APEX Experience 6.2 March/April

promotional class

light lounge

kid class

social class

interaction zone

click class

cinema class

quiet zone

volume 6, edition 2 | march - april 2016

airline passenger

official publication of the airline passenger experience association

Seats That Fly

An in-depth tour of Recaros headquarters

and seat factory

Best in ClassThese cabin concepts will lure you out of your comfort zone, in a good way

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Optimal PerformanceMechanical micro-horn technology has superior electromagnetic characteristics that result in the highest levels of performance.

Future ProofDesigned to form fit with existing antenna installations, retrofits in just four hours. Reverse compatible making upgrades easy. ARINC 791 compliant. Will be line-fit on 737/MAX/NG & 787.

Unique 3-axis precision pointing mechanism making it the first to provide truly global coverage from a single antenna.

Revolutionary Design

GLOBAL AIRCONNECT Antenna SystemGEE's next gen antenna for its AIRCONNECT connectivity solution utilizes cutting edge design features including unparalleled 3-axis satellite pointing mechanism, proven mechanical micro-horn precision and unique oval shape for aerodynamics and reduced drag. The new antenna weighs only 90 lbs and will be available for installation June, 2016.

BandwidthInstantaneous bandwidth across the full 2GHz Ku band provides both wide and spot beam capabilities to support additional services such as IPTV and Media Loading.

Learn how GEE enhances your inflight experience at GEEmedia.com

Apex Full Page.indd 1 2016-02-02 11:04 AM

serenity S1Astonishing high definition sound performance in three exciting formats

headphones

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SerenityS1headphonesexpertlybalancebeautifulproductaestheticswithadurabledesigncapableofmeetingthegruellingdemandsofthecabinenvironment.Allthis,whilstprovidingastonishingHD-PA-compliantsoundperformance,superiorcomfortandasuiteof innovativefeatures, includingOpen-eartouch.Tofindoutmore,pleasevisitusat:

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With our superior 2Ku technology running on the most powerful global network, Gogo will help you get the most out of inflight connectivity. Leveraging 20+ years of combined experience connecting commercial and business aircraft, our innovative products are unlocking new opportunities for our partners to delight their customers and empower their crews.

The catalyst for advancing aviation

Stop by booth 3B30 at AIX to find out more.www.gogoair.com/aix

2016 Gogo LLC. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Ad Index

A Loot at Mediawww.alookat.com > See page 50

Airborne Interactive Ltdwww.airborne.aero > See page 61

Airbuswww.airbus.com> See insert after page 66

Astronics Armstrong Aerospacewww.astronics.com > See page 58

Astronics Corporation www.astronics.com > See pages 12 and 114

Avid Airlines Productswww.avidproducts.com > See page 36

Axinom www.axinom.aero > See page 31

BBC Global News Ltd. www.bbc.com > See page 149

B/E Aerospace www.beaerospace.com > See page 25

Betria Interactive LLC www.flightpath3d.com > See page 43

Bluebox Avionicswww.blueboxavionics.com > See page 26

Bose Corporation www.bose.com > See page 95

Carlisle Interconnect Technologieswww.carlisleit.com> See page 15

Dawson Media Directwww.dawsonmd.com See bellyband

Deutsche Telekomwww.telekom.com > See page 16

Deutsche Wellewww.dw.de > See page 129

digEcorwww.digecor.com > See page 39

Donicawww.donica.cn > See page 103

Emphasis Video Entertainment Limitedwww.emphasis-video.net > See page 129

Entertainment In Motionwww.skyfilms.com > See page 141

Eros Inflight Media Limitedwww.erosnow.com > See page 152

General Dynamicswww.gd-ots.com > See page 81

Geven www.geven.com > See page 28

Global Eagle Entertainment www.globaleagleent.com > See page 4

Gogo LLCwww.gogoair.com > See page 8

GuestLogix Incwww.guestlogix.com > See page 113

HBOwww.hboinflight.com > See page 146

Inflight Peripherals Ltd. www.ifpl.com > See page 83

Inflight Direct www.inflightdirect.com > See page 73

IMG Worldwide www.img.com > See pages 47 and 117

INSYS www.insys-tec.de > See page 100

Jaguar Distribution Corporationwww.jaguardc.com > See insert after page 34

Kid Systeme GmbHwww.kid-systeme.com > See page 88

Long Prosper Enterprise Company Limitedwww.longprosper.com > See page 19

LSG Sky Chefswww.lsgskychefs.com > See page 48

Lufthansa Systems www.lhsytems.com > See page 65

Lumexis Corporation www.lumexis.com > See page 21

NBC Universal Media, LLCwww.nbcuni.com > See page 139

Panasonic Avionics Corporationwww.panasonic.aero > See page 156

Paramount Pictureswww.paramount.com > See page 2

Pascall Electronicswww.pascall.co.uk > See page 78

Penny Black Mediawww.pennyblackmedia.com > See page 150

Phitek Systems Limitedwww.phitek.com > See page 54

Recaro Aircraft Seatingwww.recaro.com > See page 11

Rockwell Collins www.rockwellcollins.com > See page 23

Skycast Solutionswww.skycastsolutions.com > See page 120

Skyline IFE Limitedwww.skyline-ife.com > See page 144

Sony Pictures Releasing Corporationwww.sonypicturesinflight.com > See page 135

Soundchipwww.soundchip.ch> See page 6

Spafax www.spafax.com > See page 91

Stellar Entertainmentwww.stellargroup.com > See page 132-151, 155

Telefonix Inc. www.telefonix.com > See page 44

Turner Inflight Services www.turnerinflightservices.com > See page 52

Video Technology Services, Incwww.videotechnologyservices.com > See page 85

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Non-Theatricalwww.ebvnt.disney.com> See front cover

Warner Broswww.warnerbros.com > See page 137

W.L Gore & Associates GmbHwww.gore.com > See page 100

Zodiac In-Flight Entertainmentwww.imsco-us.com > See page 40

Advertisers Directory volume 6, edition 2march - april 2016

10 Airline Passenger Experience Association

apex experience Visit us at apex.aero

volume 6, edition 2

www.recaro-as.com

EXPERIENCE PERFORMANCE AT A HIGHER LEVELOur new premium seats in economy and business class

Welcome to the Aircraft Interiors Expo HamburgApril 5 7, 2016, hall B7, stand B20

Our innovative seating solutions allow for a wide range of configurations that can be customized to your specific requirements. With our comprehensive product and service offerings we are ready to serve you anywhere in the world.

Lets discuss your needs for an appointment at the Hamburg show,please contact our Sales Department or email us at [email protected].

Contents

98The Aging Traveler

In preparation for a growing bracket of senior passengers, airlines, original equipment manufacturers and suppliers are coming up with new ways to accommodate travelers with limited mobility and special needs. Howard Slutsken

109Star Power Down Under

Stellar Entertainments big move and headquarters overhaul marks more than a successful venture in interior design for the Australian content service provider. Katie Sehl

115Air Messenger

Airlines are proving that instant messaging platforms are more than just a fad theyre a smart way for businesses to engage with customers in an increasingly mobile world. Jordan Yermanph

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55Class Concepts

New ideas from Teague, Zodiac Aerospace, Airbus, Virgin and more are leaving traditional cabin configurations in the dust. Caroline Ku and Katie Sehl

Spring ForwardWhile youre running the industry event circuit, we anticipate trends inside the cabin, from tablet mounts to dreamy lighting. We also tour recaros schwbisch hall factory and contemplate some refreshing class concepts that are springing up. also, dont forget to stop and smell the tulips at apeX multimedia market in amsterdam.

