FTS announces at the APEX EXPO Boston 2018 that it has signed a landmark agreement to equip Donghai Airlines fleet with its XStream-SAT Next Generation Inflight Broadband system, featuring Ka-band satcom.
The agreement is significant as it will be first fully “Connected Aircraft” implementation in China to integrate both cockpit and passenger cabin applications over inflight broadband connectivity service.
Donghai Airlines is a private airline headquartered in Shenzhen China that started commercial flights in 2006. It flies to over 41 destinations and operates the youngest fleet in China, comprising 18 B737-800 averaging less than 2.5 years in age.
Mr. Yang Jianhong, CEO of Donghai Airlines said, “Our vision of “Connected Aircraft” is not merely just Wi-Fi streaming IFE. With full integration of front and back cabin applications over inflight broadband, we aspire to offer unparalleled passenger experience, improve air travel safety, efficiency and quality.”
Rich Salter, Chief Technology Officer of FTS added, “The seamless integration of the aircraft data network with the airline’s IT infrastructure enables the aircraft to become more intelligent and data-centric. Airlines can provide precise support to flights through analysis of real time data transmitted via the air-ground broadband network. By remote monitoring of flight systems’ performance and leveraging AI deep learning, airlines can even preemptively predict defects, recommend preventive measures and thereby greatly improve flight reliability.”
Under the agreement, Donghai Airlines’ fleet will be installed with FTS XStream-SAT Inflight Broadband Connectivity system, featuring a Ka-band satcom sub-system and highspeed cabin wireless network. Apart from front cabin applications, passengers can expect to browse the Internet, interact on social networks, watch live TV and shop on e-commerce sites using their own mobile devices.
FTS will be sharing its full range of Connected Aircraft solutions and also unveiling new innovations at the APEX Expo 2018 in Boston USA, booth #1015, from 24 to 27 Sep 2018.
About FTS
FTS Technologies Inc. is a fast growing provider of full turnkey in-flight wireless entertainment and connectivity solutions for the aviation industry. FTS designs and manufactures its own aircraft hardware, software, mobile apps and cloud backend to offer a cost-competitive yet powerful integrated platform to elevate airlines’ service offering and optimize ancillary revenue. The company’s XStream-LITE Inflight WiFi Networking system has EASA and FAA STC, and FTS has already signed agreements with airlines for its XStream-SAT Inflight Connectivity solution. FTS is a global company with regional offices located in the USA, Singapore, Europe and China.
Featured image credited to istock.com/JakeOlimb
