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Winners announced in delayed CCA ceremony

The 14th Crystal Cabin Awards in Hamburg, originally planned for 1 April 2020, have been held in a digital prize-giving ceremony for 2020 Finalists.

The Crystal Cabin Award, an initiative of cluster Hamburg Aviation, is presented in eight categories: “Cabin Concepts”, “Cabin Systems”, “IFEC”, “Greener Cabin, Health, Safety and Environment”, “Material & Components”, “Passenger Comfort Hardware”, “University”, and “Visionary Concepts”.

The 2021 ceremony will be marked by two new Crystal Cabin Awards categories – “Clean & Safe Air Travel” and “Judges’ Choice Award”.They are scheduled for presentation at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg on 31 August.

Winners:

Cabin Systems – Safran Cabin SOPHY, The Smart Trolley Solution
SOPHY is a wafer-thin trolley device that collects, shares, and communicates real-time, accurate data with other SOPHY-activated equipment through a “mesh network”, unlocking valuable insights for airline operators.

Greener Cabin, Health, Safety & Environment – Diehl Aviation Greywater Reuse Unit
The Greywater Reuse System takes handwash water from the sink for flushing the toilet instead of precious potable water. This allows to reduce the amount of potable water by 250 kg for a Boeing 787 resulting in CO2 savings of around 550 tons per year and aircraft as well as substantial financial savings for the operator.

IFEC – Safran Passenger Solutions RAVE Bluetooth
The engineers at Safran Passenger Solutions created a way to control power, antenna direction and protocol to allow each passenger or seat of an aircraft to connect to Bluetooth audio without impacting the connection for other seats. In addition, passengers are not limited to the headsets provided by airlines. Passengers can connect using their own devices, if they prefer, increasing passenger satisfaction and decreasing costs for the airlines.

Material & Components – e₂ip technologies (cooperation partner National Research Council of Canada) In-Mold Electronics (IME) A Paradigm Shift In Manufacturing And Design
This is In-Mold Electronics (IME), the future of HMI. Innovation leaders e₂ip technologies with the support of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) have advanced the materials and processes used in IME enabling greater design freedom for

Passenger Comfort Hardware – Safran Seats (cooperation partner ENCSi) Modulair S
The Modulair S Seat is an economy class seat is designed with a passenger-centered architecture which enables it to holistically integrate a complete set of new experience enhancing features.

University – University of Cincinnati (cooperation partners The Boeing Company and The Live Well Collaborative) Coffee House Cabin
The Coffee House Cabin is a productivity-focused zone targeting the must have needs of the business traveller; a dedicated workstation and personal space. Priced above basic economy and below first class, it features space-efficient tables located in the center of the aircraft. In order to have mixed-zone seating, basic economy seats remain on the outer sides of the aircraft.

Visionary Concepts – Airbus Operations GmbH Airspace Cabin Vision 2030
Inspired by airlines, technology companies from Silicon Valley and start-ups, Airbus has brought to life a future flying experience – the Airspace Cabin Vision 2030, with cabin layouts boasting more flexible seating and sleeping configurations as well as in-flight lounges with transforming modules. Passengers will have more choice and the flexibility to select a personalised flight experience based on their individual needs, whether they are travelling for business or leisure, alone or with family.

Cabin Concepts – Eviation & Almadesign ALICE
Eviation Aircraft, a global manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, is changing the way people move regionally and pioneering the industry with the first all-electric nine passenger, Alice Commuter. Almadesign, a Lisbon based design consultancy, worked closely with Eviation to design, develop and build the prototype cabin interior, creating a brand-new passenger experience for the zero emissions regional aircraft. Alice Commuter is capable of flying with nine passengers at 240 knots and a range of up to 650 miles.

March 31, 2021

SWISS takes off with Confiserie Sprüngli

gategroup partners with SWISS

By Alexander PrestonCatering, FeaturedNo Comments

Following the news that SWISS is working exclusively with Confiserie Sprüngli on its new SWISS Saveurs menu, gategroup has confirmed it is providing the culinary and flight optimisation services for the extended economy class service.

