www.airline-services.com

Inflight Entertainment Products

Airline Services Ltd, a company that has been servicing aircraft interiors for over 25 years, is expanding into the InFlight Entertainment (IFE) market. This spring saw the launch of its first product - the ASL 175 AeroScreen, a 17.5” LCD HD-ready Monitor, designed and developed by ASL’s own in-house engineering team. AeroScreen took to the air on-board an Astraeus Boeing 757 in April flying on behalf of BMI, and the airline is reporting positive feedback from passengers and crew alike – and zero technical faults to date.

The AeroScreen marks the first in a series of new, cost-effective IFE products being developed by ASL which is targeting, primarily, the retro-fit market. The key attraction is “lighter, brighter, faster” technology. ASL’s light-weight AeroScreens offer improved reliability, reduced weight and lower energy consumption, whilst delivering a screen image of remarkable clarity and brightness, all at highly competitive pricing. They also boast an impressive viewing angle, (in excess of 160 degrees horizontal and 130 degrees vertical).

The 17.5” Screen is currently available for Centre-Aisle installation with a fully approved automatic retraction mechanism, or as a Bulkhead mounted unit, also with an approved mount. Further versions from 2010 include a 10" retractable system, seat-back and in-arm mounted versions. And next in its IFE family, being readied for launch in early 2010, is ASL’s new distributive digital audio and video content delivery unit known as AeroStream. This compact, digital, multi-channel device is a new-generation successor to the heavy, outdated legacy systems.

Bryan Bodek, Airline Services Group CEO, explains why ASL moved into the IFE sector. “We saw an opportunity to put to good use the experience and skills of our engineering team, taking the latest, proven developments from consumer electronics and combining them with our long-standing experience as a service provider in aircraft interiors. Several factors encouraged us."

"Firstly, as a result of the global economic downturn, many airlines are deferring delivery of new aircraft, or cancelling orders altogether. They are faced with the challenge of operating older aircraft fitted with out-dated, legacy IFE systems for longer than planned. In many cases this will involve improving, refreshing or upgrading the on-board offering to meet discerning passenger expectations, but airlines are more cost conscious than ever now. They don’t want to spend vast sums of money which won’t be recovered in the remaining lease or operating period of the aircraft."

"Secondly, the fluctuating cost of fuel has put weight saving high on the agenda again. Modern LCD monitors and digital servers offer significant weight saving versus legacy CRT-driven monitors and multiple tape or DVD player arrangements. This strengthens the economic argument to replace them as a cost-saving measure."

"Thirdly, poor in-service reliability and after-sales have always been bug-bears of IFE systems and a major cause of criticism leveled at IFE OEMs. Although reliability and in-service support is improving, the increasing complexity in each new generation of IFE systems increases the risks and consequences of in-service failures - this is the opportunity we seized.”

ASL is an airline focused service-orientated company. It supports legacy, regional and low cost airlines with Ramp Operations, including de-icing, cabin interior cleaning and laundry at nine airports in the UK. It offers engineering and workshop activities (EASA Part 21 J G Design and Manufacture, Part 145 repair and overhaul of avionic, galley and IFE equipment) as well as On-Wing Support of IFE systems. Its Aviation Textiles division specialises in seat covers, curtains, accessories, design, manufacture, supply and fit. Customers choosing to invest in ASL’s products will receive full engineering, field, on-wing and workshop support from its own support organisation, headquartered in Manchester. “It is a commitment we take very seriously,” concludes Bryan Bodek.

Airline Services Ltd
Canberra House
Robeson Way
Manchester UK M22 4SX

Tel: 0161 495 6981
Email: ife@airline-services.com
Web: www.airline-services.com/ife

 

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