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Fresh off the industry’s recent gathering in Los Angeles, California for APEX TECH 2025, PAX Tech is pleased to bring you some summer reading in the form of our digital Seating & IFEC issue. With hot topics such as the push for premium seating, the impact of airline branding and real-time connectivity in onboard retail at the forefront, we take a closer look at the technologies and innovations that are transforming the inflight experience for passengers from seat to seatback screen.
Beyond the seatback screen, this issue’s inflight entertainment section amplifies audio, including IFPL Group’s noise-cancelling headphone jacks and Linstol’s view on the growing role of Bluetooth connectivity.
Filmmaker George Lucas has often said that sound makes up half of the moviegoing experience. IFPL Group’s Mark Reed agrees, stressing that inflight audio quality should be just as strong as the visuals. He tells PAX Tech, “Ultimately, great IFE is not just about what passengers see—it is about the entire sensory experience. Quality audio is a vital part of that.”
Also in this issue, experts from Thompson Aero Seating, RECARO, ANA and Air New Zealand examine the growing demand for “premiumness” in both Economy and Business Class cabins.
“This trend is particularly pronounced as leisure travelers seek enhanced amenities without the full cost of Business Class, making Premium Economy an attractive middle ground,” RECARO’s Dr. Mark Hiller tells us.
Accessibility remains a key topic in the industry, with suppliers like FlightPath3D, Anuvu and Diehl Aviation leading new initiatives. Diehl’s Crystal Cabin Award-winning Space³ lavatory concept aims to enhance accessibility for passengers while preserving cabin space, “ensuring a safer and more dignified experience for passengers who require support,” says Sebastian Tivig, Senior Expert / CVE Cabin Safety.
So, sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride through this PAX Tech Seating & IFEC report—your front-row seat to the latest cabin innovations.
Robynne Trueman
Business Editor
PAX Tech
10 BRAND GUARDIANS
Riyadh Air’s Osamah Alnuaiser and PriestmanGoode’s Ben Rowan highlight the design details of the carrier’s 787-9 Dreamliners ahead of the airline’s takeoff later this year
12 THE PUSH FOR PREMIUM
Driven by comfort, quality and functionality, airlines are investing in elevated seating experiences in Premium Economy and Business Class
17 CHARGING AHEAD
David Pook, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, tells PAX Tech about the reception of the PSS integration and what is next for Burrana
18 PERSONALIZING THE CONNECTED PASSENGER EXPERIENCE
Viasat’s Don Buchman and Laney Hind discuss Viasat Amara, the Connected Partner Platform and personalization the connected passenger experience
Warm lighting, tactile finishes and a cocooning comfort create an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and sophisticated reflecting the generosity and warmth of modern Riyadh. Read more on page 10
20 BRIDGING CONNECTIVITY GAPS
IdeaNova and Bluebox are transforming portable IFE, redefining its role beyond entertainment into a versatile digital services hub onboard
24 PARTNERS IN CONNECTIVITY
CEO Michael Raasch highlights Omnevo’s role in the Connected Partner Platform and delivering onboard retail experiences powered by real-time connectivity
27 HIGH ALTITUDE, LOW ANXIETY
FlightPath3D’s Duncan Jackson and Anuvu’s Simon Cuthbert spotlight how inflight content can support and empower passengers with anxiety
28 REDEFINING AUDIO IN THE AIRCRAFT CABIN
PAX Tech chats with IFPL’s Mark Reed, Business Development Director - North America, to learn about the supplier’s future-proofing approach to in-seat audio jacks
30 LOUD AND CLEAR
Procurall Solutions shares its perspective on the new standard in inflight audio, balancing sustainability, comfort and acoustic quality in headset design
32 THE WIRELESS REVOLUTION
In this guest column, D’Nae Woodruff, Global Brand Manager at Linstol, discusses how Bluetooth connectivity is reshaping inflight audio
CABIN EQUIPMENT
33 REDEFINING CABIN INCLUSIVITY
Diehl Aviation’s Mathies Gereke and Sebastian Tivig highlight the efficiency and inclusivity features of the award-winning Space³ cabin concept
35 CABIN CLIMATE REFRESH
Ola Häggfeldt, Chief Commercial Officer at CTT Systems, evaluates how cabin climate plays a significant role in overall passenger comfort
36 APEX GLOBAL EXPO AHEAD
A preview of this fall’s APEX Global EXPO, emphasizing crossindustry collaboration, cutting-edge technology and transformative passenger experiences
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Royal Air Maroc partners with Touch on scalable next-gen IFE Spotify makes inflight debut with United
With Morocco’s tourism on the rise and the 2030 World Cup set to spotlight the country, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is scaling up to meet demand—including plans to quadruple its fleet by 2037. As part of this growth, RAM has partnered with Touch Inflight Solutions (Touch) to deliver a scalable, nextgeneration inflight entertainment platform.
Touch’s adaptable technology and real-time content updates will ensure passengers enjoy a seamless experience across all routes. The curated content lineup features Hollywood hits from major studios, alongside Moroccan films, music and Arabic programming that reflect the country’s rich culture.
To support a smooth rollout, Touch will provide a dedicated French-speaking account manager in a time zone aligned with Morocco.
United has partnered with Spotify in the streaming platform’s first airline collaboration, adding more than 450 hours of podcasts and audiobooks to the carrier’s seatback entertainment system. The content is available for free on more than 130,000 screens, many equipped with 4K resolution and Bluetooth audio.
This is the first time Spotify has offered audiobooks and video podcasts onboard an airline, allowing United passengers to enjoy more than 65 pieces of content. From next year, United passengers will be able to use personal devices to log into the Spotify app on the inflight entertainment screen, picking up right where they left off.
“Spotify has a huge audience and people love their content. And now our customers can enjoy it all in a simple and easy way, at 35,000 feet,” said Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus, the airline’s frequent flyer program. “Together, we are giving millions of customers an entirely new way to experience and explore premium content from the world’s most popular artists, authors and podcasters—all while flying with the latest technology in the sky.”
“As a frequent United flyer myself, it is incredibly exciting to see Spotify now available on the world’s largest airline,” said Ian Geller, VP of Business Development at Spotify. “At Spotify, we are dedicated to being everywhere our users are, giving creators opportunities to reach new platforms and engage different audiences. I am especially looking forward to bringing an even more personalized app streaming experience to seatbacks next year.”
Royal Air Maroc is partnering with Touch to bring scalable next-gen IFE to its fleet
United Airlines is the first to feature Spotify on seatback entertainment
Eurowings upgrades medium-haul Business Class with Geven seating
Eurowings is launching its Premium BIZ seat on medium-haul routes this autumn, introducing a refreshed Business Class experience. For the first time, the airline will install premium seats from Italian manufacturer Geven in its A320neo aircraft. Featuring adjustable backrests, ergonomic design and generous upholstery in a two-by-two layout, the seats offer significantly greater comfort and privacy.
The concept will be available to book from August as a higher-value option within the Eurowings BIZclass. With this launch, Eurowings will offer multiple comfort levels on medium-haul routes: alongside the Premium BIZ seat (eight per aircraft), passengers can choose from BIZclass (with a free middle seat and extra legroom), as well as SMART (optional extra legroom) and BASIC Economy fares.
