Lufthansa Systems today announced that its innovative in-flight entertainment system BoardConnect received the prestigious Crystal Cabin Award in the “Passenger Comfort” category at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2012 in Hamburg. This award, which is presented annually by the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, is the only international prize for excellence and innovation in the field of aircraft interiors.
Passengers can use mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones to join the BoardConnect WiFi network and access audio, video, games and information stored on an onboard server. If the aircraft has broadband Internet access, passengers can also surf the web during their flight, write emails or stay in touch with friends and family through Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.
BoardConnect enables airlines to utilize new channels of communication and interaction with passengers, as well as new information products and services that offer carriers additional sources of revenue. Unlike traditional solutions, the system works entirely without cables (with the exception of the connection between the on-board server and access points). This means it can be installed in the aircraft without requiring longer ground times. It is also lighter and thus saves up to 20 metric tons of kerosene annually per aircraft.
“We are proud of this award. BoardConnect is an example of how Lufthansa Systems uses its technological expertise to develop innovative solutions which contribute to our customers’ success in a variety of ways,” said Stefan Hansen, CEO of Lufthansa Systems AG. “I would like to thank everyone who put their knowledge and experience into making this product a reality.”
Airlines from all over the world have shown great interest in BoardConnect. Condor and Virgin America are the first airlines to have installed the innovative system in their fleets. The Australian airline Qantas has just completed a successful BoardConnect test spanning several weeks in one of its aircraft.
