At the 2023 Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Convention in Orlando, Airtext General Manager Jonathan Pinson took the stage to unveil a suite of new connectivity and entertainment solutions. While Airtext is best known for low-cost Iridium satellite connectivity, this year’s presentation focused on enhancing the passenger experience inside the cabin with the introduction of the Oasis IFE Server, a new HD Moving Map Display, and a Bluetooth Handset.
Introducing OASIS: “Oasis Above the Clouds”
The headline announcement was Oasis, Airtext’s latest innovation designed for cabin-class aircraft. Pinson explained that while connectivity is vital, many passengers view flight time as a chance to disconnect and decompress. Oasis was created to support this “happy time” by providing high-quality, offline entertainment options. See the live interview for an in-depth introduction.
The Oasis unit is a robust Audio/Video On Demand (AVOD) server and Cabin Management System (CMS). Key features include:
- Media Server: Internal and external storage options allow passengers to stream movies and music to their own devices (iOS and Android) using noise-canceling headsets.
- Moving Map: A worldwide, high-definition moving map that allows users to pan, zoom, and spin the globe.
- Connectivity: A built-in Wi-Fi 6 Router ensures fast local network speeds.
- Hardware Specs: The unit weighs just 3 lbs, draws 1.5 Amps at 28V, and includes HDMI and Composite video outputs to replace aging legacy systems.
- Price & Availability: The list price is $20,000. Deliveries to OEM partners have begun, with aftermarket availability targeted for June 2023.
New Hardware: 14.6″ Bulkhead Display & Bluetooth Handset
Airtext also introduced two new hardware peripherals to complement their ecosystem:
- 14.6″ Moving Map Display: A Samsung OLED bulkhead screen that operates fully automatically. It cycles through flight data pages without pilot intervention and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy to Airtext routers. The list price is $6,000.
- Bluetooth Handset: Addressing the need for private voice calls, this new loose-equipment handset pairs directly with the Airtext+ router. It features USB-C charging and offers a familiar telephone experience for satellite calls.
Continued Success with Airtext+ and Land-DAR
Pinson reaffirmed the success of the company’s flagship product, the Airtext+. Weighing only one pound, this device utilizes the Iridium Satellite Network to provide email, talk, text, and WhatsApp capabilities anywhere in the world at any altitude.
- Cost Efficiency: The hardware is listed at just under $17,950. Data costs are kept low with text messages at 5 cents each and voice calls at $1.53 per minute.
Additionally, the company continues to offer Land-DAR, a laser sensor altitude callout system for Part 23 aircraft, available for $7,950.
Special thanks to Jim Campbell and the Aero-News Network for providing yet another year of fantastic live coverage from the AEA Trade Show and Convention. Check out the Aero-News Network for daily aviation and aerospace news at their website, or visit their YouTube Channel.
