Lufthansa Systems has announced the latest generation of its BoardConnect Portable solution.
The brand-new prototype will be displayed at this year’s Airline Passenger Experience Expo (APEX) in Boston, where it will also present its Lconnect hardware and service package.
The new generation of BoardConnect Portable has a modular concept allowing it to be individually tailored to the needs of the airline.
With more flexibility and power, the new Mobile Streaming Unit (MSU) can supply twice as many users with high-quality IFE streaming as the first generation. This means that in future one MSU will still be powerful enough to support one single-aisle aircraft, even if the airline expects higher usage rates.
“With BoardConnect, we are currently one of the fastest-growing providers for wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) in the aviation industry, and we are among the top five in the market with our multi-award-winning solution and wide product range,” said Jan-Peter Gänse, head of passenger experience products & solutions at Lufthansa Systems. “The demand for IFE and IFEC solutions continues to grow. Our close cooperation with Lufthansa Technik and other partners gives us a decisive competitive advantage here.”
BoardConnect Portable can also be supplemented with Iridium NEXT technology upon request. Known as BoardConnect Portable/Link, it has a low bandwidth and enables services such as messaging and online payment. The required antenna can be installed in a suitable position in the cabin without the need for an STC.
The smart STC-free service is part of the Lconnect product family from Lufthansa Technik and only requires a minor modification. Lconnect comprises all relevant services to equip an aircraft with IFE and IFEC. In addition to the physical installation, this includes all required aeronautical and regulatory work, conversion planning and materials supply, the manufacture of diverse high-end components such as the WLAN access point, the supply of materials in regular flight operations, and the repair of defective components.
Written by: Alexander Preston
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