“With our new Premium BIZ seat, we offer business travelers and holidaymakers a completely new level of comfort on medium-haul flights,” said Jens Bischof, CEO of Eurowings. “More privacy and a significantly enhanced feel-good atmosphere make longer flights noticeably more pleasant. We are thus setting a new standard in our market segment and clearly positioning Eurowings as Europe’s leading value airline.”
The Eurowings recliner seats for medium-haul
CONNECTIVITY
Intelsat powers IFC for Royal Brunei Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines has chosen Intelsat to deliver multi-orbit inflight connectivity across its A320neo fleet.
“Royal Brunei’s passengers will soon benefit from reliable, multi-orbit connectivity that will provide the same fast and dependable internet access they enjoy at home no matter where or when they fly,” said Mike DeMarco, Intelsat Chief Commercial Officer. “The Intelsat team is proud to have been selected by Royal Brunei to deliver a product that will keep the airline on the cutting edge.”
In the fourth quarter of this year, Intelsat will start installing the multi-orbit system on the A320s, including the electronically steered array (ESA) antenna, which is less than seven centimeters tall and delivers unmatched reliability connecting to both Intelsat’s geostationary (GEO) satellites and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
Saudia brings Apple TV+ onboard with Anuvu
Saudia has announced it will bring Apple TV+ content to the Middle East on its BEYOND entertainment system in collaboration with Anuvu
“This exciting collaboration experience brings an exceptional experience to our guests, with 100+ episodes and 85+ hours of critically acclaimed content, including hits like ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘The Morning Show’
and ‘Severance,’” the airline said via LinkedIn.
“So proud to help two great brands such as Saudia and Apple TV+ come together for the first time in region,” said Estíbaliz Asiain, Executive Vice President, Media & Content at Anuvu. “It is such an honor to contribute to defining BEYOND.”
Royal Brunei Airlines will soon have inflight connectivity on its A320 aircraft in partnership with Intelsat
IFE
Saudia selects Anuvu to bring Apple TV+ content to BEYOND
BRAND GUARDIANS
Riyadh Air’s Osamah Alnuaiser and PriestmanGoode’s Ben Rowan highlight the design details of the carrier’s 787-9 Dreamliners ahead of the airline’s takeoff later this year
by ALEX PRESTON
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest national airline, may well consider itself a digital start-up, but in wanting to disrupt the aviation industry it has clearly paid attention to the subtle hard and soft product touches that define a premium international airline.
Ahead of launching scheduled global services later this year, the airline has unveiled the interiors—a nod to Saudi artistry and Salmani architecture—which will grace its intended fleet of 69 787-9 Dreamliners.
As Osamah Alnuaiser, SVP of Marketing and Corporate Communications tells PAX Tech, “At Riyadh Air, every journey is an invitation to experience the spirit of Riyadh with its vibrant culture, dynamic landscape and bold vision for the future. Nowhere is this more evident than in our Unity Business Class cabin, where a bespoke design meets genuine hospitality,
with an obsessive attention to detail of function, finishes and finesse.”
While Safran’s Unity seat may be at the heart of the cabin, the interiors incorporate the airline’s signature Canopy Twist design inspired by traditional Saudi motifs, thoughtfully reimagined for the modern guest. Warm lighting, tactile finishes and a cocooning comfort create an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and sophisticated reflecting the generosity and warmth of modern Riyadh, according to Alnuaiser.
“There is a subtle elegance to our design that reveals itself with every look.”
Foundational design
The airline worked closely with London-based design agency PriestmanGoode to execute this vision.
Ben Rowan, Director, tells PAX Tech that it was clear from the very
Riyadh Air aircraft will feature an exclusive 28 Business Class seat setting, including 24 Unity suites and four Unity Elite front-row suites
Osamah Alnuaiser, SVP of Marketing and Corporate Communications
Ben Rowan, Director, PriestmanGoode
beginning of the program that the Riyadh Air team wanted to push boundaries with big ambitions— “a departure from the norm,” he says.
The project was atypical for the multidisciplinary team, which would take an existing brand identity and translate it from 2D to 3D across different surfaces and touchpoints.
“In this case, there was no legacy in terms of brand,” explains Rowan, who says that the design language for both the interior and other brand aspects was initially inspired by the team’s research trip to Riyadh. The trip would prove critical in building the foundation of what would become the design approach and principles for every subsequent phase in the design process.
“Being present in the home of the airline allowed us to experience and capture the vibrant colors of the desert sunset and ever-changing light,” he says, describing how Saudi
landscapes inspired the visual elements of the cabin. “We were also very inspired by lavender as both a color and unique cultural reference that played a significant part in our development of materials and lighting.”
Riyadh Air’s primary brand colors comprise lavender, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s springtime landscape where lavender blossoms carpet the desert. The hue represents the Kingdom’s generosity and authentic hospitality. At the same, indigo in the airline’s livery and branding evokes the elegance of twilight skies and the dynamic energy of the city. The “R” in the logo is inspired by an aircraft window, representing Saudi Arabia’s window to the world, and symbolizing the movement of a bird’s wings in flight, a powerful nod to the elegant curves of Arabic calligraphy. Supporting colors include sunset peach and sky blue, reflecting the
depth and warmth of the desert at dusk and the future-looking ambitions of the airline overall, respectively. Underscoring this modern look are iridescent finishes, allowing some surfaces to slightly shift in color as the light in the cabin changes. The aesthetic complements the dynamic and transformative nature of both the airline and the Kingdom.
Rowan says that whilst the agency had creative freedom to design from a blank slate, the Riyadh Air team also wanted to customize every possible detail.
Distinctly Riyadh Air
Rowan says that the design process for the airline’s interiors was about taking a platform product and pushing to make the outcome unique for the airline, integrating cues to the culture and heritage of Riyadh, while presenting a modern aesthetic.
“Balancing these cultural references with practical functional requirements was a challenge, as was ensuring the brand vision translated effectively into physical materials and forms within the cabin,” he explains.
Alnuaiser picks up the narrative: “From the signature motifs etched into suite doors to the seamless integration of our brand colors throughout the cabin, every element has been chosen to immerse guests in the Riyadh Air story. Materiality is key, and we have deployed the luxurious materials from soft wall coverings to metallic latches, to creamy leathers.”
As Rowan explains, the Business Class suite allows for a unique, elevated passenger experience, with innovations such as dual dining and sociable front-row seating that caters both to business and leisure travelers.
“The bespoke materials, lighting design and ergonomic features combine to create an environment that feels modern yet rooted in local culture. This cabin sets a new benchmark for premium air travel and helps Riyadh Air establish a distinctive and aspirational identity on the world stage,” he says.
Metallic latches are a key part of the materiality of PriestmanGoode and Riyadh Air’s cabin interior design
Riyadh Air’s primary brand colors comprise lavender, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s springtime landscape where lavender blossoms carpet the desert
THE PUSH FOR PREMIUM
Driven by comfort, quality and functionality, airlines are investing in elevated seating experiences in Premium Economy and Business Class
by ALEX PRESTON
Influenced by evolving passenger preferences, there has been a shift onboard toward premium products and differentiation, and airlines are increasingly investing in premium seating solutions.
