Rockwell Collins will later this month begin operational system tests on the largest installation of its Venue cabin management system to date – on board a VVIP Airbus ACJ340-600.
The jet is to be operated as a governmental transport for an undisclosed Eastern European country.
“We had proved Venue would work well on something like an ACJ320 or BBJ, but this was by far the largest cabin configuration we had ever done,” says Jaime McGrath, principal marketing manager, cabin systems for Rockwell Collins.
The fit-out is complex as it features both staterooms and a dedicated VVIP area alongside 89 seats at the back of the aircraft complete with seat-back monitors. “But the whole thing is Venue from end to end," says McGrath.
The Middle East is an important market for Venue, he says, thanks to the predominance of VIP airliners and long-range, large-cabin business jets.
“You really see the popularity and value proposition of Venue at the higher end,” says McGrath.
It hopes to be able to unveil another contract for a Venue installation on another widebody airliner at the show.
Meanwhile, Collins is continuing its negotiations with Boeing in order to enable installation of its systems on the airframer’s BBJ 787.
Several examples of the Dreamliner are currently undergoing completion, but at present Panasonic and Thales, who provide the in-flight entertainment systems on the commercial variant, have an advantage thanks to their existing integration on the aircraft.
“A VIP operator that is paying $200 million for an aircraft doesn’t want a choice of just one or two IFE suppliers,” points out McGrath.
Source: Flight Daily News