Perhaps best known for its tablet-based IFE offerings, inflight entertainment provider digEcor delivers much more for airlines. It announced a new partnership this week focused on embedded systems aiming to boost its position in the aircraft retrofit space as well. The company partnered with Jamco Aero Design and Engineering (JADE) on a deal for installation of digEcor’s Passenger Services Solution on Boeing 777 aircraft. The deal takes advantage of JADE’s aircraft refurbishment expertise and digEcor’s technology platform to meet the airline’s needs.
digEcor is no stranger to embedded solutions on planes. The company provides power and lighting through other integrators as well. This partnership with JADE opens new markets in the Asia-Pacific region. CEO David Withers highlighted the value JADE brings to the partnership:
JADE is a strong player in the Asia Pacific region and has years of Airbus and Boeing aircraft cabin modification and engineering services experience.
Our first project together will see us retrofitting a B777 aircraft with digEcor’s Passenger Services Solution. The modular and integrated solution is not only cost effective for the airline, but ergonomic and easy to use for passengers.
The company clarified that the deal represents multiple 777 frames, with the first aircraft due for completion in mid-2019. Specifics about the airline customer were not disclosed.
digEcor’s product line now spans the IFE market. The company can still deliver tablet-based IFE, of course, but there is much more on offer. digEcor recently announced its intention to acquire Rockwell Collins’ legacy IFE systems, giving it access to more IP around embedded systems on aircraft. That deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Power systems, LED cabin lighting, cabin management, and crew applications all sit within the company’s portfolio as well. Evolving quickly to deliver some of the new embedded services to airlines is challenging. That process is eased by the JADE partnership. JADE’s expertise in integrating structural products from other vendors into aircraft retrofits makes it an ideal partner for digEcor in this new era of solutions for the company.
Despite the proliferation of streaming IFE services, particularly on single-aisle aircraft, a significant business remains for the embedded systems. digEcor wants in to that market and this embedded systems install and JADE partnership, even if not IFE, is a strong step in that direction.
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