Air New Zealand is a recent case in point. Speaking to PAX Tech, Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien says that for the past few years, the airline has seen an increased demand across its premium cabins, particularly from its long-haul markets.
“This trend was something we have been monitoring and fed into the decision behind increasing our premium capacity on our retrofitted aircraft. Our retrofit program will see an increase in capacity in our premium cabins by 27 percent across all 14 aircraft once the retrofits are complete,” O’Brien reveals.
Front row views
The airline is in the early stages of retrofitting its fleet of 787-9 aircraft with a reimagined cabin experience that includes new seats in every class such as the new Business Premier Luxe (four seats in the front row of the Business Premier cabin) and Business Premier seats from Safran Seats.
Katsunori Maki, Director - Cabin Products and Services Planning (Head of Cabin Programs), Customer Experience, ANA
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO, RECARO Aircraft Seating
Jeremy O’Brien, Chief Commercial Officer, Air New Zealand
Phil Howe, Head of Sales & Commercial, Thompson Aircraft Seating
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Cabin
Northern Ireland’s Thompson Aero Seating is also seeing an increase in demand for the Enhanced Front Row in both its long-haul twin-aisle VantageNOVA (unveiled at this year’s Aircraft Interiors and due to be delivered to an unspecified customer in 2026) and VantageXL+ (recently launched with China Southern Airlines for its A350 fleet).
In conversation with PAX Tech, the company’s Head of Sales & Commercial, Phil Howe reveals that the majority of customer inquiries for the Business Class product come from established airlines having this as a clear requirement.
“This trend is being seen not only in the traditional Business Class operators but also those with a leisure fleet, as they are looking to add a further level of premium seating to their cabin. Business Class cabins are currently growing in size due to the continued demand for premium travel outside of the businessperson traveling alone for work. The Enhanced Front Row is no longer just for the Zone 1 in the aircraft; it is also requested in the Zone 2 area to maximize the options for the passengers and provide an increase in revenue for the airline above a traditional Business Class offering,” Howe says.
According to Howe, the push for the upgraded Business Class is not limited to the usual areas of the globe and airlines who have traditionally led the drive for the upgraded product, such as Emirates, Japan Airlines or Singapore Airlines.
R4 Premium Economy Seat for ANA in recline position
“The demand for such products is being seen from more countries and regions across the globe as airlines look to differentiate their product from their competition who are servicing the same routes and passenger groups,” he says.
Howe also adds that this trend is not only in the widebody fleets but is being seen on the latest generation of single aisle aircraft. As their range continues to extend, it is driving the requirement to recover the highest potential revenue from the available space in the cabin through the inclusion of an enhanced front row offering.
At a premium
Dr. Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding, believes that with a notable increase in leisure travel, airlines are seeking to enhance the passenger experience to attract and retain customers who are willing to invest more in comfort and quality.
“This trend is particularly pronounced as leisure travelers seek enhanced amenities without the full cost of Business Class, making Premium Economy an attractive middle ground,” Hiller tells PAX.
Since its introduction by EVA Air more than thirty years ago, the attraction and adoption of Premium Economy has
grown. However, as Hiller observes, “Right now, Premium Economy represents the smallest segment in terms of cabin layout. This specialized section is designed to bridge the gap between standard Economy and Business Class, offering enhanced comfort and amenities. Due to the premium features and increased space requirements, airlines typically allocate a limited number of Premium Economy seats within the overall economy cabin.”
Hiller also says that as Premium Economy evolves, it may adopt certain features traditionally found in Business Class, such as enhanced comfort and generous living and personal space. “However, Business Class will likely remain distinct in terms of luxury amenities and full privacy options,” he concludes.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) was one of the earliest adopters of Premium Economy, introducing the class in 2002. As ANA’s Katsunori Maki, Director - Cabin Products and Services Planning (Head of Cabin Programs), Customer Experience remarks, Premium Economy has been thought of as an extension of Economy Class–until now.
“We believe that Premium Economy should be treated as an independent and different passenger experience from now on, not only the seat product but also with
RECARO Aircraft Seating
R4 Premium Economy seat in the recline position
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other services,” he points out, noting that some airlines have already started offering different food and beverage services and amenities from the ones available in Economy Class, with ANA itself offering access to lounges for its Premium Economy passengers.
ANA is a long-standing customer of RECARO, recently selecting the company’s new R4 seat for its Premium Economy cabin on its next-generation 787-9 long-haul international aircraft, with deployment scheduled to begin next year.
Maki admits that while First and Business Class seats have evolved significantly in the past 30 years, from lie-flat bed to full-flat bed and from direct aisle access to having suite doors, there have been no such iterative enhancements to the Premium Economy seat itself. What ANA and other airlines have done, however, is improve the functionality, such as the personal monitor size, USB charging, etc.
In such a situation, the gap with Business Class seats is widening, asserts Maki. With direct flights becoming more common because of aircraft performance improvements and flight times getting longer, “We believe that what our customers need most is enhanced seat comfort,” he says.
“From this new R4 seat, we have increased the seat pitch from 38 inches to 40 inches and the recline from
seven to nine inches from [the] previous Premium Economy and enhanced the passenger experience dramatically,” explains Maki. “Adding another two inches of recline is improving the passenger’s comfort.”
For Hiller, the premium boom can be more accurately described as a strategic enhancement of passenger experience. Airlines are focused on differentiating their offerings to meet the evolving needs and preferences of travelers.
“This segment will grow approximately 20 percent in the next five years on an annual basis, it is a purposeful investment in quality, comfort and innovation to provide meaningful value to passengers,” he says.
Hiller believes that with this, the trend toward premium products and differentiation is poised to be a long-term development in the aviation industry.
“The sustained growth in leisure travel, coupled with ongoing advancements in seat design and passenger comfort, indicate that premium offerings will remain a core component of airline strategies. As passenger expectations continue to evolve, the demand for enhanced comfort and personalized experiences will drive continued investment in premium cabins,” he says.
CHARGING AHEAD
David Pook, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, tells PAX Tech about the reception of the PSS integration and what is next for Burrana
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
Burrana has launched its RISE Power system with integrated Passenger Service Solutions (PSS), expanding on the growing success of RISE Power, which has been flying for a year and a half.
PAX Tech spoke with David Pook, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, about the reception of the PSS integration and what is next for Burrana.
“Performance has been above our expectations,” Pook says of RISE Power. “We are seeing incredible MTBF (mean time between failures) and in some cases, zero failure. It has been very, very successful.”
He tells PAX Tech that four of 18 current airline customers have selected RISE through the Airbus catalog so far. He also cites progress in the offerability process with Boeing and hopes that by this time next year, Burrana will officially be part of the Boeing catalog as well.
Burrana’s integrated RISE Power + PSS solution allows carriers to streamline retrofit programs, espe-
cially when modernizing widebody aircraft. RISE Power + PSS is designed for 747, 767, 777, 787, A330 and A340 aircraft types, and allows for the addition of PSS functionality (reading lights and attendant call) within the RISE Power architecture.