> FeatureS

70Seats That Fly

Manufacturing seats for commercial aviation is a perplexing proposition, but on our exclusive tour of Recaros headquarters and factory, we learn that seat builders love a good problem. Katie Sehl

68 Heather PooleFlight Attendant

76 Jeff StanderskiSenior Vice-President, Information Management Systems, Rockwell Collins

86 Maura ChackoVice-President, Development, Spafax

96 Jovita TohChief Executive Officer, Encore Inflight Limited

106 Erdmann RauerChief Executive Officer, LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG

89Upping the Low-Cost Game

With competition among Europes budget airlines on the rise, the race to the bottom has become the race to the top, and passengers are reaping the rewards. Maryann Simson

> In ProFIle

volume 6, edition 2march - april 2016

Airline Passenger Experience Association

apex experience

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Follow us @theAPEXassoc

volume 6, edition 2

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Comfort & Ambience Entertainment & ConnectivityCatering & Services

> InduStry

29 Comfort With a Twist

Factorydesign draws inspiration from the human body. Jenn Wint

30 Sitting on AirLantal breathes fresh air into seat comfort with pneumatics. Katie Sehl

32 Dream SeatsWe ask interior designers to rethink aircraft seating. Katie Sehl

35 Material Expressions

Techy patterns and cozy textiles are in vogue this season. Maryann Simson

37 Light IdeasBoeing shares enlightening research on interior concepts. Howard Slutsken

38 Shells, Clamps and Mounts

Theres more than one way to affix devices to seats. Marisa Garcia

41 Rich AdvertisingAirlines are sitting on a mostly untapped gold mine of customer data. Fergus Baird

42 All the Rage for High Dynamic Range

From high definition to HDR, we explore the tech thats taking screens to new heights. Jordan Yerman

45 Connectivity Chatter

We know what passengers think about connectivity, but what does the industry think? Katie Sehl

46 Double the FunSecond-screening in flight opens more than a few portals. Marisa Garcia

49 Embedded Trip Advising

Passengers can now explore TripAdvisor on the fly. Damien Caissie

51 That Emoji Money

Airlines are realizing that to reach millennials, they have to talk their language. Caroline Ku

53 Getting CornyPopcorn might just be popping up on in-flight menus in the near future. Jason Kessler

> StAndbyS

20 Editors Letter

22 Featured Contributors

153 Room and Board

79 Roundtable: Entertainment Unwired

Industry experts share their thoughts on wireless in-flight entertainment. Marisa Garcia

121 Travelogue: Words From the Window Seat

This flight attendant shows that acts of kindness can have enormous reach. Taylor Tippett

154 Throwback: Lounge on Wheels

In the swinging 1960s, one architect thought that even off-boarding could be groovy. Caroline Ku

> APEX

17 CEOs Letter 18 Board News

24 APEX in Action

124 - 128 APEX News

130 IFSA News

> LIStIngS

132 Movie Listings

10 Advertisers Index




volume 6, edition 2

the power behind the european aviation networkWe are bringing in-flight connectivity to a higher level! Thanks to Deutsche Telekoms expertise in LTE technology, we are building the first-ever hybrid satellite and ground network called the European Aviation Network. It will link up around 300 LTE sites all over the continent, for high-speed Internet across the busy skies of Europe. Together with our partner, Inmarsat, we are delivering higher capacity, speeds and reliability making flying more enjoyable than ever.

For more information, go to inflight.telekom.net

CEOs Letter

APEXs scope of influence has grown over the past months as we have been invited to open and keynote several conferences across the aviation industry. At Aircraft Interiors Middle Easts Inflight Workshop, I proudly opened the conference with new APEX statistics demonstrating the importance of connectivity and in-flight entertainment for Middle Eastern passengers. At the Hamburg Aviation Conference, APEX unveiled European details on the airline passenger experience of you in front of major airline CEOs. The following week, at Air Connectivity 2016 in London, I opened the event by highlighting how in-flight connectivity has become non-negotiable to positively influence passenger experience across Europe. Finally, at EyeforTravels San Francisco Summit, I spoke alongside APEX Board member Michael Childers about the revolution occurring inside the connected aircraft. At these events, I gained insights from members and airline

executives covering APEXs needed and expanded role.

In the Middle East, an APEX member approached me to commend the proprietary global and regional data from our recent passenger survey. The exclusive member data provided his company with unique insights that complement his companys research.

While in San Francisco, a leading content provider expressed appreciation for the tireless work and advocacy of our Technical and Closed Captioning Working Groups. Coordinating and working closely with the Department of Transportation, the groups have been integral in making strides toward developing industry standards for hearing-impaired travelers, changes that will positively impact the next generation of IFE systems.

Finally, it was great to hear from so many people about how APEX leads the industry with the most relevant and comprehensive events. APEX will have the opportunity to

Dear APEX Members,

> Joe Leader chief executive officer

reach even further with exciting partnerships including Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, where we will host a C-Level Airline Briefing with Google. Detailed information on additional partnerships and APEX events are within these pages.

This is just the beginning. In the coming months we will be announcing amazing new APEX projects. Look out for the launch of the most objective and credible global evaluation of the airline passenger experience. APEX is also spearheading a project that will help studios and content service providers accurately monitor in-flight content activities.

I look forward to seeing you at APEX events, including MultiMedia Market, APEX TEC and APEX EXPO. As always, please feel free to reach out to me and our incredible APEX team directly to serve you in our common drive to improve the airline passenger experience.

Best regards,


apex experience

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volume 6, edition 2

Meet the Board

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apex bylaw changes Thank you to the members who voted on the late-2015 bylaw changes. APEX members approved all of the following:

> All Board of Director positions will be moved to two-year positions (instead of some one-year, some two-year) > The current Immediate Past President Board position is now simply Past President to allow flexibility if the Immediate Past President is not able to serve> Theres more flexibility for the Board to change or discount dues so that they can act more quickly when needed, such as when Board members seek to offer reduced rates for multi-year memberships> The 15-day timing restriction for Board elections has been removed so members can have more time, especially during the summer/holiday months, to cast their votes

c-level attendees at aixAPEX will host its first session devoted to C-level attendees at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg on April 6. E-mail [email protected] for details.

apex multimedia marketAt the time of publication, the MultiMedia Market, April 1820

in Amsterdam, is nearly a sold-out show! The first two days will include one-on-one appointments, with the third day devoted to educational sessions addressing crucial issues related to the future of the in-flight content industry. See our Q&A with MultiMedia Market Task Force chair ric Lauzon on page 125.

apex tecAPEX TEC, June 89, will be colocated with the Global Connected Aircraft Summit in Los Angeles. APEX TEC attendees can take advantage of discounted rates when registering for the Global Connected Aircraft Summit.See page 126 for more details.

nominations committeeThe Nominations Committee will be accepting applications for the Board of Directors later this spring. To receive a nomination form, contact Lauren Beneri, director of Programs and Services, at [email protected].

apex recognitionAPEX loves to recognize members who work hard to improve the association and the industry, so be on the lookout for applications to nominate Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Contribution award winners.

the apeX board of Directors is committed to keeping you, the apeX members, informed about ongoing board work and decisions through transparency. in addition to this dedicated space in every issue of APEX Experience magazine, the board sends e-mails after each quarterly meeting, sends direct e-mails to the membership and, at many events, hosts ask the board panels to receive feedback from members as well. apeX is an association for the members, by the members, which is why its equally important for the board to receive year-round communications from members.

> alfy Veretto presidentVirgin America

> Joan Filippini treasurerParamount Pictures

> Jo boundy Qantas Airways

> Maura Chacko Spafax

> brian richardson vice presidentAmerican Airlines

> Dominic green secretaryInflight Dublin

> linda Celestino past president

Etihad Airways

> Kevin bremer Boeing

> ric lauzon Air Canada

> Michael Childers Lufthansa Systems

> ingo wuggetzerAirbus



volume 6, edition 2

Board News

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DEAR READERS, welcome to our spring issue of APEX Experience magazine. In February I had the pleasure of visiting Recaros seating factory and headquarters in Schwbisch Hall, Germany. Watching a seat come together from individual parts to final assembly was impressive, but so too were the hidden stories in tiny details, such as the boardroom named Otto Lilienthal. Nicknamed The Glider King, Lilienthal (1848-1896) was a German pioneer of aviation who, among several other accomplishments, played a key role in convincing the public that flight was possible. His book Birdflight As the Basis of Aviation uplifted aerodynamics into a legitimate field of inquiry.

Belief in the not-yet-possible is a thread carried through several stories in this issue. In Class Concepts, we explore cabin configurations that push outside of our traditional comfort zones. The issue also covers groundbreaking developments in the entertainment sector, with low-cost carriers tapping previous unseen

digital potential and content service provider Stellar Entertainment carrying its storied legacy forward in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kindness is another theme, touched on openly by flight attendant and Instagrammer Taylor Tippett in Words From the Window Seat. Kindness, as a basis for understanding, undoubtedly leads to new ways of thinking. The Aging Traveler brings empathy and imagination together as it explores the ways design and services can be enhanced to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

I look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming shows. Until then, happy reading!

