Embraer announces new IFEC supplier for the E-Jets E2s

Embraer has selected Meggitt Polymers & Composites and KID-Systeme as its new inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) system suppliers for the E-Jets E2, the second generation of the E-Jets family of commercial aircraft.
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Meggitt will design and produce a high performance radome assembly for in-flight connectivity, while KID-Systeme was selected by Embraer to provide the SKYfi Club – a wireless streaming onboard platform for commercial and executive aircraft.

“To best suit their operating environments, airlines and lessors can choose from the E2's portfolio of in-flight entertainment and connectivity products from multiple suppliers. There are also common smart and modular provisions that accommodate future equipment installation,” explained Rodrigo Silva e Souza, Vice President of Marketing, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The IFE&C portfolio will include wireless streaming entertainment to personal devices or seat backs, internet via Ka and Ku bands and air-to-ground connectivity, and real-time TV (iPTV).”

Meggitt will design, manufacture, and assemble Embraer’s installation kit, comprised of a radome, skirt seal, adapter plate, and fittings. One of the key benefits to this unique assembly is the tri-band radome capability, allowing each aircraft to be tailored to the customer’s preferred antenna manufacturer.

“From a fledgling commercial radome programme inherited as part of our advanced composites acquisitions in late 2015, I am delighted to have seen the exceptional progress to the creation of a low-risk, convenient, field-proven assembly for airframers and airlines,” said David Horner, Meggitt Polymers & Composites President. “This award makes us an exclusive provider of our unique kit of parts to one of the most progressive aircraft manufacturers in the world, and we are challenging our industry’s market leaders.”

KID-Systeme’s SKYfi Club has been selected by Embraer as a catalogue line-fit option for the E2’s airline customers that will be able to choose KID-Systeme’s streaming solution. SKYfi Club streams content to passengers’ personal electronic devices, giving them access to the entertainment options available, such as: movies, e-books, and magazines. The technology is based on the trusted ALNA (Airline Network Architecture) connectivity platform, already present in over 650 aircraft. The mature system provides a scalable and modular architecture adaptable to customer needs. It enables a wide range of additional services such as internet access, and data services. Additionally, SKYfi can be complemented by SKYpower, KID-Systeme’s in-seat power and cabin power management system.

“KID-Systeme is honored and delighted about this selection, which recognizes our continuous effort in focusing on value-adding innovations, high quality products, and first class customer service,” said Peter Schetschine, Managing Director of KID.

This past April, Embraer announced that Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) will also provide inflight entertainment and connectivity for the E-Jets E2.