CABIN Electronics 3 JUNE21.qxp_Finance 20/05/2021 12:22 Page 1
CABIN ELECTRONICS
CMS Upgrade? The Decisions that Drive the Cost Upgrading cabin management systems (CMS) can be a costly exercise. Gerrard Cowan asks the industry’s experts for their tips on cutting expenses, from tightly defining precise needs to focusing on the essentials…
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abin Management Systems cover a range of technologies that are essential for passenger interaction with an aircraft. These include controlling the temperature or window shades, for instance. Many also include in-flight entertainment (IFE) under the broader CMS umbrella. Business jet operators often look to upgrade their CMS when other work is taking place on the aircraft that requires the removal of cabin panelling. While installing cutting-edge systems will help boost a jet’s comfort for its current owners, and its appeal on the pre-owned market, what are the cost considerations to keep in mind regarding an upgrade to the CMS?
Need versus Want
The cost of a CMS upgrade will naturally be affected by the amount of equipment being acquired and its sophistication, says Mark R. Zimmerman, Director of Business Development for 18 Vol 25 Issue 6 2021 AVBUYER MAGAZINE
VVIP and Head of State Solutions at Collins Aerospace. (Collins produces the sophisticated Venue CMS range). “For example, several 4K monitors will be more expensive than their 1080 display equivalents,” he explains, adding that Collins Aerospace offers the Venue system in different packages. These can be selected depending on an operator’s needs – ranging from a basic focus on aircraft environment controls (cabin temperature, lighting and shade control, Wi-Fi streaming, and other essentials) right up to a highly sophisticated system incorporating a range of devices (including IFE) that are integrated into the CMS. “The key is to clearly define needs versus want,” Zimmerman says. “If everything is a need, then the cost is the cost. But if there are certain items passengers would only like to have, we can set up a system that is really focused on the critical needs for the operation of the jet.” www.AVBUYER.com
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