As we flock together to the seasons expos, APEX looks at the ideas that are springing the passenger experience industry forward. Mirroring nature, tradeshow floors will be abuzz with fresh ideas, innovations and surely some big partnership announcements.

Birds of a Feather

> Katie Sehl editor



Editors Letter

volume 6, edition 2

The Future of IFE

LUMEXIS.COM

AN EYE TO THE

FUTURE

COME AND SEE US ATAIRCRAFT INTERIORS EXPO

Stand 4B405-7 April 2016

Hamburg Messe, Germany

Contributors

Featured

Damien Caissie is a writer based in Montreal. He thinks a nap zone on transatlantic flights is a fantastic idea: Having a section that keeps both light and noise at a minimum would be an incredible gift and could perhaps mitigate the effects of jet lag. If he could choose his next seatmate, itd be Ice-T.

Wolfram Scheible has worked as a freelance photographer for 30 years, specializing in portraiture, business and science photography. The film Hachi: A Dogs Tale brought him to tears in flight, which may be why he thinks a Do Not Disturb sign and a Ready for Conversation sign might be useful.

Ashle Imbriale is a designer and illustrator based in Los Angeles. She thinks it would be rad if passengers could climate control their seats, and a concierge class that could help with local recommendations would take things to the next level. The last movie that made her cry in flight? The Lego Movie.

Taylor Tippett is a Chicago-based flight attendant and adventurer. If she could sit beside anyone on her next flight, itd be Ellen DeGeneres: I want to meet her so badly and talk about how kindness matters. Her pro tip: Always travel with an in-flight playlist. Find her on Instagram @taylortippett.

Read Damiens work on page> 49

See Ashles work on page> 51

Read Taylors work on page> 121

See Wolframs work on page> 70

EDITORIAL

> EditorKatie [email protected]

> Digital Editor Kristina [email protected]

> Copy Writer Caroline [email protected]

> Digital Specialist Ari Magnusson

> Research AssistantElla Ponomarov

> ContributorsFergus Baird, Damien Caissie, Jason Kessler, Maryann Simson, Howard Slutsken, Taylor Tippett, Jenn Wint, Jordan Yerman

ART

> Art DirectorNicolas [email protected]

> Graphic DesignerEva Dorsch

> ContributorsConstanza Bravo, Marcelo Cceres, scar Chvez, Coraje Estudio, Ashle Imbriale, Pablo Luebert, Fabrizio Morra, Jorge de la Paz, Clara Prieto, Ricardo Polo, Ana Rodrguez, Wolfram Scheible, Wonho Frank Lee

APEX Experience Magazine575 Anton Blvd, Ste 1020Costa Mesa, CA 92626+1 714 363 4900

> PublisherAl St. [email protected]

PRODUCTION

> Production DirectorJoelle Irvine

> Production ManagerFelipe Batista Nunes

> Assistant Copy EditorDeanna Dority

> Fact CheckersTara DupuisLeah Esau

> ProofreadersKatie MooreRobert Ronald

ADVERTISING

> Sales DirectorSteve [email protected]+44 207 906 2077

> Ad Production ManagerMary [email protected]

> Ad Production CoordinatorJoanna [email protected]

SPAFAX CONTENT MARKETING

> CEO, Spafax Content Marketing AmericasRaymond Girard

> Senior Vice-President, Content StrategyArjun Basu

Cover illustration by MarCelo CCeres

content on the go




volume 6, edition 2

Its time for a whole new way of thinking about passenger engagement. At Rockwell Collins, were investing in a powerful portfolio of solutions to help you engage, entertain and empower passengers. Not just in the cabin, but all the way from home to hotel and back again. Because when you connect them to their world, they connect with you.

Visit us at Aircraft Interiors Expo, hall B4, stand 4C40.

Wireless and fi xed IFEC systems

High-speed connectivity

Scalable suite of applications

Global enterprise solutions

rockwellcollins.com/cabinsolutions

Rethinkpassengerengagement.

2016 Rockwell Collins. All rights reserved.

Social

Do you have social photos that are

fit to print? E-mail submissions to

> [email protected]

1. Don Buchman, ViaSat, surprised to see his APEX Q&A wallpapered at the office.

2. Hello, stranger! Joe Leader, APEX, and Jon Norris, Lumexis, run into each other en route to Hamburg.

3. Kian Teik Beh, Office for Space Technology and Industry, and Rupert Pearce, Inmarsat, at the ribbon-cutting for Inmarsats Singapore office.

4. From left to right: Marvina Chatzistavraki, Deepak Garg, Kiran Singh, Stephan Egli, Aurlie Branchereau-Giles, Neale Faulkner, Sean Lund, Phil Harvey and David Lavorel, SITA OnAir, at AIME.

5. Daniel Kerrison, flydubai, holding Inflights Airline of the Year award, and Becky Howells, HMG Aerospace.

6. Alan Peaford, Arabian Aerospace, presenting Olivier Durand, Rockwell Collins, with Inflights Innovation in Corporate Jet Cabins award at AIME.

7. Agnieszka Jacquemot and Oleg Knut, Axinom Aerospace, pose for a selfie at NBAA 15 in Las Vegas.

APEX in ActionOver the past few months, APEX members shared spontaneous and celebratory moments from their offices, on flights, at industry awards events and an opening ceremony. Keep the photos coming!

Like us on Facebook to see

more social photos> Facebook.com/

apex.aero

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volume 6, edition 2

Take your brand experience beyond pen and paper. Introducing cabin lighting that works in harmony with cabin design and integration.

beaerospace.com/LISIntelligent Lighting. Progressive Engineering. Full Circle Integration.

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Hollywood Connection

Global Connected Aircraft Summit (June 68) will be colocating with APEX TEC (June 89) at Loews

Hollywood Hotel this year, packing two prominent industry events into one location. Attendees will be

able to make the most of four days in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with double the opportunity to rub

elbows with industry members, airline executives, cybersecurity professionals, technologists and experts and with Hollywood Boulevard just a

stones throw away, maybe even someone famous.

For more information, visit > apex.aero/events

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Airline Passenger Experience Association 27 volume 6, edition 2

apex experienceFollow us @theAPEXassoc Coming Up

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It was an uncomfortable realization for Adam White economy-class airplane seating had to be revolutionized. White, director at London-based Factorydesign and a frequent flyer, was on a long-haul flight, attempting to get settled in his economy-class seat, when the idea for the Twister Seat was born.

When you start to get uncomfortable, you dont bend both knees simultaneously, White says with a laugh. Im twisting and turning to try and find some comfort, but my

seat, stubbornly, is acting like a door hinge.The Twister Seat is ergonomically designed around the structure and movement of the human spine. The seat twists side to side and forward to back, mimicking the natural body movements of the rib cage. Size-wise, the chair will be comparable in weight and dimension to standard economy seating.

This is such a radical departure from anything weve seen before, so we needed to make prototypes that we could do some serious work on, says White. Seating trials of four to six hours, with four prototypes, were used to assess passenger comfort levels, and White says the results were compelling.

Although comfort was the primary inspiration, health and social benefits were factors, too. The seat accommodates

in factorydesigns rethink on economy seating, its all about the spine.

by Jenn Wint

Comfort With A Twist

the intimacy of conversation, says White. [Similarly,] if you dont want to be involved, the seat will twist away from the person next to you, allowing for the feeling of privacy.

On a less flexible seat, when passengers cross their legs, pressure points under the thighs prevent blood from circulating normally. With a modular pan that lowers to accommodate this movement, Factorydesigns pressure maps showed the seat provides a significant relief of stress in this area, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Economy doesnt feel as healthy as it should, notes White. But hes optimistic its set to improve. With interest from airlines as well as engineering and technology groups, the Twister Seat may be providing comfort as soon as 2017.

With a rib cage-inspired framework, the seats flexibility is intended

to improve passenger comfort in economy class, especially on

long-haul flights.

For more news on seating, visit > apex.aero/comfort


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volume 6, edition 2

Comfort

With Lantal Textiles having been in the business for well over 130 years, its latest venture was both a natural progression and happenstance. While visiting an innovation fair in Switzerland in the early aughts, then-owner Urs Baumann was awestruck by a bench with air cushions. Then and there he decided to bring the concept to aircraft seats.

The cushion itself looks quite delicate, but its not. Encasing the air is a welded polyurethane foil, the same heavy-duty material used to package food. The cushion is then wrapped in fire-retardant Nomex and Kevlar fabrics that protect from accidental puncture. On top of that, 3-D fabric absorbs and dissipates moisture.

