international and over 30 domestic destinations. Its key focus areas are flight route network expansion, fleet modernization and service innovation. PAL aims to achieve five-star rating in five years by implementing key initiatives anchored on the branding philosophy Heart of the Filipino.
About AeroMod International
AeroMod International serves as an FAA and EASA-certified Part 145 Repair Station capable of repairing, replacing and modifying components on narrow and wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, rapid installations of inflight connectivity and entertainment systems, The company, best known for its industry leading turnaround times, often in half the time of its competitors, has demonstrated experience with Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 aircraft as well as Airbus 319, 320, 321, 330 and 340 aircraft.
AeroMod’s capabilities include a wide range of global support services, including program management, planning and scheduling, line maintenance up to A-Checks, heavy maintenance up to C-Checks, end-of-lease reconfiguration, training, repair and overhaul and an array of airframe and avionics modifications.
About SITAONAIR
SITAONAIR is a fully owned subsidiary of SITA, the world’s air transport IT and communications specialist. SITAONAIR helps airlines realize the full potential of the connected aircraft, providing connectivity solutions for air traffic management, communications, infrastructure and applications.
