Airbus Industrie has started to install Sony Trans Com's P@ssport interactive in-flight entertainment (IFE) system on the first of US Airways' A330-300s. Installation of the fully interactive IFE system on the A330 - the first aircraft to feature P@ssport throughout the cabin - follows the approval of the system's software by Airbus and the airline, says Sony.
US Airways will put the first of an initial seven P@ssport-equipped A330s into revenue service in May. A rapid installation and delivery programme will follow, with all aircraft to be equipped by November.
The US Airways' twinjets, destined to serve transatlantic routes, will feature P@ssport at every seat, offering audio- and video-on-demand. Sony staff will fly on the aircraft for the first four weeks of service to ensure that the system functions properly, says the manufacturer.
P@ssport is flying with Air Canada and South African Airways (SAA). Sony has additional unannounced orders from an existing customer, but declines to name the airline. The manufacturer also has a proposal with Air Canada to extend its order, and four or five more "active proposals" with airlines, it says.
Sony plans to add games to the P@ssport system in the next few weeks. It is in discussions with Air Canada and SAA on adding new functions to their P@ssport systems.
Meanwhile, Sony Trans Com says the sale of the IFE division remains "a very strong possibility" and is "looking positive". The former AlliedSignal (now Honeywell) is believed to have started a due diligence review of Sony Trans Com in September with a view to purchase (Flight International, 6-12 October).
Although the avionics manufacturer declines to confirm it is considering a Sony Trans Com purchase, the potential buyer is "an avionics company not in IFE", according to the Japanese-owned concern.
Progress in the deal is believed to have been held up by the merger of Honeywell and AlliedSignal, which was approved late last year. A possible takeover is further clouded by Honeywell's alliance with Sony competitor Matsushita.
Source: Flight International
