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Astronics Launches SkyShow Moving Map Replacement, Featuring FlightPath3D

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FlightPath3D's Duncan Jackson shows off the SkyShow server from Astronics, featuring his company's moving map offering
FlightPath3D’s Duncan Jackson shows off the SkyShow server from Astronics, featuring his company’s moving map offering

When a supplier decides to exit the market airlines can quickly find themselves with scant few options to maintain a service offering. For commercial aircraft flying with the legacy Rockwell Collins moving map solution that scenario is no longer hypothetical. The company is ending support for the long-lived product.

So what are airlines and aircraft owners to do? One option, thanks to Astronics, comes in the form of the new SkyShow Server, developed in partnership with FlightPath3D. SkyShow is a drop-in replacement for the map system, allowing airlines to easily and efficiently transition to a modern solution with minimal aircraft downtime.

SkyShow Server represents a major leap forward in in-cabin moving map technology, offering customers a seamless upgrade path and passengers an unparalleled, immersive flight experience. We are proud to work with FlightPath3D to deliver a product that meets the high expectations of modern travelers.

– Mike Kuehn, President of Astronics CSC

Clarification Note: Collins will still support all installed AirShow systems going forward, and is not exiting the BizAv business; it will not sell new for commercial aviation. Astronics/FP3D are targeting both markets with this new product. -Seth

Demand for an updated map offering in the business aviation segment is significant, but a lack of supporting hardware created a challenge. As FlightPath3D President Duncan Jackson explains, “Astronics was interested in getting to the business aviation market, where we have tons of demand for the map, but there’s a lack of infrastructure to put it on. There was a really clear need Astronics was ready to address. We joined them at the hip for development and go to market.”

The system offers all the configuration options of FlightPath3D, enabling airlines to meet branding and experience objectives. This includes personalization of colors, icons, and layouts, plus over 50,000 Points of Interest (POI) pins for destination exploration. The well-known touch controls, augmented reality views, and real-time flight data of the platform are also included.

And for the BizAv/VVIP market, the system enables some features on the map that are not typically available to commercial aviation users. Among them, Jackson explains, is the ability to control the map on a bulkhead from a personal device rather than walking over to the screen.

Physically the appliance is roughly a drop-in replacement for the legacy Collins hardware, though slightly smaller. It also includes a more advanced and comprehensive set of interfaces, including 3G HD SDI and 4K HDMI outputs, a RS232 controller interface, RS232 and ARINC 429 flight data ports, and an Ethernet aircraft interface.

While the initial market demand appears to be around replacing legacy systems, Jeff Unger, VP Engineering for Astronics CCC (the division overseeing SkyShow) described to PaxEx.Aero the potential for a larger infotainment platform in the BizAv market, based on Astronics hardware. Astronics is developing 22″ and 27″ smart screens for deployment in the cabin. These screens – combined with an Astronics-powered wireless network on board and the SkyShow server – can be deployed as a mini-IFE solution.

Astronics expects SkyShow Server to be fully certified and delivering by Q3 2025. The company is accepting orders now.

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About Seth Miller

Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.

He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.

You can connect with Seth via email, on Bluesky, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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