Rockwell Collins has become the third major aerospace investor in in-flight internet pioneer Tenzing, spending $10 million on a 15% share. The avionics manufacturer follows Cathay Pacific and Airbus, which have 10% and 30% stakes, respectively, in the in-flight e-mail and internet service provider, which has been struggling to secure new business in the post-11 September downturn.
The investment makes Rockwell Collins a partner in the airframer's connectivity initiative, the Airbus In-Flight Information System (AFIS). It was a preferred supplier on the programme.
Rockwell Collins is joining Airbus and Tenzing to provide "full connectivity solutions" in a three-phase programme, says Olivier Andries, Airbus senior vice-president product and services policy.
The first phase involves in-flight e-mail and messaging services via Inmarsat satellites, already in service with several carriers. Phase two will see faster Tenzing data services - at 64kbit/s - through Inmarsat's Swift 64 higher-speed data service and Rockwell Collins avionics. The third phase is designed to lead to a broadband solution and in-flight live television services. For this, Airbus is in talks with AirTV, which has been planning in-flight live television services via a dedicated satellite system for several years, although it has yet to complete its financing or secure a strong customer base.
AFIS will also feature airline operational applications, including maintenance and flight operations functions.
Collins has had a number of failed connectivity initiatives, including the Integrated Information System - similar to AFIS - and its In-Flight Network joint venture with News Corp, aimed at passenger connectivity services, but which failed to secure customers.
Source: Flight International