Pook says the PSS add-on for widebody aircraft addresses a trend that Burrana is starting to see with legacy aircraft being repurposed from mainline use to low-cost long-haul. With a retrofit of the seating and removal of seatback IFE systems comes the demand for lightweight in-seat power and PSS functions, specifically compatible with wide-body configurations. RISE Power + PSS answers this call as an add-on for functionality when it is not available within the IFE system.
“Nothing is impacted at the seat, no additional hardware is required besides the PSS controller. It is not a new system, it is just an add-on,” Pook explains. “It is very low cost with minimum weight impact.”
He says Burrana has a launch
customer for the product on 787 aircraft, which is set to be revealed in the coming months. Pook adds that he hopes the ease and simplicity of adding PSS functionality onto the existing power system will encourage airlines and MROs to go this route rather than invest in an entirely new system.
David Pook, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing, Burrana
Burrana’s Rise Power + PSS product
Personalizing the connected passenger experience
Viasat’s Don Buchman and Laney Hind discuss Viasat Amara, the Connected Partner Platform and personalization the connected passenger experience by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
Viasat announced its nextgeneration solution for commercial aviation, Viasat Amara, at AIX 2025. Powering the IFC solution are innovations in core satellite network design, hardware advancements and a suite of digital products. Viasat Amara is designed with powerful scalability so airlines can curate a future-proof onboard passenger experience.
PAX Tech sat down with Laney Hind, Director of Airline Programs and Don Buchman, Senior Vice President and GM, Commercial Mobility, to learn more about the IFC solution and how it is furthering Viasat’s connectivity solutions.
Prioritizing the passenger
“It is setting the tone for our next generation of multi-orbit,” says Buchman. “We have been doing this for 12 years – advancing inflight connectivity with full, fast, free streaming. With the
acquisition of Inmarsat a few years ago, we have got all these new assets, so this is the time to move forward, and Viasat Amara is setting that benchmark.”
Hind adds that Viasat Amara combines Viasat’s best assets, noting that no additional hardware is needed at the moment to access LEO and GEO.
As multi-orbit takes center stage, Buchman says it is becoming the latest buzzword. Customers want the best possible experience, which comes down to bandwidth.
“A low cost, great experience is really what is being requested, even though customers use buzzwords like ‘flat antenna’ or ‘multi-orbit,’” Buchman continues. “With Viasat Amara, it is not multi-orbit first, it is customer experience first.”
Looking at current trends in the IFC market, he says more and more airlines are realizing they need sufficient amounts of bandwidth to provide a free inflight connec-
Viasat Amara launched at AIX 2025
Laney Hind, Director of Airline Programs, Viasat
Don Buchman, Senior Vice President and GM, Commercial Mobility, Viasat
tivity experience to passengers.
“We have sort of crossed that threshold of acceptance and so that is the problem we are solving globally. We have already solved it regionally,” he adds, noting that Viasat has been providing full, fast, free IFC in North America for more than a decade to JetBlue, Delta and now Porter. “Now the rest of the world is waking up to that.”
Curating connection
Hind points to personalization as another leading trend in the IFC space.
“We are seeing an increased desire from airlines to offer personalized experiences for passengers, especially with the younger generations coming up, there is an expectation,” she explains. “With our digital products, we are able to help with that increased personalization.”
One such product is the Connected Partner Platform, which allows an airline to choose from a suite of Viasat’s applications, as well as applications from its partners. The
Connected Partner Platform provides advanced application hosting and an ecosystem of partners so that airlines can integrate and manage connected solutions. Current partners include FlightPath3D, Omnevo, Mozio, Discover Cars.com, Gladi8ter and Bluebox Aviation Systems.
Customization opportunities using the Connected Partner Platform also help monetization. Hind notes that while some airlines might want to provide classic free connectivity experiences, others are looking for help with monetization.
“Through the Connected Partner Platform and through our ads, Viasat can assist with monetization in a number of ways,” she says.
Just as onboard retail and ancillary revenue options are becoming deeply intertwined with IFC offerings, Buchman notes that IFC and seatback screens are trending toward deeper integration.
“Before those two worlds were kind of separate on the aircraft, you
have an IFC experience and IFE,” he explains. “But over the last two years, we have seen a lot more integration.”
When it comes to walking the line between personalizing versus interrupting the passenger experience through dynamic advertising, Buchman says, “We are brand safe and we work with the airlines on the experience they are trying to deliver to ensure it is not intrusive.”
Hind adds that the level of personalization onboard is largely up to the airline, with each carrier being totally unique. Whatever the airline determines, Viasat is there to support those goals to ensure the connectivity experience aligns with the brand through its flexibility and scalability.
“It is all about customer centricity,” concludes Hind. “It is all about the passenger experience and helping the airline extract what that experience should be for their customer. With all of the customizations we provide, that is what we are here for.”
Laney Hind, Director of Airline Programs (left) with Don Buchman, Senior Vice President and GM, Commercial Mobility at AIX 2025
BRIDGING CONNECTIVITY GAPS
IdeaNova and Bluebox are transforming portable IFE, continuing its evolution into a versatile digital services hub onboard
by JANE HOBSON
In an age where inflight connectivity is accelerating and digital passenger expectations are constantly evolving, the enduring relevance of portable inflight entertainment systems might be surprising to some. But for IdeaNova Technologies, a specialist in secure streaming and IFE software, and Bluebox Aviation Systems, a leading provider of wireless IFE solutions, portable IFE is not just relevant—it is a key piece of the aviation puzzle. The pair’s partnership supports the continuing evolution of portable IFE as a flexible, future-facing service platform that meets the demands of both connected and disconnected aircraft.
Bluebox’s softwarefirst vision
“Let’s start with a bit of background,” Kevin Clark, CEO of Bluebox, tells PAX Tech. “We are primarily a software business. But because we are called Bluebox, people tend to think that we are a hardware company.” While Bluebox does offer portable wireless streaming boxes—Wow, first launched in 2016—it has always emphasized the software layer as the core of its value proposition. Bluebox’s Blueview software is designed to support personal electronic devices (PEDs), and this evolved toward an architecture
Examples of IFE and retail opportunities on personal electronic devices
Kevin Clark, CEO, Bluebox
Juraj Siska, CEO, IdeaNova
that decouples software from hardware entirely. This evolution allows Blueview to operate across diverse hardware platforms, from aircraftinstalled servers to portable wireless units stowed in overhead bins.
“The hardware is really the life support system for the software,” Clark explains. “It is the Blueview software that delivers the ever-expanding functionality. And recognizing that allows us to rapidly create capabilities that are much more about what passengers want to consume rather than technology for its own sake.”
By abstracting the software layer, Bluebox enables airlines to deploy IFE
flexibly—whether across a fully connected fleet, a mixed fleet with partial connectivity, or completely disconnected aircraft. Even across fleet with different aircraft types. According to Valour Consultancy, approximately 22,000 aircraft will be IFE-equipped by 2032, leaving ample room for portable systems to fill critical gaps.
This is where IdeaNova Technologies comes in.
