TriaGnoSys has today launched the next stage of its inflight connectivity hardware product portfolio. Building on the highly successful GSMConneX platform for GSM and Wi-Fi connectivity, AeroConneX+ is a single box that enables a wide range of crew applications, as well as passenger communications.

For passengers, AeroConneX+ continues to support inflight connectivity services, as well as the wireless distribution of IFE content – W-IFE. It also enables the wireless uploading of fresh IFE content, such as news and sport, which can take place during a standard aircraft turnaround, removing the need for ground staff to bring content to the aircraft. Manifold modules for cabin services such as IFE distribution, moving maps and inflight payment are available.

For the cockpit, AeroConneX+ can be used to update non-flight critical information. For example, TriaGnoSys is developing Planet, in partnership with Atmosphere. Planet is a weather update tool that provides the pilot with up-to-date information, as well as sending weather information from the aircraft automatically to provide forecasters with much more comprehensive raw data.

Other potential applications in the future include wireless monitoring of aircraft components, with the information being relayed automatically to the ground to streamline maintenance operations. The machine-to-machine reporting will ensure the maintenance crew have all the information they need quickly and efficiently.

Dr Axel Jahn, Managing Director of TriaGnoSys, said, “As inflight connectivity develops from its current base of passenger communications, we are developing our technology to anticipate the needs of the service providers and therefore the airlines. We have designed AeroConneX+ as a modular system, so its functionality can be tailored for each airline.”

Jahn continued, “A significant part of the development has been to ensure the platform is sufficiently flexible to allow for future extensions, as inflight connectivity permeates through airline and aircraft operations more and more.”

AeroConneX+ is part of a fully integrated connectivity solution, which includes third-party wireless access points and crew control touch screen panels.

As an EASA Part 21 Design Organisation and Production Organisation, TriaGnoSys supplies the AeroConneX+ as certified hardware. It will be available with an EASA Form 1 from the end of 2013.