AERQ is shuttering operations after facing significant obstacles in its bid to enter the embedded inflight entertainment space.
Founded in 2019 as a joint venture between South Korean multinational technology conglomerate LG Electronics and MRO giant Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg-based AERQ was working to bring a digital cabin solution to airlines inclusive of in-seat displays and digital signage with large OLED screens.
German leisure carrier Discover Airlines has been flying AERQ’s so-called AERENA in-seat product onboard an Airbus A320 since the springtime, as part of a test campaign.
“Although the AERENA product has so far met all expectations in terms of features, quality, and customer satisfaction in ongoing flight operations, AERQ was facing significant obstacles to enter a very sensitive market for IFE systems,” AERQ says in a statement.
“For this reason, the shareholders have mutually agreed to conclude AERQ’s journey here and part ways. AERQ’s operations will, as a result, cease with immediate effect.”
The embedded IFE market is competitive; stalwart players include Panasonic Avionics, Safran Passenger Innovations and Thales, and each enjoys linefit offerability at airframers.
AERQ’s proposition included making airlines “the playmaker” of their cabin experience and its AERENA offering enabled instant onboarding of third party applications.
The company’s 180 employees in Hamburg have been informed of its decision to discontinue operations.
“The orderly closure will be concluded as part of a wind-down procedure, which is currently being prepared,” says the firm.
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- AERQ presents new use cases for OLED screens in the cabin
Featured image credited to AERQ