Its really a quality, sturdy cushion. It wont break, says Thomas Steiner,

Forget walking on air. How about sitting on it? Lantals Pneumatic Comfort System lets passengers do just that.

by Katie Sehl

Sitting on Air

vice-president of Pneumatic Comfort System (PCS), Lantal. But for customers with doubts, Steiner offers a pen and asks them to stab a sample as hard as they can. Usually the pen breaks, but not the cushion, says Lou Rickenbacher, the companys director of Markets.

But, why air? Well, nothing not even foam is lighter than air. The PCS offers weight savings of up to five kilograms per first-class seat, which of course reads as dollar signs for operators. Since the cushion doesnt absorb liquids, its considerably more hygienic than foam and can be recycled. Comfort is also improved, especially on long-haul a point proven by Solar Impulse pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andr Borschberg, who selected PCS over memory foam for their around-the-world journey, the longest flight lasting five days and five nights.

Special features make PCS more than just a replacement for foam. A pump-and-valve block controls the airflow to the cushion and is generally mounted on a bracket and bolted to the seat. Sensors continually monitor the ambient and

internal air pressure while programmed software algorithms adjust to altitude changes and passenger-controlled preferences. Gap fillers, pockets that can expand with air to fill spaces between the seat pan and backrest while in recline or lie-flat position, offer a premium comfort experience. An air-pulsing massage feature could also be a source of revenue, Lantal suggests.

The system has already flown more than 175 million flight hours, with more than 20 projects concluded on first- and business-class seats on the likes of Swiss, Lufthansa, Air Canada and JetBlue via collaborations with B/E Aerospace, Zodiac Aerospace, Recaro and other manufacturers. Likely due to installation costs and its reliance on power, the system is only currently flying in the front of the cabin, but Steiner says, We do believe that the technology and the principle can be applied in all classes. The company is in the stages of developing an economy-class version of the system.

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volume 6, edition 2

Comfort

If interior or industrial designers could create passenger airline seats, what would they do? We asked three.

by Katie Sehl illustration scar Chvez

Dream Seats

Amanda Forrest Design and Lifestyle Expert,

Media Personality Amanda Forrest Design

My chair would be black because its effortlessly chic and would never clash with passengers outfits.

Each seat would come with a toss cushion and

blanket that would be switched out seasonally

for whatever is on trend. For spring, why not a

soft pink?

There would be two armrests for each guest, none of this sharing business. They would be padded for comfort and finished with a cup holder for convenience.

Reminiscent of a classic dome chair, the headrest would be shaped to give passengers both privacy and comfort.

The chair back would include a minibar and the seat would be facing the window so passengers could sip wine and daydream.

The Linda Chair



volume 6, edition 2

Comfort

Mitz Takahashi Furniture Designer

and Maker

The inspiration behind this chair was to make

it more like a lounge chair than a seat.

Custom black metal screenings contribute

to this look and feel.

The seat would be light gray, light navy or light pastel green.

Something that is not too powerful and overwhelming.

I would choose fabric without a pattern, probably something very subtle like tweed.

For the cushion, I would use recycled materials, also memory

foam. Id include several shapes of pillows and cushions

that could be customized for each seat so passengers can

make their own nest. A little personalization is great since

everyone has different posture and body type.

The armrest, like a padded couch, would use softer material. Passengers can make the armrests wider by adding more cushions.

The floor would have a tatami mat, which is a Japanese mat made from straw. It smells really nice and feels

great on the feet.

I took inspiration from midcentury

design aesthetics for the chair, as I feel it

is a classic style that really epitomizes

luxury and high style. A deeper and lower seat, higher back, make for a more comfortable sitting experience for travel.

In black metal, the back of the chair includes a screen with custom overlay, a leather pouch and a Makassar ebony tray with leather straps.

Cognac leather upholstery and button tufting tops off the adjustable headrest.

Alykhan Velji Principal

Alykhan Velji Designs

Ascend Lounge

Chair

Su


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It seems that as aging baby boomers and digital natives take to the skies together, two very different trends have emerged. Cozy concepts that invoke the softness of home and technology-inspired looks will compete for the seat in 2016.

Technical-looking fabrics, 3-D designs, clear structures and themes from the automotive industry will be big, says

Matthias Tischhauser, managing director at Tisca Tiara. But so will fabrics coming out of the residential industry. We draw a lot of inspiration from there, as well as the furniture industry, where a lot of trends begin.

Ilona Illing, director of Design at Lantal Textiles, agrees that these polarized demographic themes are key right now. Digital natives are attracted by responsive textiles and designs that are dynamic, she says. Baby boomers or those from other mature generations appreciate quality, design and functionality above all.

Following its bold Create PINK! campaign last year, rohi will again encourage airlines to experiment this year, and drive them to further understand the role cabin decor plays

cabin textile leaders rohi, tisca Tiara and Lantal Textiles offer a glimpse into the thread trends theyre setting.

by Maryann Simson

Material Expressions

in breaking away from conformity. Airlines know more about who they are or what personality they want to have now, explains Philipp Dahm, managing director at rohi. Their approach to branding goes beyond just color and logo.

This increased focus on brand, Dahm adds, has inspired rohi to think more about individuality both from an airline and passenger perspective. Their Eclectic range is a great example of this. An almost endless repeat of patterns, shapes and textures are based on a harmonic color concept, he explains. The beauty of Eclectic is that each seat cover will display a different portion of the pattern repeat, so each passenger will find his or her own seat to be different.

For more aircraft interiors news, visit

> apex.aero/aMbience


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Ambience

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Cabin ceiling projections of stars, clouds and colors; huge curved flat-panel in-flight entertainment (IFE) displays; advanced lighting systems; massive translucent cabin monuments displaying current flight status and moving maps. These are just some of the concepts being worked on by engineers in Boeings Commercial Airplanes Product Development group.

Airlines are telling us that they want to have interiors that have a wow factor, and set their cabin apart from [those of] their competitors, says Mark Ellis, senior manager, Payloads Product Development. Boeing is trying to deliver cabin experiences that passengers and airlines will find exciting and yet comfortable at the same time.

Interior lighting systems have come a long way since the one color, one brightness fixtures in early passenger

airplanes, with Virgin Americas signature mood lighting opening the industrys eyes to a full spectrum of possibilities. Boeings 787 advanced the art of cabin design using light and color; a multitude of LED lighting schemes can be programmed in the Dreamliner, enhancing the overall interior design. The 737 and 737 MAX Sky Interior builds on that work, and Boeings engineers continue to create new lighting and display technologies.

Cabin lighting, if done right, can make an airplane interior seem more spacious and welcoming, says Ellis. On long flights especially, strategic lighting can go a long way to keeping passengers and airlines happy.

In fact, passenger satisfaction appears to be directly related to an aircrafts interior lighting design. At the recent APEX Asia conference, Kent Craver, Boeings

boeing shares recent research in interior lighting, and its more illuminating than youd think.

by Howard Slutsken

LightIdeas

director of Cabin Experience and Revenue Analysis, described research done by the company soon after Norwegian Air Shuttle took delivery of its new 737NGs equipped with the Sky Interior. Even though the interior lighting was the only difference between the new aircraft and the airlines older 737s, passengers strongly preferred the Sky Interior airplanes by almost two to one. For the very first time, passenger satisfaction was not affected by load factor, says Craver.

Boeing recently released a video highlighting many wow interior concepts, but it might take some time before these ideas become reality, explains Ellis. Were in the advanced stages of some of this research, but not as far for other concepts. Airlines have seen some of the concepts and are excited about the next generation of Boeing cabin experiences, he adds. Through lighting and technology, we have the goal of making flying more exciting and comfortable. We hope that all of these concepts will be offerable in the near future.

We look at lighting themes that have

already taken off at> apex.aero/LigHting


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Bring-your-own-device entertainment has airlines and manufacturers searching for hands-free viewing solutions. Innovators have proven resourceful.

by Marisa Garcia | illustration Ana Rodrguez

Shells, Clamps and Mounts

Read more entertainment news at

> APEX.AERo/EntERtAinMEnt

tray table mounts Seat trays are popular alternatives for passenger device mounts, offered by industry suppliers and inventive independents. Recaros hybrid tray-tablet solution uses a hinge at the back and a tab on the top of the tray table to secure tablets in flight. Acro introduced space-saving tray tables to its Superlight ST (Small Table) fixed back seats that can hold a tablet upright, leaving room for a light snack and beverage. Airbus subsidiary Stelia Aerospace also joined the list of vendors, debuting a tablet-friendly table on its Solstys seat last year.

