More planes, more choices for in-flight entertainment
Almost unnoticed, a revolution is taking place in the aerospace industry. Whereas the focus of the industry was once upon improving the performance and efficiency of airframes, engines and other primary systems, now a growing emphasis is placed on cabins. As a result of the increasing competition in the airline industry - and the corporate sector in particular - operators are striving hard to win and keep customers by offering the most attractive in-flight experience. But this doesn't necessarily mean sprucing up cabin interiors with new seating. Executive aircraft passengers have especially high expectations in terms of access to information and entertainment. And operators are spending heavily on upgrading cabin management systems. The ANAIS project, however, recognised that the business as well as the economy class cabin must serve as a mobile communications post. The ANAIS project introduced fully integrated, intuitive systems that manage lighting, waste and water systems, and enable centralised maintenance. They offer passengers high-speed satellite communications – an important service in the business class cabin, where customers are keen to remain as productive as possible. Apart from offering passengers a wide range of previously unattainable in-flight services, the new cabin management systems have important advantages for operators. Weighing much less than the previous generation of systems and requiring less maintenance, they offer obvious cost savings. The weight is the critical factor for airlines and private operators. As the plane's weight rises, fuel consumption increases – an especially urgent concern at a time of soaring fuel prices. And so do airport landing fees that are based on the plane's weight. But the weight and space savings offered by the new cabin management systems are considerable. Passengers travelling on normal flight services could soon see the benefits the latest cabin management systems can bring. Thanks to the lure these systems have for operators balancing environmental pressures with cost constraints, they will be able to work, watch TV, play and communicate like never before.
