Mike Sinnett, Boeing 787 systems director, says the late decision to choose hard-wire IFE over a wireless system was made easier by the development of a power supply system that uses the seat tracks as a raceway. Ironically, the system was created originally to supply the power needs of the wireless concept.
The IFE wires will now run to each seat through the adjacent seat track using similar housings developed for the power supply. "In the end we did not add a whole lot of weight. In fact, when we look at the antenna modules we had for each seat group, we end up with more than 100lb [45kg] of weight saved," says Sinnett.
Some work will need to be reallocated to accommodate the change. "There are some areas where it makes it easier and some areas where it makes it harder," he adds.
IFE suppliers Thales and Panasonic are adapting their respective systems to meet the change by developing floor distribution boxes in place of the original wireless access points. Sinnett adds that airlines in the working group were satisfied with the change in direction, once concerns of cabin reconfiguration and quality were addressed.
Source: Flight International