Resilience through software integration
Juraj Siska, CEO of IdeaNova, sees the partnership with Bluebox as a natural fit. “What attracts us about
the Bluebox vision is that even if we fulfill the prediction that 50 percent of aircraft will be connected, that still leaves half the fleet disconnected. And even those that are connected will not be connected 100 percent of the time.”
IdeaNova specializes in technologies that make secure content streaming possible, including DRM, encryption and offline content availability. Its Inplay product suite enables streaming video playback—even in low or no connectivity environments—ensuring passengers can access content seamlessly regardless of network status.
IdeaNova’s role with Bluebox is to enhance the software stack by enabling secure, scalable and flexible media delivery. As Siska puts it: “We believe that both the software served from the ground and the software from the aircraft need to work in conjunction to provide 100 percent availability and 100 percent of services to the airline’s customers.”
Hybrid, applicationdriven future
Clark says he sees the evolving IFE landscape as one where applications, not bandwidth, will determine differentiation.
“Up until recently, it has all been about IFE,” Clark says. “But the world that the passenger lives in is about much more. It is about inflight retail, order-to-seat, destination content—all
A screenshot of IdeaNova’s Web Inplay Player
A screenshot of IdeaNova’s iOS Inplay Player for personal mobile devices
digital services airlines can offer with Blueview over the same infrastructure.”
By separating software from hardware, Bluebox enables airlines to deploy these services in a modular fashion. A portable IFE system, for instance, could deliver entertainment, inflight retail and passenger messaging in aircraft where permanent connectivity is not feasible or economically viable. It can also be rapidly deployed—unconstrained by the extensive certification processes that encumber seatback systems.
This opens a world of opportunity for airlines, where speed to market and cost containment are critical.
Shared vision, complementary strengths
The partnership exemplifies a strategic alliance built around specialization.
is better at—that is their focus,” says Clark. “They manage the roadmap that we use within our own product, which allows us to concentrate on what functional enhancements matter most to airlines and their passengers.”
Siska echoes this sentiment. “Everyone is talking about inflight connectivity,” he says, “but I believe there is going to be a lot more space for building aviation-specific applications. It is not about whether you have 100 megabits per second or even 500—it is about what you do with it. We believe the future will belong to IFE systems that bring the most relevant and accurate applications. The availability of connectivity will open up the field for some of the most innovative ideas to enhance passenger experience.”
One such development is IdeaNova’s
Inplay Flow product which bridges the gap between wireless PED-based IFE and traditional seatback screens, creating a more seamless and immersive passenger experience. Together, IdeaNova and Bluebox are looking beyond conventional streaming to integrated, cross-platform services.
Future-proofing IFE
While portable IFE may have originated as a workaround for hardware limitations and unconnected aircraft, its future is firmly rooted in software innovation. The collaboration between IdeaNova and Bluebox represents a significant shift from hardware-centric thinking toward a service-based model that prioritizes flexibility, speed and passenger engagement.
“Portable systems still have a very, very relevant life and quite a long life in the aviation space,” says Clark.
By building a scalable software ecosystem that can live on the aircraft or be served from the ground, IdeaNova and Bluebox are ensuring that airlines will not be held back by connectivity limitations or inflexible legacy systems, not only redefining the capabilities of portable IFE but future-proofing it for the next decade of digital aviation.
IdeaNova and Bluebox have partnered to bring portable IFE opportunities into the spotlight
Bluebox’s Wow portable wireless streaming box
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PARTNERS IN CONNECTIVITY
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
CEO Michael Raasch highlights Omnevo’s role in the Connected Partner Platform and delivering onboard retail experiences powdered by real-time connectivity
In April, Omnevo was announced as a launch partner for Viasat’s Connected Partner Platform, an advanced application hosting and an ecosystem of partners that enables airlines to integrate and manage onboard retail, entertainment and more into the airline’s inflight connectivity system.
“We always look for partners that can match our commitment to innovation, scale and performance,” Omnevo’s CEO, Michael Raasch, tells PAX Tech. When considering working with Viasat, he explains the connec-
tivity provider stood out for three key reasons: global coverage across a growing fleet of connected aircraft, technical openness that allows seamless integration and a shared vision for connected passenger experiences.
“Their platform offers us and our airline customers a solid, futureready infrastructure to deliver digital retail in a way that is fast, secure and reliable,” he adds.
A network of connection
For Raasch, being selected as a launch partner for the platform is an
endorsement of Omnevo’s capabilities and innovation in inflight retail.
“It is more than a technical integration—it positions Omnevo at the forefront of what is next in onboard commerce. The Connected Partner Platform is designed to bring together best-in-class tech partners to offer airlines a modular, scalable way to improve the passenger experience,” he says.
Being a part of the platform not only opens doors for future collaboration with Viasat but also with a growing ecosystem of partners,
Michael Raasch, CEO, Omnevo
Omnevo is a launch partner for Viasat’s Connected Partner Platform
Raasch notes. These partnerships will elevate inflight retail through personalization, dynamic pricing and interactive content.
Real-time results
Viasat and Omnevo are delivering an onboard retail experience with real-time connectivity, improving upon traditional models. According to Raasch, a key benefit of real-time connectivity in onboard retail is the opportunity to reduce payment decline rates to below 0.3 percent. This can improve conversion rates for the airline while boosting passenger satisfaction.
“It is a step-change in performance that simply is not possible with legacy, offline systems and it lays the groundwork for a more agile, data-led retail model going forward,” he explains, adding that traditional inflight retail models are static, offering limited payment options and inefficient fulfillment.
“Real-time connectivity flips that model on its head,” he says. “With Omnevo, Viasat and our other technology partners, passengers can browse a full digital shop, see live offers, make purchases at any point during the flight and even pay digitally without needing to call a flight attendant.”
Smart retailing in the air
For passengers traveling on a fully connected airline, Raasch says the shopping experience is far more relevant and intuitive than ever before.
“We can tailor offers based on flight route, seat class, loyalty status or even past purchase behavior,” he explains, “Whether that is surfacing meal upgrades, exclusive duty-free bundles or destination-specific experiences, the system learns and adapts.”
With the introduction of cloudbased updates, airlines can now adjust and refresh inflight shopping programs dynamically, sharing offers, updating
For passengers traveling on a fully connected airline, Omnevo’s shopping experience is more relevant and intuitive than ever before
pricing or pushing promotions midflight. Raasch says this level of realtime service means passengers receive the most up-to-date experience with airlines responding instantly to trends, stock levels or campaign performance.
In terms of inventory, Omnevo’s AI tools can accurately forecast what to load onboard, reducing waste, lowering weight and improving operational efficiency.
Airlines can place ads within the shopping platform and use a recommendation engine to surface relevant products or offers, similar to mainstream eCommerce platforms. Raasch says that what is unique about inflight shopping is that it is often more inspirational, browsing-led and less targeted.
“Passengers are relaxed, have time and are more open to exploring destination-related products or exclusive offers, resulting in higher basket volumes and greater potential for upsell,” Raasch explains. “Connectivity makes it possible to fully tap into that behavioral mindset and turn it into meaningful revenue.”
A digital storefront
As Omnevo looks to the future, Raasch reveals the supplier’s next big focus is scaling the connectivitydriven model across multiple IFE platforms and airline partners.