United Airlines new custom premium seats, designed by PriestmanGoode and manufactured by Zodiac Aerospace, feature a tab built into the tray table that can hold tablets and smartphones upright while leaving space for dining. Its tucked flush into the table surface when the device is not being used.

Skycast Solutions offers two lightweight TabCaddy alternatives: a tray clip to hold the device and a device frame, designed for various seat designs. Both solutions allow for viewing while dining. Bringing two tech essentials together, SmartTray and Astronics have partnered to deliver tray table tab-clip solutions that let users enjoy content and charge their devices, leaving room to spare for paperwork or a meal. Taking convenience one step further, the partners introduced a device-friendly tray table that offers wireless inductive charging.

hard shell Monarch Airlines introduced new seats with tablet-sized slots molded into hard-shell backs. Passengers can simply slide and secure their devices in place to create their own seat-embedded in-flight entertainment system. British Airways selected a similar hard-shell solution for its new Euro Traveller regional interiors, featuring a top-loading slot that fixes the tablet at eye level.

straps, clampsOn Recaros economy model BL3530 seat, a fixed bracket and grooved shelf hold devices in place. At Aircraft Interiors Expo last year, the model also featured an elastic strap that holds short devices. Similar clamp-based concepts have hit the market from Zodiac and B/E Aerospace. BAE Systems IntelliCabin solution involves Samsung Galaxy tablets affixed to the back of the seat with extended brackets, while less high-tech solutions, such as Kanar Technologies pouch, offer a flexible way to accommodate devices.

integrated solutions Safety regulations limit the use of seatback BYOD solutions to the cruising phase of the flight to avoid head-impact injuries. Lufthansa Technik collaborated with ZIM Flugsitz to pass Head Injury Criterion testing for its backrest mounted Utility Shelf, so that entertainment can be enjoyed gate-to-gate. The development was introduced on Qantas to hold iPads the airline offers its customers. The Utility Shelf allows for a pivoting viewing angle and can be used to hold smartphones, tablets, eReaders even analog books.



volume 6, edition 2

Entertainment

ZODIAC INFLIGHT INNOVATIONSZODIAC CABIN

Connected Cabin Division

5-7 APRIL 2016HAMBURG MESSE GERMANY

Some might say that current forms of in-flight advertising are flying blind. Static magazine spreads, pre-movie commercials and seatback ads have the benefit of a captive audience, but cannot reach consumers with the accuracy of highly targeted digital

advertising. Airlines are sitting on a mostly untapped gold mine of customer data, and with Wi-Fi becoming the standard and passengers carrying personal devices reaching critical mass, smart in-flight advertising is set to take off.

At the forefront of the impending gold rush are companies like PaxLife, a German wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform provider with digital advertising at the crux of its business model. Cloud10 launched early this year allows passengers to stream online entertainment to their devices, access services and shop during transit.

A new era of smart in-flight advertising is set to spur a cloud-based gold rush.

by Fergus Baird illustration scar Chvez

Rich Advertising

Equipped with a customizable advertising platform, the app can tailor ads for each unique user. It broadens in-flight advertising from the realm of brands you would normally associate with in flight in its current guise, says Tim Letheren, PaxLifes VP Advertising. Being able to transact on a device means there are fewer barriers of entry to in-flight shopping. Of course, until Wi-Fi is more widespread, its availability does pose a barrier to some of these services.

Besides opening in-flight advertising to more businesses, ad-supported IFE platforms for smart devices will expand the types of advertisements brands can serve audiences, with more potential for higher-quality, information-rich ads. Cloud10 will be a really interesting proposition for brands that create really good long-form branded content but struggle to seed it, says Letheren.

Targeted advertising gets mixed reviews from consumers, but Letheren points out the upside. More targeted advertising provides more relevant advertising, which is therefore higher yielding, thus can be less frequent, he says. This means the consumer gets better and less advertising, the advertiser reaches the consumer in a great setting and the airline realizes ancillary revenue without annoying passengers.

Piksel, Immfly, Kommworld and others have joined PaxLife in enterprising around the imminent bring-your-own-device and Wi-Fi-enabled advertising windfall. With data-rich opportunities at their fingertips, its easy to see why advertisers are eager to mine this emerging digital market.

Read more about PaxLife at

> apex.aero/paxliFe

More targeted advertising provides more relevant advertising. Tim Letheren PaxLife

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From high-definition (HD) to ultra-high-definition to super-ultra-high-definition, the only perceptible change for most viewers is the superlative used to describe the format. One can only cram so many pixels onto a screen before the viewer no longer notices the difference. At this years CES, high dynamic range (HDR) was all the rage, since color and contrast have taken over as quality indicators, rather than ever-more-razor-thin sharpness.

So, what is HDR, exactly? HDR offers the ability to reproduce a wider range between the whitest whites and blackest blacks in a televised image, explains Michael Childers, chair of the APEX Technology Committee (TEC). In other words, it makes colors pop. When added to ultra HD 4K resolution, there are significant differences perceptible to consumers, says Childers.

HD, and all its superlatives, has a wow factor that airlines are interested in, such as JetBlue, which recently announced an HD in-flight entertainment (IFE) upgrade on its A320 revamp. But according to Childers, HDR has more impact on IFE potentially than [does] resolution, since HDR impacts every display to some degree, regardless of screen size, he says. Finding that sweet spot where resolution, screen size and HDR converge could make all the difference.

The TEC Committee may start looking at HDR more closely this year in terms of display characteristics and workflow. But, as usual, the set manufacturers are out in front of the digital delivery supply chain that must deliver native HDR images through live broadcasting, Childers notes.

There are several flavors of HDR on the market, such as HDR 10 and Dolbys proprietary Dolby Vision. This might put content creation studios in the difficult and expensive position of creating multiple master versions of a single title. That, of course, is a non-starter for IFE, says Childers.

its not about how many pixels you have, its about how you use them.

by Jordan Yerman

Test your tech-acronym knowledge at > apex.aero/

tech-Lingo

All the Rage for High Dynamic Range



volume 6, edition 2

Entertainment

IFEC Reference Designs & Product Platforms | Custom Product Development | DocumentationTesting & Certification | Manufacturing | Product Lifecycle Management

First Class SolutionsWith Bu ild ing Block Flex ib il ityThe Telefonix PDT line of best-in class in ight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) product platforms continues to grow and evolve with new features being added to our CabinVista (Cabin Control Panel), CabinPinnacle (Server), CabinACe (Wireless Access Point) and CabinPeak (Pico Cell) products. The line enables maximum exibility, both in terms of customization opportunities and the ability for customers to mix and match components to create their optimal IFEC system.

These are just some of the ways that Telefonix PDT is bringing new ideas to the marketplace.

Learn more at www.TelefonixPDT.com

2016 All Rights Reserved. Telefonix2016 All Rights Reserved. Telefonix2016 All Rights Reserved. Telefonix and the Telefonix Logo and the Telefonix Logo are Registered Trademarks of Telefonix, Inc. Summit is a trademark are Registered Trademarks of Telefonix, Inc. Summit is a trademark of Telefonix, Inc.

What is the most challenging aspect of onboard connectivity?

Is there a positive rate of returnfor investing in connectivity?

From dial-up to high-speed,where do you think we are today?

How do you plan to useonboard connectivity?

What do you believe the average take rate was in 2015 and will be by 2020?2% Flight attendant tools2% Pilot tools

4% Aircraft maintenance

6% Passenger access to Internet

86% All of the above

The information collected in this infographic is based on a survey of attendees conducted by the Global Connected Aircraft Summit during its 2015 conference in Washington, DC.

67%Will take several years to get there

21%Will neverget there

12%Stuck in dial-up era

Why are you investingin onboard Wi-Fi?

13%Other

15%Cost of doingbusiness

19%Operationalefficiencies

19%Opportunityto monetize

22% Ku

13% Ka

4% Cellular

5% Other

34%Competitiveadvantage

Which communication channelare you leaning toward?

What is your expectation forspeed and bandwidth?

