Astronics gains STC for Edge cabin network platform

Transport Canada has granted Astronics a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its latest cabin network platform, The Edge.

Designed to be installed overnight with installation certifications owned by Astronics and reusable for future airline customers, The Edge takes advantage of a distributed network architecture that uses Smart WAPs. The solution combines an ‘industry first’ Wi-Fi6 wireless access point and server functionality as compute nodes that minimise installation wiring and provide a redundant and fault tolerant system.

“Astronics already has thousands of aircraft flying with our IFE hardware on board, which is unmatched in the market. This latest STC approval for The Edge is a testament to our technology leadership and continued solutions for the in-flight entertainment and connectivity market,” explained Michael Kuehn, President of Astronics CSC.

LiFE in the Air has partnered with Astronics to use The Edge to host LiFE in the Air’s digital in-flight solution. Through this collaboration, LiFE in the Air is offering trial and demonstrations to airlines.

LiFE in the Air’s digital in-flight solution enables airline passengers to use their personal electronic devices to virtually buy products onboard, access in-flight entertainment, and keep occupied while in flight with short films and entertaining content, games, and community-driven features. Another key feature is that no air-to-ground connectivity is required.

“This is another major milestone for LiFE in the Air and a big step forward as we continue our progress of enhancing the passenger experience while providing services for airlines around the world,” said Bayram Annakov, CEO and founder of LiFE in the Air. “With the needed STCs completed with Astronics, we can now focus our attention on Boeing 737-800 and MAX aircraft installations globally, and bring our innovative IFE solution to passengers, as travel starts to recover.”