“While we have started with Thales and Emirates, we are already exploring integrations with other inflight entertainment systems and expanding our presence across both widebody and narrowbody fleets,” he explains. “We are also investing in AI and predictive analytics to make onboard retail not just smarter, but more sustainable—reducing overloading, lowering emissions, and helping airlines do more with less. Ultimately, our goal is to make every seat a digital storefront, whether on an IFE screen or the passenger’s device.”
HIGH ALTITUDE, LOW ANXIETY
FlightPath3D’s Duncan Jackson and Anuvu’s Simon Cuthbert spotlight how inflight content can support and empower passengers with anxiety
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
The fear of flying is common, affecting around 40 percent of the population. Giving travelers the necessary tools to combat flight anxiety throughout their journey, from taxi to landing, is a key part of how IFE suppliers FlightPath3D and Anuvu are enhancing the passenger experience.
“I have no doubt we have all flown with someone who has anxiety when flying or have been stressed ourselves,” says Simon Cuthbert, VP, Content Licensing and Distribution, Anuvu. “Providing content that helps manage this stress and anxiety when showcased prominently leads to some of the most emphatic and positive NPS reviews.”
Cuthbert tells PAX Tech that when airlines support passengers with
flight anxiety through thoughtful content options, it not only enhances the travel experience but also fosters stronger emotional connections— making passengers more likely to remain loyal to the airline brand.
As Duncan Jackson, President, FlightPath3D, says, “A major cause of flight anxiety is the unknown.”
Empowering passengers with information
If passenger flight anxiety is often caused by fear of the unknown, then it follows that having more information about the journey should increase comfort. This is the idea behind FlightPath3D’s inflight map feature, Control Tower mode, now flying on United Airlines
Simon Cuthbert, VP, Content Licensing and Distribution, Anuvu
Duncan Jackson, President, FlightPath3D
Anuvu has partnered with Headspace to deliver mindful content to passengers
“Passengers often do not know why they are waiting on the runway or why a delay is happening,” Jackson explains. “With Control Tower mode, they can visually track their aircraft’s position and any traffic around them, offering reassurance that their flight is progressing as expected.”
Control Tower mode gives passengers a real-time, air traffic controllerstyle view of the flight position on the airfield. They can see exactly where the aircraft is during taxi, how many planes are ahead in the departure queue and the exact location upon landing.
“This transparency eliminates uncertainty, giving travelers a clearer understanding of their journey’s progress, reducing the need to rely solely on pilot announcements,” says Jackson. “Especially during turbulence, seeing the flight’s location, altitude and estimated time to arrival provides a sense of predictability, making the experience feel more controlled and less stressful.”
Jackson predicts the future of inflight engagement will focus on increased personalization and deeper context to enhance the passenger experience, especially for anxious travelers. He says a key part of this will include integrated AI, like FlightPath3D’s
flight companion, LUCI, to address passengers’ specific needs. It will also require curated digital content.
A mindful approach to air travel
In February, Anuvu signed an exclusive agreement with Headspace, the provider of the Headspace mental health app. This partnership brings a variety of mindfulness and meditation content to inflight audiences, including tools for stress, anxiety, sleep and mindful living.
“We thought Headspace would be a great brand to reintroduce to the inflight space. We have a curated selection of 25 hours of content specifically designed for the airplane environment across a variety of topics and needs,” Cuthbert reveals.
Headspace has more than 100 million downloads worldwide and is used in 200 countries, meaning many travelers are already familiar with the audio content. With this partnership, guided meditations designed for anxiety and other common concerns will be available to passengers inflight.
“The app has actually been used in clinical trials as a coping tool for high-stress environments and
was found to increase wellbeing and have positive outcomes on the control group,” Cuthbert explains.
He says there is an increasing demand from airlines for wellnessfocused IFE content, which is why Anuvu is focusing on dedicated partnerships, signing a new brand partner every month, to bring these normally paywalled experiences to passengers for the first time.
Anuvu targets five content pillars that airlines cite as gaps in traditional content deals: Shortform Social Content (TikTok, YouTube shorts), Kids, Sports, Wellness and Learning.
Jackson also believes shortform social content is an important part of keeping passengers feeling engaged and confident throughout the inflight.
“We aim to integrate this experience into the flight, shifting passengers’ focus toward their destination with immersive discovery content,” he says of FlightPath3D’s approach to personalizing the passenger journey.
“By continuing to innovate in these areas, we are making air travel more informative, immersive and stressfree, allowing every passenger to feel in control of their journey.”
FlightPath3D’s Control Tower Mode
Redefining audio in the aircraft cabin
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
PAX Tech chats with IFPL’s Mark Reed, Business Development DirectorNorth America, to learn about the supplier’s future-proofing approach to in-seat audio jacks
In the quest for the ultimate inflight entertainment, stunning visuals often steal the show. But what about the sound? When a passenger slips on headphones and hits play, true immersion depends on crystal-clear audio, free from the cabin’s inherent hum.
PAX Tech sat down with Mark Reed, Business Development Director - North America, IFPL Group, to learn about the supplier’s futureproofing approach to in-seat audio jacks and delivering flexible hardware that adapts as cabin technology and passenger expectations evolve.
Function forward
Traditionally, diagnosing faults in aircraft cabin audio systems is time consuming and labor intensive, requiring maintenance teams to manually check each seat’s audio connection.
“We developed a Self-Testing
Audio Jack to dramatically speed up the fault-finding process, ultimately saving airlines time, labor and money,” Reed tells PAX Tech.
The jacks, he explains, are equipped with self-test functionality and automatically report operational status to the crew. To check operational functionality an audio signal is sent down the length of the aircraft and the working jacks light up as a visual indicator of operational units.
IFPL’s audio jacks also offer a rapid on-wing replacement feature bucking traditional methods that require invasive removal procedures.
“Our patented cartridge technology is a direct result of listening to the challenges our customers face,” Reed says.
Engineered for rapid on-wing serviceability, IFPL’s modular audio jacks can be swapped out in less than 20 seconds per cartridge without any special tools or seat removal and mini-
Mark Reed, Business Development Director - North America, IFPL Group
Bluetooth® Audio Jack 2082 from IFPL Group
mal disruption to cabin operations.
“It is a simple solution that fits seamlessly into existing seat structures and significantly reduces aircraft downtime,” Reed says. “By focusing on operational efficiency from the start, we have created audio products that help airlines save time, cut maintenance costs and enhance the reliability of their IFE systems, all without compromising the passenger experience.”
Elevating inflight audio
Inflight entertainment visuals are now on par with what passengers can enjoy in their living room, offering HD screens and stunning 4K displays. But visuals are only half of the onboard IFE experience – without equally impressive audio, passengers cannot immerse themselves to the fullest.
And, as Reed points out, delivering premium audio in the aircraft cabin is no small feat, particularly in Economy.
“The cabin environment is inherently noisy, with limited space and any components need to withstand constant use,” he explains. “As passengers increasingly bring their own high-end headphones and personal devices onboard, expectations for seamless, high-quality audio are on the increase.”
IFPL is tackling this challenge by focusing on robust mechanical performance, modular design and superior signal integrity.
