China's FTS enters seatback IFE market with 4K wireless solution

Beijing-based avionics and digital systems provider FTS Technologies says it is fielding strong interest in China and elsewhere for its new open-platform wireless IFE system — which gives airlines the option of adding lightweight 4K seatback displays — plus its new cargo hold surveillance solution.

“This is brand new. We are working together with airlines, and… actually we receive a lot of demand. So, we are working together with the airlines to do the tests and, in the process, to get the certification for the wireless IFE and the surveillance system,” said FTS GM International Cooperation Shaojie Zhang.

Years before the Covid pandemic, FTS was making its mark in the crowded wireless IFE market. And in 2017, management told Runway Girl Network that in-seat wireless smart displays were in the cards. But the pandemic stymied its growth with overseas customers, including for its XstreamSAT-branded inflight connectivity system and other avionics hardware.

It is now thrilled to be back on the international map with new products, including a 4K wireless IFE solution, dubbed XSTREAM IFE, as showcased on stand at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

“We’re really happy to finally come back to the international market again,” Zhang told Runway Girl Network at the show.

“So, this is the first time we showcase these two new product lines,” she added in reference to the new wireless IFE system with in-seat displays and the cargo surveillance system.

The company is offering thin displays sized 11”, 13” and 15” to accompany its new wireless IFE system for those airlines that want to provide passengers with an in-seat experience as opposed to streaming to passengers’ own devices. But FTS offers both iterations including BYOD.

A head-end server and cabin WAPs support this streaming solution.

The hardware is made in China, but FTS reckons XSTREAM IFE will attract business outside of China as well, including for those airlines who are perhaps not ready to offer broadband inflight connectivity.

So, FTS is effectively looking to become a seatback IFE provider, we asked in Hamburg?

“We think this could be an opportunity for us out of China,” Zhang confirmed.

In-seat IFE market players include Panasonic Avionics, Safran Passenger Innovations, Thales, AERQ and Delta Flight Products, the latter having famously installed wireless seatback IFE on some aircraft.