56% Combination

59%Must provideat-homeexperience

21%Abilityto throttleby tiers

16%Justenoughfor basicfunctions

4%Other

5% No

16% Not sure yet

79% Yes

2015 2020

-10%Take Rate

Perc

enta

ge o

f ans

wer

s

50%

0%1020% 2030% 3060% +60%

Maintaining availability,reliability and performance

Managing customer expectations

Lack of aligned strategy or vision

Capital funding

Managing costs

30%

22%

19%

17%

12%

Its no secret that passengers want Wi-Fi, but how does the industry feel about it? In this poll, peers, airline

representatives, aerospace experts and connectivity providers share their thoughts.

illustration Clara Prieto

Connectivity Chatter


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Connectivity

With the growth in popularity of personal electronic devices (PEDs), passengers have developed multi-screening habits at home that they would like to continue in the air, and in-flight entertainment (IFE) and connectivity systems are evolving to offer passengers that flexibility.

With the loosening of the FAA and EASA restrictions on the in-flight use of PEDs, Bluetooth and gate-to-gate Wi-Fi availability,

I believe were going to see an increase in the use of [technology that] pairs passenger devices with the seatback IFE screens, says Jon Norris, vice-president of Sales, Lumexis Corporation. For Norris, the multi-device pairing has the potential to enable a wide range of dual-screen entertainment and infotainment services.

Lumexis is betting on this potential with its Fiber-To-The-Screen system, which was most recently selected by Caribbean Airlines for installation on its B737 fleet. Airline passengers can interact with the moving map, order food or drinks, and shop from a duty-free selection with their personal devices, just as they might on the larger screen, Norris says. They can also access data on video content theyre watching, such as commentary on movies or TV episodes, scrolling script and even purchase items related to the entertainment.

The second-screening phenomenon continues to take off, on the ground and in the air.

by Marisa Garcia illustration Jorge de la Paz

Double the Fun

Thales is betting on it, too. The recent launch of its Android-based Thales STV+ IFE platform on JetBlue unlocked new potentials with personal device pairings that hadnt been considered before. Jamie Perry, the airlines VP of Brand and Product Development, believes dual screening could also improve in-flight gaming. We never really got into gaming on seatback, because its really difficult to play games with the controller, he says. But if you can use your device to control whats on the screen, [you] can do an awful lot of things on the seatback that you couldnt do before.

Airlines can also benefit from multi-screening systems by pairing their own devices to troubleshoot or reset platforms that are down, or offer additional services to passengers through the IFE screen.

Find the latest connectivity news at

> aPex.aero/connectivity



volume 6, edition 2

Connectivity

Its all about connecting the right people, products and possibilities for a unique travel experience: join us to discover how we can work together to create engaging new solutions for your passengers.

World Travel Catering and Onboard Services ExpoHall A1, Booth 1G30 5-7 AprilHamburg, Germanylsg-group.com

WHENpartnersMEETpassenger needs

Its hard to imagine life before the smartphone. Reservations for dinner, flights and hotels were made well in advance, and trips and routes were plotted out on actual maps. Today, however, accustomed to a new degree of freedom and consumer choice, we leave these to the last minute. Now travelers can leave them even longer. In partnership with Global Eagle Entertainment (GEE), TripAdvisors five-million-plus business listing reviews and booking platform is available for passengers to peruse through Air New Zealands in-flight entertainment (IFE) offerings.

This enables passengers traveling on Air New Zealand to find the best hotels, restaurants or activities even while they are up in the air and before arriving at their destination, says Aaron Hung, TripAdvisors

director of Partnerships, APAC. Passengers can begin to discover what awaits them before landing, while remaining engaged with both the airline and TripAdvisors brand.

As part of Air New Zealands seatback entertainment system, TripAdvisor gives passengers the ability to book restaurants, hotels and activities, on the fly.

by Damien Caissie | illustration Fabrizio Morra

Embedded Trip Advising

Accessing TripAdvisor through an IFE console permits a level of specificity that can be fine-tuned to the individual passengers needs. In the world of in-seat applications on non-connected aircraft, most of the traditional destination content offerings are limited, explains Jenelle Benoit, director, Marketing and Communications, GEE. By targeting content to the flights source and destination cities, passengers are provided with information that they can readily relate to and use, she adds.

The merging of TripAdvisors platform with IFE systems bridges the gap between home and destination and in-flight connectivity promises to do so even further. The price comparison and hotel booking functionality simply needs an Internet connection, Hung says. Aircraft with enabled Internet connectivity could allow users live access, and we certainly feel that would help travelers even more. No longer will those last-minute travel details have to be left up in the air.

For related news, visit > apex.aero/serviCes

Aircraft with enabled Internet

connectivity could allow users

live access.Aaron Hung TripAdvisor


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Services

alook t@

WE KNOW WHERE YOURE GOING.

IN-FLIGHT DESTINATION-SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING

alookat.com

A REVENUE SHARE WITH AIRLINES/ PARTNERS

Before emojis came along, we made do with emoticons clever expressions made with the keystroke of a colon and an open bracket for sadness, or a semicolon and a closed bracket for a wink. Over time, punctuation fleshed out into tiny yellow faces (more colors were added later to represent different nationalities) and the range of emotions grew so wide, you probably discovered a few you never knew you had. Now, emojis have entered our lexicon.

Last year, the term emoji tripled in use and corporations caught on. To promote new routes to Las Vegas, for example, Norwegian Air posted an emoji-encrypted URL, enticing millennials to test their fluency. Young people aged 18 to 34 are incredibly complex to market to, says Charlotte Holmbergh Jacobsson, head of Communications at Norwegian. We decided to take advantage of the target audiences way of using emojis to hype the destination.

Aer Lingus even went so far as to take inspiration from emojis for its 2015 logo redesign. We recognize the unstoppable trend in the use of emojis as a sophisticated new form of communication, the airline declared in a blog post. By having our logo pre-loaded in smartphones around the world, we can make our brand more recognizable and accessible than ever before.

Skype one-upped static emojis with short video clips of movie and TV show catchphrases it calls Mojis to crack the burgeoning Indian market. Bollywood

Learning that emojis speak to millennials, airlines are concocting cheeky campaigns they hope will impress them.

by Caroline Ku illustration Ashle Imbriale

That Emoji Money

produces more films than anywhere else, says a Skype spokesperson. With Skype mojis, [users] can share some of the funniest, craziest and most iconic moments from some of the best Bollywood TV and movies from Eros and Yash Raj. This is just the beginning; were excited to release more partners and content in the future. Beyond Bollywood, Universal, Paramount and BBC are among other big-name producers that have latched on to this trend.

Emoji gimmicks may garner laughs and impressions (a metric for audience reach), but as a revenue generator, they have a long way to go especially by the standards of Japanese messaging app Line. In 2014, the app raked in an

unparalleled $656 million from B2C sales of games, stickers (supersized emojis) and merchandise, but also from companies and celebrities who wished to see their products in the form of a branded emoji.

Branded emojis are a language that New York City-based Swyft Media understands. It creates specialized emoji keyboards for movies like The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Paper Towns. Brand engagement and brand impressions are becoming less about click-throughs and more about how people are talking about your brand, Evan Wray, cofounder and vice-president of Swyft Media, told The Huffington Post. They are about sharing that sentiment with friends and their network.


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While you wont find potato chips on many diets, theres one snack food that somehow gets away with seeming like a total indulgence while also getting approval from fitness fanatics: popcorn. Gluten-free, low-calorie and infinitely crave-worthy, popcorn has been satisfying snackers since its appearance at carnivals and fairs in the mid-1800s. In the United States alone, popcorn has grown so popular that over 10 gallons are consumed per person every year. Since 2011, annual popcorn sales have steadily risen and now total more than a billion pounds, which explains why airlines are happily jumping on the popcorn bandwagon as the next big in-flight snack.

A quick survey of onboard menus shows popcorn taking hold all over the globe. Virgin America touts two varieties of low-cal air-popped popcorn, while United has had so much success with its organic Buddha Bowl popcorn in economy class that the airline will soon be rolling it out to its premium short-haul customers, too. Internationally, British budget carrier easyJet has partnered with UK artisanal brand Joe & Sephs to offer gourmet handcrafted popcorn thats 100-percent natural, with a rotating menu of boundary-pushing flavors like Camembert cheese and orange marmalade.