Reed tells PAX that the supplier’s jacks are tested to 100,000 insertions. Gold-plated contacts and carefully engineered grounding minimize signal loss and reduce interference, even in high-density seating. Balancing durability with evolving passenger expectations is at the core of how IFPL approaches audio solutions design.
Noise-isolating and noise-cancelling audio jack options can help to further filter out cabin background noise.
“We build active noise cancellation capability into the audio jack,” Reed explains. “If the passenger also has noise cancelling built into their headphones we are coming at it from both angles, which effectively ensures passengers hear more of their content and less engine noise.”
IFPL continues to innovate and improve the inflight audio experience with features like Bluetooth. The company’s one-touch pairing Bluetooth audio jacks simplify the process of connecting headphones to IFE systems, eliminating the need to navigate menus or manually adjust settings. It also reduces the reliance on wired connections onboard, which Reed says can be prone to damage over time.
“These solutions make it easier for passengers to connect their own headphones reliably and enjoy immersive, sound quality to match the visuals,” he adds. “Ultimately, great IFE is not just about what passengers see—it is about the entire sensory experience. Quality audio is a vital part of that.”
Cutting the cord?
In terms of a shift toward wireless cabin environments, Reed predicts that hybrid solutions will dominate the cabin space over the next decade.
“There is growing momentum toward wireless technologies in the cabin—for lighting control, passenger connectivity and even some IFE functions—driven by the benefits of reduced weight, simplified installation and increased flexibility,” he explains. “However, in aviation, reliability and certification remain critical.”
He notes that wired systems continue to offer a level of robustness and signal integrity that is difficult to replace entirely.
“We see the future as a blend of both: smart hybrid systems that combine the reliability of wired infrastructure with the flexibility and efficiency of wireless innovation,” he says.
A 30-year old sketch by IFPL Group’s founder, depicting the idea for the supplier’s long life audio jack
IFPL’s Triple NoiseCancelling Audio Jack 1155
LOUD AND CLEAR
Procurall Solutions shares its perspective on the new standard in inflight audio, balancing sustainability, comfort and acoustic quality in headset design
by JANE HOBSON
Airline headsets are evolving from low-cost disposables to high-impact touchpoints for passenger comfort, brand identity and environmental stewardship. With increasing expectations around onboard experience— especially in premium cabins—airlines are prioritizing headsets that reflect both performance and purpose.
Jennifer Green, President and Co-Founder of Procurall Solutions, tells PAX Tech the supplier has identified three priorities that airlines have when it comes to headsets: Sustainability, comfort and modular design.
“As airlines refine their Business and Premium Economy offerings, the audio experience remains one of the most frequently used—yet underleveraged— elements of the journey,” she explains.
With global production capabilities and a forward-thinking design approach, Procurall is positioned to deliver headset solutions that reflect where the industry is heading—not where it has been, Green points out.
The three priorities
Green says sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, bio-based foams and low-impact coatings are in high demand.
“Better headphone design not only improves passenger satisfaction but also aligns with evolving ESG goals and offers a new platform for subtle brand storytelling,” she says.
The supplier’s headsets feature a lightweight design that enhances passenger comfort while also contributing to overall weight reduction on board—an important factor in minimizing fuel consumption and environmental impact. Soft-touch materials further support ergonomic comfort on long-haul flights, helping to create a more enjoyable inflight experience and increasing the likelihood of passenger loyalty.
Green says the supplier is seeing a clear and growing trend across carriers: A shift toward modular headset construction.
“Airlines are increasingly asking
for designs where components such as ear cushions, cables and headbands can easily be swapped out or refurbished. This not only reduces waste and long-term costs, but also supports in-service longevity, cleaner maintenance cycles and greater flexibility across fleet classes,” Green explains.
She tells PAX Tech Procurall is seeing U.S. carriers reevaluate sourcing strategies due to ongoing trade tensions and the latest tariff escalation on Chinese goods— including audio accessories.
“As a result, many are shifting headphone production to tarifffriendly regions in Southeast Asia to secure cost efficiencies and mitigate supply chain risk and uncertainty.”
Jennifer Green, President and Co-Founder of Procurall Solutions
Procurall Solutions says sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, biobased foams and low-impact coatings are in high demand for headsets
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The wireless revolution
In this guest column, D’Nae Woodruff, Global Brand Manager at Linstol, discusses how Bluetooth connectivity is reshaping inflight audio
For years, inflight entertainment has relied on wired audio connections, requiring passengers to adapt—literally—with dualpin jacks and tangle-prone cords. But the next evolution is already underway. As airlines modernize their cabins and introduce new IFE systems, Bluetooth connectivity is quickly emerging as the future of inflight audio.
At Linstol, we see this shift not as a trend but as a transformation. Wireless audio is the norm on the ground, and passengers now expect the same in the air. As more IFE systems support Bluetooth pairing, travelers will be able to use their own wireless headphones—no adapters needed.
In turn, airlines can stay ahead by offering Bluetooth headsets that seamlessly integrate with their IFE systems, enhancing the onboard experience.
Just as long-haul travelers do not pack pajamas—trusting the airline to provide them as part of the comfort offering—they should not have to worry about bringing their own headphones.
This change presents both opportunity and complexity for airlines. While technical and cost barriers remain, the demand is growing. From our perspective as a leading inflight audio manufacturer, the key is balancing cutting-edge technology with seamless user experience and premium design.
That is exactly what we have done with the Meridian 300 headset, developed in partnership with the experts at Meridian Audio. Designed specifically for inflight use, this headset blends function and form at cruising altitude, offering a sleek, lightweight headband, advanced noise cancellation, studiograde audio quality, Bluetooth capabil-
ity and support for all ARINC pin versions and Crystal-clear voice performance for maximum dialog clarity. It is an exciting time in the world of headsets. By embracing Bluetooth connectivity for IFE, airlines are naturally elevating the standard of the entire onboard experience.
We believe the future of inflight listening is untethered, intuitive and immersive—and Linstol is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.
The Meridian 300 headset is specifically designed for inflight use
D’Nae Woodruff, Global Brand Manager, Linstol
REDEFINING CABIN INCLUSIVITY
Diehl Aviation’s Mathies Gereke and Sebastian Tivig highlight the efficiency and inclusivity features of the award-winning Space³ cabin concept
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
Diehl Aviation has long been at the forefront of championing inclusive design and making the aircraft cabin a more accessible space. This year, the Laupheim-based supplier presented the Space³ cabin concept at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, with the innovation also winning a prestigious 2025 Crystal Cabin Award for accessibility. Space³ ensures access to onboard lavatories without compromising on space or efficiency, redefining inclusivity in aircraft cabins.
The concept is set to take flight in 2026, with a launch customer already on board. As Mathies Gereke, Senior Project Lead, Diehl Aviation tells PAX Tech, “Space³ demonstrates that when accessibility is treated not as a constraint but as a
catalyst for innovation, it can lead to smarter, more inclusive and commercially viable cabin solutions.”
