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WAEA 25th Annual Conference & Exhibition
21-24 September 2004
Washington State Convention & Trade Center

WIRELESS INFLIGHT

Brian Roland (Continental Airlines) said his airline sees a great deal of value in wireless applications. Continental Airlines, in a recently conducted survey of frequent flyers, learned that broadband capability is the most important function to these passengers.

The customer expects in the near future to be able to use a personal cellular phone inflight, Roland said. Airlines must find value to off-set the cost of providing the service, make systems flexible, modular, and light, and ensure it is safe "beyond reasonable doubt."

Cedric Rhoads (MAS-Matsushita Avionics Systems) provided the supplier's perspective on providing wireless capability onboard aircraft, stating: "There are dozens of wireless standards. Which is right?"

802.11 currently is the most widely employed wireless standard, and "the standard we are forced to deal with today," Rhoads said. It is "outstanding for data, but insufficient for providing IFE ," he added. Others, such as Bluetooth and ultra wide-band (UWB), are growing in use, as is WiMax, which offers non-line-of-sight capability and cellular technology.

"Data stream management is critical for video, and quality of service to passengers is vital," Rhoads said.

"Wireless is an enabler that leads to greater functionality and simpler cabins," stated Joe Keegan (The Boeing Company) as he explored "What's Next In Wireless" from the airframer's point of view.

A wireless cabin provides flexibility to the airline customer, allowing the airline easily to configure and reconfigure the aircraft. It also simplifies maintenance and adds to the residual value of the aircraft.

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