Astronics’ new cabin network platform, The Edge, is now available to order. The solution is designed to be an extremely cost-effective platform for full-featured IFE with reduced time to market, and the ability to be installed overnight.
The Edge takes advantage of a distributed network architecture that utilises Smart WAPs. The solution combines a wi-fi 6 wireless access point and server functionality as compute nodes to minimise installation wiring and provide a redundant and fault-tolerant system.
“Astronics already has thousands of aircraft flying with our IFE hardware on board, which is unmatched in the market,” said Michael Kuehn, president of Astronics CSC. “This latest STC approval for The Edge is a testament to our technology leadership and continued solutions for the IFE and connectivity market.”
LiFE in the Air has partnered with Astronics to use The Edge to host LiFE in the Air’s digital inflight solution. The Edge system is designed to be installed overnight with installation certifications owned by Astronics and reusable for future airline customers. Through this collaboration, LiFE in the Air is offering trial and demos to airlines.
LiFE in the Air’s digital inflight solution enables airline passengers to use their PEDs to virtually buy products and access IFE and content including games and community-driven features. No air-to-ground connectivity is required.
“This is another major milestone for LiFE in the Air and a big step forward as we continue our progress of enhancing the passenger experience while providing services for airlines around the world,” said Bayram Annakov, CEO and founder of LiFE in the Air. “With the needed STCs being completed with Astronics, we can now focus our attention on Boeing 737-800 and Max aircraft installations globally, and bring our innovative IFE solution to passengers, as travel starts to recover.”