Comfort without compromise
Space³ is a fully wheelchair-accessible
lavatory that merges two individual units into one to maximize space efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Gereke explains that Space³ builds on the foundation of Diehl’s earlier AirPax concept (among the first wheelchair-accessible lavatories for
Sebastian Tivig, Senior Expert / CVE Cabin Safety at Diehl Aviation
the A320 family) while retaining a large-size galley. He notes that the key challenge in designing Space³ was the trade-off between accessibility and economic viability.
“Space3 transforms accessibility from a space-intensive obligation into a value-adding solution without compromising space within the cabin, even creating additional seating capacity,” Sebastian Tivig, Senior Expert / CVE Cabin Safety at Diehl Aviation Tivig tells PAX Tech. “It makes the previously needed tradeoff between revenue space and inclusivity, as well as accessibility, obsolete.”
Reimagining the layout, Space³ combines three lavatory units on the footprint of two, creating a fully DOT-compliant, wheelchair-accessible lavatory while also enabling airlines to add up to two extra passenger seat rows, depending on the aircraft type.
“This unique configuration offers true value for operators, making accessibility not just a regulatory necessity but a commercially viable option,” Tivig explains.
Breaking down barriers
The Space³ features a patent-pending door mechanism, which is one of the primary ways this cabin concept is improving the ease of access for passengers in a wheelchair.
“Traditional lavatories, our earlier AirPax included, are typically limited by a door opening of around 20 inches, which severely restricts access for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility devices,” Gereke explains. He adds that fixed center door posts also impede the degree of mobility inside the lavatory, which can complicate transfers and assisted access.
Space³ introduces a door system that eliminates these barriers with a door post that pivots out of the way, expanding the entry width to approximately 36 inches.
“This creates a much wider, unobstructed opening that enables straightforward wheelchair access, including lateral entry,” Gereke says. “It also
significantly improves the available space for an assisting person, ensuring a safer and more dignified experience for passengers who require support.”
Where accessibility meets efficiency
Space³ enables an optimized cabin layout that accommodates up to four extra seats, enhancing both accessibility and operational efficiency. The design also results in weight savings, contributing to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.
“At Diehl Aviation, we strongly believe that accessibility and efficiency are not mutually exclusive, but rather goals that can reinforce one another when supported by smart engineering and thoughtful design,” says Tivig.
He adds that Space³ was developed with a clear focus on the specific needs of passengers with reduced mobility and sensory impairments.
“Visually impaired passengers, for instance, require intuitive orientation, clear guidance and hands-free functionality. That is why we are also working on integrated features like guide-by-light pathways and voice control,” Tivig explains. These features support independent and dignified use of the lavatory environment and could be implemented at a later
stage of the product’s development.
These elements are being designed to enhance spatial awareness, reduce cognitive load and make essential functions accessible without physical contact.
With Space³ slated for takeoff in 2026, Gereke says the work does not stop at entry into service, with the supplier collecting feedback, monitoring performance and visiting the lavatories after an extended time in operation.
“Based on these insights, we decide where improvements are needed – whether through targeted upgrades, adjustments to the design, or by evolving the concept further. In our industry, building on proven, robust solutions is often the most effective path to take,” he explains.
As Diehl continues to innovate and make other areas of the cabin more accessible, Gereke says that true inclusivity goes beyond largescale accessibility solutions.
“We see great potential in addressing less visible impairments such as limited vision, hearing loss, or restricted mobility which affect a growing share of passengers,” he concludes. “We are actively investigating and assessing tailored solutions that support comfort and independence for all travelers.”
A look at the Space³ cabin concept
CABIN CLIMATE REFRESH
Ola Häggfeldt, Chief Commercial Officer at CTT Systems, evaluates how cabin climate plays a significant role in overall passenger comfort
by JANE HOBSON
In the world of premium seating and next-generation IFEC, comfort is a key performance factor and cabin climate is the game-changer. CTT Systems is leading the way with its Humidifier Onboard, a technology that redefines the air passenger experience by restoring optimal humidity levels in premium cabins.
“You can have the best seats and the most advanced inflight entertainment,” says Ola Häggfeldt, Chief Commercial Officer at CTT Systems. “But if the cabin air dehydrates you like a desert wind, the experience will always fall short. Our job is to fix that.”
Comfort takes the front seat
At cruising altitude, cabin air is drier than the Sahara—often just three to five percent relative humidity. This causes dry eyes, irritated skin and fatigue. But it does not have to. The CTT Humidifier Onboard increase cabin humidity to 20 to 23 percent,
supporting hydration, improving sleep quality and enhancing sensory details, from taste to touch.
The Humidifier Onboard solution adds humidity to the cabin to elevate the passenger experience by maintaining the body’s natural moisture balance and preventing rapid degeneration of the immune system. It can be line-fit and retrofit and is available for 787, 777, 777x, A350 and A380 aircraft types.
Modern seating and IFE systems deliver connectivity, immersion and style, but CTT Systems considers cabin humidity the missing link in luxury. It is what enables passengers to enjoy fully enjoy the experience. Rested passengers are more receptive, alert and more satisfied, Häggfeldt explains.
“Humidity is the silent hero of the premium passenger experience,” he says, reiterating that it supports better sleep, reduces jet lag and boosts wellbeing. “Our technology lets airlines deliver not just a flight, but
a restorative, enjoyable journey.”
Häggfeldt cautions that it is time for airlines to think beyond the seat cushion and the screen.
“A premium experience starts with how you feel—refreshed, focused and ready to perform. That is the power of climate comfort. That is the difference CTT Systems delivers,” he says.
The CTT Humidifier Onboard increases cabin humidity, supporting hydration, improving sleep quality and enhancing sensory details, from taste to touch
Ola Häggfeldt, Chief Commercial Officer, CTT Systems
APEX Global EXPO ahead
A preview of this fall’s APEX Global EXPO, emphasizing cross-industry collaboration, cutting-edge technology and transformative passenger experiences
by ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
APEX Global EXPO returns to Long Beach from September 9 to 11, co-located with IFSA Global EXPO and FTE Global EXPO at the Long Beach Convention Center. The event will emphasize cross-industry collaboration, cutting-edge technology and transformative passenger experiences.
As Lauren Costello, APEX Executive Director tells PAX Tech, the event will spotlight how airlines, content service providers and tech innovators are reimagining the future of inflight entertainment and connectivity.
Over three days, attendees will access more than 15 curated thought leadership sessions and panels designed to inspire innovation and drive meaningful dialogue.
Artificial intelligence will take center stage in several sessions focused on its transformative potential—from hyper-personalized passenger services and predictive engagement to autonomous cabin innovations.
“With AI rapidly advancing, this year’s sessions will offer essential insights and inspiration for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in delivering futureready, passenger-first experiences,” says Costello.
New this year is the APEX FTE Passenger Experience of the Future Showcase, introduced by APEX Global EXPO and FTE Global.
“Positioned at the heart of the exhibition floor and serving as a unified bridge between both show floors, this innovative experience hub will offer attendees an exclusive look into the future of travel by highlighting the latest technological advancements and ideas shaping the end-to-end passenger journey,” explains Costello.
The showcase will explore four key passenger touchpoints: pre-travel, airport departures, inflight experience and arrivals.
Networking underway at APEX Global EXPO 2024
Los Angeles, California, USA
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