[Avionics Today June 20, 2014] EL AL Israel Airlines has begun flying with its new wireless In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system, BoardConnect. The system is produced by Lufthansa Systems, and gives passengers access to IFE content on their laptops and smart phones or in-seat screens via an aircraft Wi-Fi network.
A graphic showing the in-cabin WLAN structure of the BoardConnect system. Photo, courtesy of Lufthansa Systems.
The Israeli carrier has added BoardConnect to three aircraft so far, a Boeing 737-900 and two Boeing 767-300s. In the near future, El AL plans to install the BoardConnect system across its entire fleet of 737s and 767s.
With BoardConnect, Lufthansa Systems focused on eliminating complicated wiring, and distributing the IFE content through as few access points as possible in the cabin with a regular onboard Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Lufthansa says this elimination of wiring also contributes to lower installation costs for airlines.
EL AL CEO David Maimon believes entertainment is an “integral part of flying today” and calls the BoardConnect system a “state-of-the-art” upgrade to their aircraft.