As part of the collaboration with SWISS, gategroup will be following Confiserie Sprüngli recipes to produce a wide range of fresh items that will be offered on a daily basis in the new SWISS Saveurs menu as of 30 March.

“Collaborations between popular local brands and airlines have become increasingly trendy in the past few years,” said Federico Germani, Chief Commercial and Operating Officer at gategroup. “They bring brand recognition and satisfaction to passengers who might otherwise be feeling isolated from their familiar comforts.”

Preparing food for flight is an involved process that requires specialised knowledge and equipment. As leaders in the field, gategroup’s experts optimise the food production, including the weight and shape of its packaging, and ensure it is produced and delivered to SWISS’ exacting standards.

“At gategroup, we use our expertise in aviation food service and menu optimisation to ensure that the products are packaged, stored and delivered correctly and that each passenger receives the gastronomic experience that they expect – regardless of the altitude,” emphasises Federico Germani.

“We are very grateful that we can rely on the expertise and experience of our trusted long-term partner gategroup when launching our new SWISS Saveurs culinary menu with the Confiserie Sprüngli,” says Caroline Drischel, Head of SWISS Brand Experience. “Thanks to the collaboration with gategroup and Confiserie Sprüngli we will be able to offer our Economy Class customers on European flights an entire new level of culinary excellency with fresh and top quality meals and snacks.”

The new Sprüngli products will be available on short- and medium-haul services from and to Zurich from 30 March and on services from and to Geneva from 28 April. SWISS Saveurs will be offered on flights of 50 minutes or more duration.

March 30, 2021

Etihad Airways has unveiled a new safety video, filmed on location at Louvre Abu Dhabi, that promotes attractions in Abu Dhabi.

New safety video from Etihad Airways showcases the Louvre Abu Dhabi

By Alexander PrestonFeatured, IFECNo Comments

Etihad Airways has unveiled a new safety video, filmed on location at Louvre Abu Dhabi, that promotes attractions in Abu Dhabi.

Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience Brand & Marketing, Etihad Airways said: “Our safety video needed a refresh including the safety messaging requirements due to Covid. This new video goes beyond its main purpose of educating guests about essential safety information, it also reflects our brand and personality, while leveraging the very best of our beautiful home, Abu Dhabi.”

The video is set at Louvre Abu Dhabi, with Etihad’s own cabin crew demonstrating safety features of the aircraft and other Etihad employees acting as guests.

Emirati voice-over artists were used to voice the video in English and Arabic. To further ensure a consistent guest experience, the accompanying music is part of Etihad’s new signature sound collection which is used across the airline for a variety of touch points. The sonic branding is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is an eclectic mix of Emirati and international instrumentation and arrangements, played by musicians from the UAE and around the world.

Etihad’s new safety video will be progressively rolled out starting with the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners in April 2021.

March 30, 2021

AeroMexico is one of over 70 aircraft flying withFlightPath3D

FlightPath3D sees reasons to be cheerful

By Alexander PrestonFeatured, IFECNo Comments

FlightPath3D’s install base surpassed 3,000 aircraft during Q1/2021.

Duncan Jackson, FlightPath3D President, stated: “We’re seeing absolute signs of recovery in flights and see good growth going forward through 2021. We’re optimistic about the market and expect to surpass 4,000 aircraft within a year.”

He added: “We’re seeing some of our customers in Asia and Oceania flying close to their 2019 passenger numbers for domestic flights. In addition, our North American airline customers seem to be on the verge of a rapid increase in travel demand.”

In light of the pending rebound in travel demand, with people beginning to plan trips in numbers not seen for more than a year, FlightPath3D has been busy creating new applications that help passengers find flights, routes, and destinations based on personal profiles and experience desires.

FlightPath3D CEO said: “We’re excited to help airlines with their recovery with new apps to facilitate passenger interests to be matched to destinations, and flights or activities matched with traveller motivations. Our engineers are levering data science and large data sets to solve this.”

March 29, 2021

Muirhead Active Hygiene Leather is a sustainable natural leather with built-in antimicrobial technology designed to improve the hygiene of aircraft cabins.

