Thales has unveiled details of a new GateSync solution that aims to enable airlines to wirelessly load and offload content and data to and from the aircraft on the ground at airports.

The company has teamed with technology firm CSC and wireless network specialists Proximetry on the GateSynq product, which provide airlines a fast, secure wireless transmission capability to optimise ground operations. It can move data such as the passenger manifest, daily news, meal inventories and system performance data.

The product has so far been field tested at three major airports and verified by a major equipment manufacturer and several airlines. Thales says GateSync is now ready for broader deployment.

"Our goal is to bring our IFE end-to-end solution to the next level, helping airlines manage information that impacts ground personnel, crew and the passenger experience," says vice-president and general manager of Thales' In-Flight Entertainment Systems business Alan Pellegrini.

Proximity is providing its AirSync/GS wireless management software; the ground-based infrastructure relies on CSC's existing private backbone network for the deployment and management of data at airports around the world, while on board the aircraft, Thales provides GateSync components and integrates data to its TopSeries IFE system.

Source: Flight Daily News