In-flight e-mail service provider Tenzing is close to signing "a significant European carrier" as its second customer after Cathay Pacific, with a major US airline likely to follow, says Alan Pellegrini, recently appointed executive vice-president and general manager airborne systems.
Meanwhile, Honeywell is aiming for certification of its network server unit to allow in-flight e-mail this month, with a trial with a major international carrier planned for later this year, says Don Shell, business area manager, aviation information services.
From next February, Cathay will equip every seat on 56 aircraft with Primex Technologies' Emport in-seat data system and Empower in-seat power supply. This will allow passengers to access e-mail services in-flight, with service provided by Tenzing's FlightConnect, and messages delivered via the Inmarsat satellite system.
Tenzing hopes to have at least two more airline customers signed before the Cathay launch, with the service ready for its first airborne commercial passenger test in July and full service from January. The two unnamed carriers will not use the Primex solution, but their existing Inmarsat-based in-flight telephone system, allowing launch ahead of Cathay, says Pellegrini.
FlightConnect will let passengers send e-mails in flight from laptops once they have set up an account and downloaded the software on the ground. Subscription costs will be $20-30 a month, allowing unlimited e-mail to be sent from aircraft, although the service provider is aiming to reduce the price. Tenzing is also working with "major brand" service providers on Internet and e-commerce applications.
Honeywell is working with IFE system supplier Matsushita to deliver passenger e-mail and Internet services. Honeywell's Inflightmail service will initially be available via passengers' laptops, but integration with Matsushita IFE hardware is planned for late this year, says Shell.
Source: Flight International
