Boeing not interested in partnering with Apple, after inking MOU with ...

Last month Boeing announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung to explore??working together to research and develop technologies that improve in-flight entertainment and communications, as well as enhance factory productivity. Even though the two companies issued a press statement, details about the potentially ground-breaking arrangement were scarce, which is why the APEX editor?s blog reached out to Boeing for more information. I?m happy to report that the US airframer responded to our inquiry today. See below.

Question: Has Boeing ever stuck a ?joint technology research and development? agreement with other companies working in the inflight entertainment and communications space, including but not limited to Panasonic Avionics and Thales?

No, but while this MOU marks new opportunities for collaboration with Samsung Electronics, it builds on a history of partnership between Boeing and other Samsung entities, including Samsung Thales. Boeing works with the best suppliers in the industry to bring innovative in-flight entertainment solutions to our airline customers. But we?re always looking to develop new and exciting ways to bring the most value to our customers and the flying public.

Question: When does Boeing expect to finalize the MOU with Samsung, and begin exploring ways to improve inflight entertainment and connectivity?

The companies?are?working together to?put in place a master research collaboration agreement, and the scope of that agreement and the starting time are still to be determined.

Question: New Android-based in-seat IFE systems on offer from Panasonic and Thales (from 2013) are far lighter than legacy IFE systems. Additionally, a host of new entrants have entered the market with lightweight IFE solutions (AVOD, Portable and Wireless). In Boeing?s statement, Boeing says it will work with Samsung to ?initially start the development of advanced display and wireless networking technologies that offer more capabilities for passenger entertainment and ground-to-air communications, but are lighter and require less power?. Is Boeing not satisfied with the current IFE systems on offer? How much more weight ? and how much less power ? are you trying to achieve in your studies with Samsung?

We will not discuss proprietary business information, and it?s too early to say how we?ll work with Samsung Electronics in the future.

Question: What types of innovative technologies will be explored?

At this stage, both Boeing and Samsung Electronics are interested in pursuing technologies associated with next-generation wireless systems for on board applications. Samsung brings extensive knowledge of display, wireless network and low-power consumption technologies; Boeing brings knowledge of how wireless networks work in the airplane cabin environment, how they integrate with other systems on the airplane, and passenger behaviours and expectations. In addition, the companies will be exploring possible research and development projects associated with factory productivity enhancements. Samsung brings extensive knowledge of tablet PCs, wireless networks, electronic documents and mobile communications with smart phone technologies; Boeing brings knowledge of aerospace production processes and sensor integration in the production environment.

Question: Will you invite seat manufacturers to participate in the study? What about other players in the ?passenger experience? space?

It?s too early to speculate on specific projects or participants in projects. The announcement is about our excitement in agreeing to collaborate with Samsung to continuously improve our products and bring the most value to our customers.

Question: The statement also says Boeing hopes its studies with Samsung will ?enhance factory productivity?. What challenges are currently faced by Boeing, and how might productivity be improved?

Again, it?s too early to speculate on specific projects. We are very focused on finding ways to improve quality and drive greater efficiency in our factories.

Question: Is Boeing interested in striking a similar agreement with Samsung?s main competitor, Apple?

Not at this time.

Question: Boeing currently offers Panasonic and Thales embedded IFE as line-fit offerable on its aircraft. Does Boeing plan to make any other embedded systems offerable in the near-term? If so, who? Is Lumexis? fiber optics-based IFE in the running for line-fit offerability? What about IMS?s RAVE IFE system, which has scored a number of new customers, including Lufthansa.

Boeing continues to evaluate various systems based on our customer needs and the state of the systems? maturity. The offerability will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Question: When would Boeing like to see the initial fruits of its labours with Samsung (i.e. What?s the timeline for the first product(s)?)

It is premature to discuss potential products and timeline for commercialization at this time.

Question: Qatar Airways, and more recently American Airlines, have talked about later-than-expected deliveries of the Boeing 787. Is it true that the time between cabin design freeze and eventual delivery (for these and other carriers) is so great ? and technology is moving so fast on the ground ? that a new paradigm is required whereby systems are not obsolete when they roll off the line?

This is an interesting question, but we?re not going to speculate about future developments.

Question: Would Boeing ever consider simply delivering green airplanes to the commercial market (as an option), and allowing carriers to make their own interiors/IFEC decisions through post-delivery mods? In other words, would Boeing be ever tempted to let #PaxEx changes/improvements be someone else?s proverbial headache?

This is an interesting question, but we?re not going to speculate about future developments.

Source: http://blog.apex.aero/cabin-interior/boeing-interested-partnering-apple-inking-mou-samsung/

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