Scottish-Swedish partnership unveils new hygiene leather

By Alexander PrestonFeatured, SeatingNo Comments

Muirhead has partnered with Sweden’s Polygiene to develop a sustainable leather with built-in antimicrobial self-cleaning properties, for use in the aviation and other transport cabin environments.

Muirhead Active Hygiene Leather with Polygiene ViralOff protects the treated material, breaking down bacteria that cause odours and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 , to over 99% within two hours.

“We are pleased to offer Muirhead Active Hygiene Leather with Polygiene ViralOff to take seat hygiene to a new level and play a key role in setting new standards in cabin wellness. The team at Muirhead are working closely with airlines, design studios and aircraft manufacturers to create interiors solutions for the future of travel and transportation,” said Archie Browning, Sales Director at Muirhead.

“Muirhead is a leading supplier of fine Scottish leather to the global aviation industry with a strong reputation for responsible innovation, durability and circular manufacturing. It is inspiring how they lead the way for sustainability in the leather industry, just as we at Polygiene lead the way
for sustainability in the textile and fashion industry through our antimicrobial and odour removal products. We are looking forward to adding value to this industry together with Muirhead,” said Ulrika Björk, CEO of Polygiene.

March 29, 2021

To improve the ease of returning items left behind on aircraft, SITA has launched an artificial intelligence-enabled solution WorldTracer Lost and Found Property

SITA aims to improve lost property find and return process

By Alexander PrestonFeaturedNo Comments

To improve the ease of returning items left behind on aircraft, SITA has launched the artificial intelligence-enabled solution, WorldTracer Lost and Found Property.

Leveraging SITA’s WorldTracer solution, which is already used by airports around the world to trace lost bags, Lost and Found Property cuts the cost of repatriating lost items (estimated to cost up to US$95) by 90%.

Airline employees can register a found item, create a missing item report, and validate a match in under two minutes. The solution speeds up the time taken to find and return found items, with 60% of these items returned within the first 48 hours, claims SITA.

Passengers can register a claim using their mobile device in a matter of seconds to report, pay for and organise repatriation as well as track their item at every step.

Using cutting-edge technology such as computer vision, machine learning and natural language processing, WorldTracer Lost and Found Property searches a global database of images and descriptions to match the found item to a missing item report. The solution uses image recognition to identify details such as brand, material and colour of the missing item. It is also recognises similar words in the description to make a definitive match.

The airline can then immediately notify the owner and have the item returned to them. The passenger and the airline have full visibility of the process through the WorldTracer portal no matter where in the world the item was lost, a feature that is expected to significantly improve passenger satisfaction.

David Lavorel, CEO SITA AT AIRPORTS & BORDERS, said: “WorldTracer is a great example of how SITA continues to evolve its portfolio to meet the changing demands of the industry. For almost three decades WorldTracer has helped to successfully trace mishandled bags. Now, using new technology, we are adding further value by helping the industry be more efficient and reduce costs around lost items at a time when it is most needed.”

March 29, 2021

Nancy Walker, SVP Commercial, Inflight Connectivity. Global Eagle

Global Eagle appoints Nancy Walker SVP Commercial, Aviation Connectivity

By Alexander PrestonFeatured, IFECNo Comments

Fresh from emerging from Chapter 11 restructuring, Global Eagle has appointed Nancy Walker as Senior Vice President (SVP) Commercial, Inflight Connectivity.

Walker recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at SmartSky Networks.

In her new position, Walker will lead sales and account management for in-flight connectivity.

Josh Marks, CEO, Global Eagle, says: “As the airline industry looks to recover in 2021, we are committed to supporting our customers with the highest performing in-flight connectivity solutions to exceed passenger expectations. Nancy’s extensive background leading in-flight connectivity and satellite communications projects will help us achieve this goal.”

March 26, 2021

British Airways has teamed up with its premium catering partner DO & CO, and Feast Box, a provider of internationally inspired recipe boxes, to create a limited-edition cook-at-home meal kit that mirrors British Airways’ First cabin dining experience.