Packaged popcorn may have already started to climb aboard in-flight menus, but will we ever see the day where popcorn is actually popped on airplanes? Sadly, the answer appears to be no. As anyone whos ever overcooked a bag of microwave popcorn knows, the smell tends to linger for quite some time and the popping sound may be a bit unsettling with todays security concerns top of mind for most travelers. While popping popcorn on an aircraft sounds fun, says United PR manager, Karen May, for our customers safety our number one priority its not something we would do on board. A popcorn lover can dream, though...

Popcorn is popping up on in-flight menus across the globe. Heres why.

by Jason Kessler photo Constanza Bravo

Getting Corny


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Catering

To discover more, visit us at Aircraft Interiors ExpoStand 4C11, or email [email protected]

Increase headphone performance bycombining with Phitek connectors.

Magnetic connectors will alsosignificantly increase the life of the

jack and eliminate pin breakage.

The bestin-flightsound

...just gotbetter

A new wave of class concepts is rocking the cabin, promising a total overhaul of traditional three-class configurations.

by Caroline Ku and Katie Sehl | illustration Marcelo Cceres

Class Concepts


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Classes

Desire Lines, the poetic name used for the cabin concept unveiled by Zodiac Aerospace last year, is a phrase borrowed from urban architects, which describes planning around the paths and movements people are naturally inclined to choose. As Zodiac set out to understand the preferred paths of passengers, it came as no surprise that people want to be where the light is.

We think that its something that naturally the passenger would desire, because window space is very valuable, explains Victor Carlioz, advanced concept engineer and Desire Lines project lead. In Zodiacs concept cabin, a divider creates a corridor along the interior that allows passengers to walk along, lounge in and enjoy the sky-high view. I think this brings in some inspiration from train travel, Carlioz adds.

In addition to providing an absorbing view, a light lounge contributes to passenger well-being. The three things that reset your circadian clock are temperature, food and the light you receive, explains Deborah Burnett, a health and wellness design authority who has consulted for airframers such as Boeing. Light is the most important factor, because it not only helps with jet lag, it also helps you rest your circadian system.

Aglow with rejuvenated and contented passengers, the lounge could also boost an airlines ancillary revenue by offering self-service snack and beverage stations. It can really enhance boarding, too, says Tom Eaton, Zodiacs team manager, advanced concepts. Through a dedicated corridor, you start to streamline the boarding of people onto the aircraft.

Light Lounge

Social Class Swanky 1970s-era lounges like those seen on Pan Ams 747s are making a comeback. From the bar lounge on the upper deck of A380s flown by Qatar, Emirates, Etihad and Qantas to the upper-class parlor area on Virgin Atlantics Dreamliner fleet, airframers and airliners are raising the bar on aircraft lounges across the board.

As a general rule, socializing in transit is frowned upon. So says Judith Martin, better known as Miss Manners, who advises not to shout or speak loudly on airplanes. And when airlines mulled over the recent allowance of voice calls in the cabin, the court of public opinion in the US largely ruled against it.

But designated spaces in the cabin for socializing, especially for those passengers with the gift of gab, are an option many airlines, airframers and manufacturers are considering. Beyond the Light Lounge in Zodiacs Desire Lines cabin concept, these blended-space areas would bridge the gap between classes, with seating configurations ranging from booths to bookable bars and chefs tables.

While I like the idea of a social area, I also like how airplanes give you an opportunity to be alone.

AlicjaBarranquilla, Colombia

Just like plants, we all need some light during the day.

MariaSantiago, Chile



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Classes

Propelled by the anticipation of more elderly and female business travelers by the year 2050, Airbus Concept Cabin features a health- and relaxation-conscious Vitalizing Zone, which delivers comfort and openness to the flight experience as never before conceived.

An observation deck with a bionic membrane offers panoramic views of the skies; holographic shades draw on hand gestures to control the amount of light and air let in. If youre feeling tired or dehydrated, it can bring water or ionization into the air to make you feel better, said Ian Scoley, head of Industrial Design at Airbus.

Seats even grow and conform to the shapes of passengers bodies, with smart technology offering massages, a drink or vitamins as required by individuals. Its no longer just a transportation [medium] to get you from A to B, Scoley said. Its a lot more about the experience and the productivity and well-being of how you use your transportation system. And were aiming for a cabin that makes you feel healthy when you get off it.

Vitalizing Zone

In the aircraft today, there are very few flat surfaces that people can use, such as [those] that can be used to lay newspapers on, or for food and drinks or just for people to linger around, notes Zodiacs Eaton. A table-centered seating area is also part of Thomson Airways remodeling plan, launched in 2014 and timed for the arrival of its 737 MAX aircraft in 2020. Within it, family booths allow parents and their children to face each other across a table a space where games can be played or meals can be shared.

Duo-seating would solve the third-wheel problem for romantic honeymooners, by replacing the middle seat with a table equipped for champagne and hand-holding, and with enough privacy so that whispered sweet nothings shouldnt bother anyone. In the airlines Dreamliner cabins, the idea of a Beach Snack Bar would also provide a destination for more-elevated water-cooler-type conversations.

Any opportunity to stretch, after a couple hours in a seat, has my support.

Eva-MariaErlangen, Germany

That would be good, especially for long flights. Its good to get up and walk.

TanyaToronto, Canada


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Off-Seat Power Solutions

The Power Of Simplicity

Installing passenger power systems has never been easier thanks to the unique and innovative design of PowerBar.

The PowerBar off-seat mounting feature allows system components to be added without modification to the seat. This ability results in faster and cost effective installations.

The lightweight and certified seat track mounted design is compatible with all AC and USB passenger power systems.

PowerBar provides convenient forward and aft facing outlet unit locations for passengers and is compatible with most economy class seat designs.

Visit us at the 2016 Aircraft Interiors Expo, booth 2B30.

Contact Us

+1.630.285.0200 [email protected]

www.astronics.com

Click Class Heres a riddle. What type of passenger does a boarding call for the Click Class bring to the gate? Answer: businesspeople all of whom carry the same slim suitcase and belong to an exclusive class in Teagues dream airline, Poppi. The suitcase, a symbol of membership, is designed to click into the bay of an aisle seat. It rejects the notion that amenity kits, mileage points, lavish meals and lie-flat seats are the only way to reward frequent flyers. Loyalty in the airline industry is mostly a myth, says Devin Liddell, principal brand strategist at Teague. Theres a desire from passengers for airlines to behave as lifestyle brands.

Click Class acknowledges the needs of a more economical business traveler who isnt looking for traditional business-class luxuries; they value the seat-side storage and aisle seat that can keep

up with their on-the-go lifestyle. Poppi even beats disruptive startups like Dufl and AirPortr to the race by delivering passengers bags to their hotels or alternative accommodations, offering travel without the burden of having your luggage in tow.

Sure, subscribing to Click Class could mean being stuck with a suitcase you may not like or packing less than youre used to, but Liddell sees the benefits of a membership model. He offers the example of being a Starbucks Rewards member and not feeling intrigued to stray toward other coffee chains. I ignore them all because I have bought into Starbucks and, more importantly, I have opted out of the competition. Membership is a perfect way for us to cement our relationship with passengers and for us to make the brand ownable for those people.

Maybe its not what you want for personal traveling, but if your companys willing to reimburse the suitcase, its super convenient.


I have a kid so Im constantly needing stuff from my carry-on. This would be a wonderful solution for parents.



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Kid Class

Quiet Zone

Child-free zones as controversial as they are have been proposed for all sorts of public areas: restaurants, beaches, theaters and airplanes. Scoot, AirAsia X and Malaysia Airlines are among those that have implemented kid-free areas. But of course, the flipside of this proposition is a class designated for kids only which, if youre a kid or parent, is the stuff dreams are made of. McDonalds PlayPlace, anyone?

Virgin Groups Richard Branson thinks kid zones are a good idea, too. I would love to introduce a kids class, Branson said in a recent interview. It would be a separate cabin for kids with nannies to look after them. Before we see jungle gyms and ball pits on airplanes, however, a few kinks would have to be ironed out top of the order being safety.

While Branson and his Virgin team work things out with safety authorities, airlines are steadily improving services and options for those traveling with children. Etihad Airways Flying Nannies program offers assistance to parents, whether by helping them settle in or even taking the child off their hands for a little break.

Child-free zones provide some respite for those looking for peace and quiet when they travel. In fact, quiet is what they promise. Singapore Airlines low-cost offshoot Scoot Airlines calls its adult-only zone ScootInSilence, while AirAsia X sells its child-free space as a Quiet Zone.

