Powerful futureproofing: In-seat power report
This is a special feature from PAX Tech's October 2024 APEX Global EXPO issue
In-seat power combination solution from IFPL Group
Passengers board flights with several devices—smartphone, wireless headphones, laptop. Upon sitting, a passenger comes to realize that their headphones are nearly dead, and their phone is dancing on the edge of a “low battery” warning.
That sense of panic, known as charging anxiety, is very real. Passengers want to land with their devices fully charged for a successful start to their trip, and knowing they have reliable access to power can reduce anxiety about running out of battery in flight. Investing in better charging infrastructure can lead to higher passenger satisfaction ratings for airlines, ultimately improving loyalty and retention.
“We know from research that more than 80 percent of passengers are willing to pay more for an improved experience. Alongside this, passengers’ loyalty to airlines is reducing in favour of meeting technology needs,” explains Claire Sixsmith, Commercial Director at IFPL Group.
The rise of PEDs for IFE
Many airlines are introducing inflight
connectivity and inflight entertainment
content that passengers can access via their Personal Electronic Devices
(PEDs). While some passengers may
enjoy the comfort of using a device
they are already familiar with to view
IFE content, the experience largely
hinges on whether in-seat power (ISP)
is available throughout the flight.
“As passengers prefer using their own devices, airlines have added more power outlets, including USB ports and AC outlets, at every seat,” Tim Seckerdieck, Director Communication & Marketing, KID-Systeme says, noting that the trend is happening across all cabin classes. “This shift has reduced the focus on traditional seat-back entertainment systems, with more emphasis on reliable power and Wi-Fi for personal devices.”
With demand increasing, airlines are striving to provide more flexibility to passengers, such as delivering 60-watt charging at each seat and unlimited power availability throughout the aircraft.
A look at Burrana’s RISE in-seat power
David Pook, VP Global Marketing & Sales, Burrana, explains that on narrowbody aircraft, streaming wireless IFE is a more cost-effective option than investing in traditional embedded systems. Since most passengers travel with multiple PEDs, the need for reliable power sources has reached unprecedented levels.
“As more laptop manufacturers shift from AC to USB-C charging, airlines are approaching requirements differently,” Pook says.
In-seat power and
passenger satisfaction
How well an airline supports the
passenger’s IFE or IFC experience
when using a PED helps combat their
charging anxiety which can be directly
reflected in the resulting brand loyalty.
Passengers expect to have similar charging experiences inflight as they would on the ground. According to Sixsmith, charging speed has a direct impact on user satisfaction and overall flight experience. Interestingly, a parent’s view of an airline may be affected by their child’s inflight charging experience thanks to the tech-savvy generation Alpha.
“With nine out of 10 children having a mobile device by the time they are 10 years old, generation Alpha is the first to grow up in a fully digital world,” Sixsmith explains. “The demand is only set to increase as this generation ages.”
The reality is that as passengers become accustomed to a certain level of convenience in everyday life, it is no longer just about available charging inflight.
“Charging speed plays a crucial role in increasing passenger satisfaction,” says Pook. “Faster charging reduces frustration and anxiety, particularly on short-haul flights.”
It also supports passengers’ ability to use their desired devices during the flight, such as working on their laptop or an iPad to entertain children.
Introducing USB-C
In the past couple of years, airlines
have begun introducing more
USB-C and USB-A combination
options onboard to meet the
demand for both kinds of devices.
“Since the European Union’s legislative change requiring all new smartphones and similar electronic devices to have a USB-C charging port, we have seen a significant increase in the demand for solutions that either transition immediately, or have the flexibility to in the future,” Sixsmith says.
But despite the growing number of PEDs with USB-C charging ports, many passengers will have devices with USB-A charging ports, particularly older phones, making it even more important for airlines to offer options.
While a mix of both ports is still necessary to meet passengers’ needs, Pook says that USB-C adoption is on the rise with many of Burrana’s RFP proposals requesting USB-C 60W in every seat, replacing traditional AC outlets.
“We attribute this to the standardization of new device connector types, the benefit of delivering fast power and airlines wanting that competitive point of difference,” he explains.
Future-proofing the cabin through in-seat
power solutions today
The in-seat power solutions that
airlines invest in today are positioning
them for weathering future trends.
KID-Systeme’s GeniusPOWER system
KID-Systeme’s Johanna Lohmann, Director Product Marketing, suggests that to future-proof cabins, airlines should focus on versatile, scalable and intelligent in-seat power solutions that align with the growing BYOD trend. This includes adopting a mix of USB-C, USB-A and AC outlets to ensure device compatibility for all travellers.
Sixsmith emphasizes the importance of choosing flexible ISP systems, such as cartridge technology, which allows airlines to offer combinations of USB-A and USB-C charging ports with options to upgrade when USB-A becomes redundant.
“It is key for airlines to future proof their ISP system to keep abreast with technology developments and passenger demand, the interchangeable modules on our Flex® system allows them to do that,” the group tells PAX Tech.
Similarly, Pook highlights the
modularity of Burrana’s RISE Power
system that allows airlines to mix
and match 15W, 60W and 110VAC
power across seat zones and classes,
as well as to upgrade to new USB
technology without impacting
the other system components.
“Each port captures usage and performance data providing rich insights into passenger needs and usage trends so airlines can react accordingly,” he says. “If and when an airline is ready to upgrade from an existing jack to a new version supporting updated standards, all they have to do is swap out the jacks.”
This type of flexibility further reduces the cost and weight of the system for the airline.
KID-Systeme GmbH’s Genius- POWER delivers adaptive, efficient charging tailored to passenger needs. Seckerdieck says the conveniently located and fast-charging outlets are “boosting the digital experience onboard” for passengers, enabling airlines to streamline their onboard operations while gaining ancillary revenues.