British Airways brings First Class dining home

By Alexander PrestonCatering, FeaturedNo Comments

British Airways has teamed up with its premium catering partner DO & CO, and Feast Box, a provider of internationally inspired recipe boxes, to create a limited-edition cook-at-home meal kit that mirrors British Airways’ First cabin dining experience.

Each meal kit includes a four-course menu inspired by the food served in British Airways’ First cabin. Customers can choose vegetarian, fish and meat dishes in their kit. They will receive the full ingredients – as used in the First cabin – to cook the meal at home, along with a recipe sheet and an information card in the form of a passport.

The meal kits which cost from £80 and serve two people are delivered direct to a customer’s door.. The kits are available to order now with deliveries beginning next week.

Feast Box is gifting all those embarking on the British Airways First dining experience a complimentary box from their regular internationally inspired menu. Customers will also receive a voucher for 10% off a British Airways flight.

Hamish McVey, Head of Brands and Marketing at British Airways said: “We hope that this exclusive First experience will allow our customers who are missing flying to enjoy an amazing dining experience at home. British Airways, Feast Box and DO & CO take huge pride in offering top quality international cuisine, and although it might appear a little different being delivered to a customer’s door rather than at 38,000 feet, we hope it will be just as exciting.”

Robert Williams, DO & CO UK Managing Director said: “At DO & CO we pride ourselves on offering outstanding and innovative dining experiences to our customers around the world. Working on this First dining experience has been a fun way to bring some of what we usually do in the skies with British Airways into people’s homes and we look forward to them enjoying it. We’ve ensured that dishes such as our slow-cooked 48-hour beef cheeks in a port wine jus are easy to assemble and of course delicious to enjoy.”

Both the outer and interior packaging of the meal kits consists of recyclable, compostable or biodegradable materials. The food is sourced, where seasonality allows, from the UK and Ireland including smoked salmon from Loch Fyne in Scotland and beef cheeks from heritage UK breeds.

March 26, 2021

Gladi8tor Gaming has signed an IFE agreement with Inflight Dublin

Inflight Dublin brings Gladi8tor Gaming onboard

By Alexander PrestonFeatured, IFECNo Comments

Inflight Dublin has entered into a partnership with in-flight games provider, Gladi8tor Gaming, through LXM Group.

Gladi8tor’s gaming environment can now be hosted on Inflight Dublin’s Wireless IFE platform, Everhub, for passengers to play a wide range of games on their own devices. Additionally, passengers can also watch a streaming channel with exclusive content from contracted Pro Esporters and streamers and keep up to date on news from the gaming community.

The gaming platform also enables airlines to generate ancillary revenue through game sales and advertising. An integrated onboard shop allows passengers to order games for multiple platforms – PC, Playstation, XBOx, and Nintendo, which are fulfilled and delivered after the flight. The full gaming catalogue is being deployed on board Inflight Dublin’s client, Condor. This includes a car game which has been branded for SIXT car rentals, generating additional advertising revenue for the airline.

“Utilising gaming content to drive ancillary revenue is something we haven’t seen many other providers do and this is very attractive for airlines to maximise the number of potential revenue streams available to them,” commented Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO.

“We are constantly looking to enhance the passenger experience on board with innovative ideas and this new immersive gaming platform is a great addition to our inflight entertainment. Our passengers have the possibility to continue their gaming experience even after the flight, which strengthens the connection and the valued relationship with our customers,” added Jana Rolker, Condor’s IFE Manager.

March 26, 2021

Jet MS becomes dealer of ALTO Aviation’s premium cabin solutions

By Alexander PrestonFeatured, IFECNo Comments

Jet MS has signed a dealership agreement with ALTO Aviation.

Under the partnership, Jet MS will represent ALTO Aviation products and offer clients components as well as various modifications and upgrades, extending the already wide range of Jet MS offered services and products.

Eugenijus Eidukas, Head of Product Management Unit at Jet MS, commented: “We are pleased to become strategic partners with such distinguished and experienced organisation like ALTO Aviation. We believe that the dealership agreement will allow us to offer our business and regional aviation clients more unique and exceptional services and products.”

March 26, 2021

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