Lufthansa Technik's nice® (networked integrated cabin equipment) was selected by Bombardier Aerospace* as the platform for the Learjet 85 aircraft's customized cabin management system (CMS). The contract was formally signed at NBAA 2009. The two companies will collaborate in integrating and adapting nice® into the Learjet 85 aircraft.
August Wilhelm Henningsen, CEO of Lufthansa Technik said: "We are very proud that Bombardier Aerospace has chosen our nice® platform and we look forward to collaborating with them in adapting the system to provide advanced features for the new Learjet 85 aircraft. This is a quantum leap for our Innovation Business Unit, our position in the market, and our successful co-operation with Bombardier Aerospace."
The Challenger 300* jet currently features the advanced, Ethernet based nice® platform customized to meet the platform's design, which is also available as an option on the Challenger 605*, Global 5000* and Global Express XRS* business jets at Midcoast Aviation and Savannah Air Center.
The nice® system is reaching the next evolutionary step to provide its users with truly advanced levels of cabin management and in-flight entertainment functions. A revolutionary new User Interface with custom third generation graphical user interface (GUI), HD distribution to each seat, Blu-ray players, Smartphone integration and system control (including native iPhone® application development), as well as other unique in-seat applications are being developed for the Learjet 85* aircraft program.
Other important near term developments for the nice® system include audio-video on demand (AVOD) with licensed content and informational widgets. With post home DVD release as well as early window (post theatrical) content, the new AVOD solution is perfect for the charter/fractional carrier.
The niceview[TM] network or "nicestuff" widgets will also be introduced Q1 2010. nicestuff will allow customers to choose from a wide variety of internet content that will be aggregated and sent to the niceview[TM] server via the onboard communications system and displayed in the cabin. The widgets are easy to use and integrated as part of the niceview[TM] GUI. The Innovation Business Unit has partnered with SatCom Direct for this service.
In addition to these latest developments, a second generation nice® system colour GUI will be introduced in Q1 2010 for existing customers of the nice® system.
Lufthansa Technik:
The Lufthansa Technik Group, with more than 30 subsidiaries and about 26,000 employees worldwide, is one of the leading manufacturer-independent providers of services for the aviation industry. In 2008, the Group's overall revenues stood at 3.7 billion euros and over 1,700 aircraft from more than 660 customers were served. Lufthansa Technik is licensed internationally as a repair, production and development enterprise. The Group's portfolio encompasses the entire spectrum of services in the areas of maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification and conversion, engines and components.