But classes like these may take for granted that adults always behave themselves which has led some to call for classes centered exclusively around quietude. On the ground, US rail operator Amtrak introduced Quiet Cars. Travelers in these cars are requested to limit conversation and speak in subdued tones. Phone conversations are banned and devices must be kept in silent mode. Sounds good and quiet in principle, but at times may require enforcement as Amtrak found out in October last year when loud-talking New Jersey governor Chris Christie caused a stir.

As someone whos had the misfortune of sitting next to a kid who wouldnt stop wailing, I think its a fantastic idea.

Anirudh Lusaka, Zambia

Providing a noise-canceling headset seems more practical.

Supanat Phuket, Thailand

Unlike isolated railcars, aircraft cabins pose a noise regulation challenge as well. Scoots ScootInSilence zone positions travelers behind the airlines ScootBiz cabin and ahead of its economy class. While segregation helps, there may be

nothing stopping the piercing squeals of an unhappy infant or the loud talking of US governors from making their way through all cabins. Noise-canceling headphones might be an obligatory amenity for this class to truly take off.



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Application development specialists for in-ight entertainment and communications systems.

Our software is installed on hundreds of aircraft and used by thousands of passengers every day in every corner of the world all in their own languages.

Applications we have developed allow passengers to view their location on the map, watch on-demand video & audio, play games, go shopping, reserve a hotel, car or just browse for information all from 30,000ft.

Established in 1998 with development facilities in Chichester, UK and Lake Forest, CA and a team of over 40 experienced developers we provide unrivalled expertise in the IFEC industry.

Apex 1-2 Hor.indd 1 2014-09-22 4:47 PM

Deutsche Welle | 53110 Bonn | Germanyife @ dw.com dw.com

The unseen natural world Let your passengers uncover the secrets of the wilderness on Lets Go Wild and other fascinating documentaries.

Sleeper Class

As on the ground, a good nights sleep in flight often comes at a premium. Etihads first-class suites set a new standard for sleep in the sky, affording travelers with boutique hotel-style hospitality and the level of privacy required to reach deep REM-quality sleep. Along the same lines, Zodiacs Desire Lines concept makes use of an airlines available cargo area to provide private berths, which can provide a premium sleeping experience.

Outside of private areas, lie-flat seats allow first- and business-class passengers to get horizontal, and Air New Zealands Economy Skycouch brings lying flat to the back of the cabin, across a row of three chairs.

Tom Eaton thinks that airlines and manufacturers could do sleep better if decoupled from the chair. Too often we just create seats that can do everything. We laden these things with features and

consequently they become incredibly expensive, Eaton says. So what we decided is, what if we can deliver the sleeping service in another area of the airplane?

In addition to the private berths in the cargo area, Zodiacs Desire Lines makes use of the crown section as another sleeping area. The idea around it is to offer a much denser sleeping experience than in the cargo area, explains Victor Carlioz. It would be an experience comparable to Japanese sleeping pods.

The Air Lair, envisioned by Contour

Aerospace and Factorydesign, takes the pod concept to the extreme, with double-decker pods that would replace a cabin full of standard aircraft seats. Aviointeriors and Formation Group, on the other hand, opt, like Zodiac, to decouple the bed from the chair, but exclusively in business class. Aviointeriors Micro Suites position sleeping bunks in the upper center of the business cabin, while Formation Group positions a mini-suite directly above the legroom area of two facing business-class window seats.

I dont think I would book a bed. Business-class seats are quite comfortable.


A lot of people like the idea of privacy when theyre sleeping.

Anirudh Lusaka, Zambia

Of course I would book a bed on a plane if an airline could provide it in economy class.




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Join the Crystal Cabin Award 2017 take the

opportunity to win one of the coveted trophies

for your aircraft interiors innovation.

Application period: October November 2016

Winners will be presented on the occasion of the

Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

www.hamburg-aviation.com

www.crystal-cabin-award.com

Promotional Class Getting stuck in the middle seat is an undesirable situation that Poppi understands. The middle seat is this abandoned area, says Teagues Devin Liddell. Its suboptimal. We all admit its suboptimal, but we dont price it in a suboptimal way. So to make up for that, Poppi adds value to the middle seat by showering those passengers with perks. Onboard Poppi aircraft, middle seats are not middle seats theyre positioned as promotional class, says Liddell.

A concept illustration shows gift-wrapped merchandise from the Japanese casual clothier Uniqlo placed in every middle seat and its logo emblazoned on each headrest cover prime branding real estate for advertisers inside a confined aircraft cabin. This could just as easily be Xbox or Nike or Adidas or any number of brands that would partner with us from a co-making standpoint, Liddell says.

Co-making is when two brands collide to develop a unique product, as done

by Apple and Nike; Doritos and Taco Bell; and Fiat and Gucci. And now Liddell suggests that airlines jump on the trend, too. This is where were bringing brands on board, into the cabin, to deliver unique experiences that only they can deliver, he says. If youre on board a flight to Seattle, you might get a nice rain jacket from Uniqlo.

And while middle-seat passengers relish the moment of unboxing, their neighbors look over with envy, wishing they had booked the middle seat, giving the advertiser even more exposure and miraculously turning the worst seat in the cabin to the hottest.

It would depend on what kind of present! Free miles? Id take that.

MartinSantiago, Chile

I would still prefer aisle or window seats.




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BoardConnect PortableA full-scale IFE. Light.

A fraction of the space, a fragment of the weight at a portion of the cost.

BoardConnect Portable gives you an even simpler, more flexible, all in one solutions for low-cost operations. Based on rugged Mobile Streaming Units (MSU), server und access points are combined in one single device with a weight of no more than 1 kg. Plus, it is classified as loose equipment.

Slip it into a frame at the wall and provide streamed content for up to 50 clients.

Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG | Corporate Marketing | Am Prime Parc 1 | 65479 [email protected] | www.LHsystems.com

IN-FLIGHTENTERTAINMENT

customers in every A380 upper deck.

Supanat NangaePhuket, Thailandcustomers in every A380 upper deck.

Supanat NangaePhuket, Thailand

Interaction Zone

When Airbus conducted research for its 2050 Concept Cabin, one-third of travelers polled shared that they wanted their vacation to begin on the flight itself, not when they land at their destination. That response, plus all the high-tech advancements that will propel us into the neo-fifties, led Airbus to develop an Interaction Zone, where passengers can do virtually anything they want emphasis on virtually.

Airbus estimates that by 2050, virtual reality and highly personalized technology will be the norm, both on the ground and in the air. As a passenger enters the Interaction Zone, touch-sensitive panels with biometric capabilities will download the individuals profile so that it can tailor engaging activities to his or her preferences.

Those who like shopping can go a step beyond window-shopping with a virtual wall that will let them browse and purchase items. The athletic type can partake in virtual tennis, golf or baseball games. Those with work to do wont have to miss business meetings or lectures and for thrill-seekers, Airbus Fusion Ball will see them playing an extreme game of catch across New York City skyscrapers and the Himalayan peaks.

What happens when a cabin class is designed with the passenger experience and not the current paradigm of seat pitch and width in mind? Could we deliver something where people would actually pay more to be on board a Cinema Class? asks Devin Liddell.

Poppi passengers with a Cinema Class ticket are seated in a secluded cabin that resembles a movie theater, with curtains on two sides, dimmed lights and an overhead screen. The onboard cinema would run exclusive TV shows and films, and provide a unique midair screening opportunity for the studios, but also for passengers: Imagine watching the entire Star Wars saga with other fans on a long-haul flight!

Immersed in such a cinema-like experience, anxious flyers might be more inclined to board an airplane. And with popcorn becoming more of a staple on the in-flight snack menu, the idea of a Cinema Class really doesnt seem that far-fetched.

I think flying is such an amazing experience. We shouldnt try to eliminate that experience entirely.

KoichiMontreal, Canada

Cinema Class

Im fine with the personal monitor in front of me. Choice of movies is getting better. No need for a movie theater.

Matthias Ellwangen, Germany

I think its cool if its for an exclusive movie or something.




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Social media has totally changed my job. Its a great way to stay connected to family and friends.


apex experience Visit us at apex.aeroQ&A

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D id you choose the airline industry or did it choose you? I think my mom chose it for me. You can alwa

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