After a successful year in 2021, we want to share our industry knowledge by interviewing the talented employees who make Inflight Dublin thrive.

Kicking off our first interview of the ‘Sitting Down With’ series with some industry insight and outlook for 2022 is Inflight Dublin’s CEO, John White. 

How did the pandemic continue to affect business throughout 2021? To what extent did you see it recover?

During 2021, Inflight Dublin (IFD) saw increased demand for its products and services as the world started to manage the pandemic better and airline activity increased.

At the beginning of 2021, the continuation of the pandemic dampened expectations in relation to the rate of recovery. However, with the increased rollout of vaccines throughout the world, the industry grew strongly during the northern hemisphere summer and into the latter part of the year. However, with the emergence of the Omicron variant towards the end of year there was a negative impact on demand.

At the year end, despite being in the middle of the Omicron wave, there was increased optimism that 2022 would be the year that we got on top of the Covid crisis and that there will be a strong recovery in business. Having finished 2021 with an increased level of business, we are confident that our business will grow strongly in 2022.

How did Inflight Dublin adapt to the ever-changing environment of the aviation & inflight entertainment industry during the second year of the pandemic?

IFD continued to focus on 3 key areas:

1. Product & service innovation
2. Delivering value to our clients
3. Enhancing our customer service

The pandemic has led airlines to review their businesses and identify new and more efficient ways to operate and deliver services to their customers.

At a very early stage of the pandemic, IFD recognised that there would be a paradigm shift in the industry and that greater levels of innovation, value and customer service would be required. Therefore, we invested in these areas. As well this, we reviewed our own business to ensure that we were optimising the way we operated, as well as ensuring that we were structured in the right way to exploit future growth opportunities.

What were Inflight Dublin’s biggest achievements & developments in 2021?

IFD’s biggest achievements during 2021 were working in partnership with our clients to help them successfully navigate the crisis: I’m delighted to report that none of our clients went out of business and that we didn’t lose any of them.

Moreover, we were delighted to win a number of new airline clients, including Qatar Airways, Ukraine International, Neos and others. We also expanded our partnerships with existing clients with the rollout of IFD’s Everhub Wireless system on Ethiopian Airlines, Sunclass Airlines and Azur Air.

In terms of developments, we invested heavily in our Everhub Wireless IFE solution and delivered a range of benefits, including: lower costs, remote updating of content, payment platform for on board retail, destination services, crew app and enhanced data analytics through our IFD Insights™ tool.

On the Content side of our business, we extended our Content management System (CMS) to further improve our workflow efficiencies and deliver in-depth cycle management and analytics tools to our clients.

Our hard work and success was also recognised through receiving the Top 10 Aviation Solution Provider Award with Aerospace Defense Review.

What is your outlook for 2022? What’s next for Inflight Dublin?

I am very positive about the outlook for 2022. I strongly believe that it will be the year that the world starts to overcome the Covid crisis and that there will be a strong recovery in the airline industry due to the pent-up demand for travel.

At IFD, we are very excited to be moving into a new state-of-the-art facility next month. We have equipped the new space with the very latest technologies and the highest levels of security, and have ensured that there’s enough space to accommodate our significant growth plans.

From a product and service point of view, we will continue to focus on delivering the highest levels of innovation, value and service to our clients. This will include the delivery of a number of new services on our Everhub wireless platform, which will include greater revenue generation opportunities for our clients, lower costs, enhanced flexibility, more in-depth passenger usage data, and increased hardware options. Watch this space!

As we say goodbye to 2021 and begin a new year, we are taking a look back at Inflight Dublin’s exciting developments over the past 12 months. From new partnerships, awards, and new clients for wireless and content services, 2022 is shaping up to be even better.

March

Gladi8tor Gaming Partnership

Inflight Dublin announced its exciting new partnership with innovative inflight games provider, Gladi8tor Gaming, enabling clients to enhance the passenger experience while also generating revenue through game sales and advertising.

April

Korean Air Wireless IFE 

The flag carrier of South Korea, Korean Air, chose Inflight Dublin to provide a 6-month trial of its wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) solution, Everhub™.

Wideroe Wireless IFE 

Inflight Dublin was selected by Widerøe to equip their Embraer E2 aircraft with the DO-160G certified Everhub™ Portable wireless server for a 6-month trial.

May

Air Peace Wireless IFE

Air Peace, a valued client for content services for over 4 years, chose to expand their partnership with Inflight Dublin with a trial of the Everhub™ Wireless IFE solution.

June

Sunclass Airlines Content & Wireless IFE

Inflight Dublin was awarded the contract for the provision of content and wireless IFE services by valued client, Sunclass Airlines.

Cabo Verde Wireless IFE

Cabo Verde Airlines chose Inflight Dublin to equip their B757 aircraft with the Everhub™ Wireless IFE solution.

July

Top 10 Aviation Solution Provider Award

Inflight Dublin was included in the 2021 Top 10 Aviation Solution Providers list by Aerospace Defense Review, which has an audience of 87,000+ digital subscribers including top tech decision-makers, engineers and corporate management within airlines.

September

Neos Content Services

Inflight Dublin was awarded the contract for the provision of IFE content services by Italian airline, Neos.

October

ASKY Content & Wireless IFE

ASKY, The Pan African airline, partnered with Inflight Dublin for the provision of content and wireless IFE services on its fleet of Boeing 737s New Generation aircraft.

Qatar iPad Solution

Inflight Dublin was chosen by Qatar Airways, Qatar Executive and Qatar Amiri to provide its Everhub™ iPad solution. The interactive media application is DRM-enabled and includes a fully customizable Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is aligned with Qatar Airways’ illustrious IFE brand – Oryx One.

UIA Wireless IFE

Inflight Dublin was selected by Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) to provide its end-to-end wireless IFE solution, Everhub™. The multi-year deal sees Inflight Dublin initially equipping 15 of UIA’s aircraft with its DO-160G certified Everhub™ portable wireless server.

December

APEX Expo 2021 – Long Beach

Inflight Dublin attended APEX Expo in Long Beach, the first in-person event for the industry in 2 years.

We’re looking forward to meeting everyone face-to-face again in 2022!

Inflight Dublin has been selected by Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) to provide its end-to-end wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) solution, Everhub™.

The multi-year deal sees Inflight Dublin initially equipping 15 of UIA’s aircraft with its DO-160G certified Everhub™ portable wireless server. The Everhub™ software platform will be accessible to UIA’s passengers through Inflight Dublin’s advanced passenger web application. The accompanying content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters, popular TV shows and Inflight Dublin’s revenue-generating games platform, Gladi8tor Gaming. Advertising will also play a key role in creating new revenue streams for UIA.

Underpinning Everhub’s™ engaging services is a bespoke data analytics platform, Insights®, where performance reports will be generated, reviewed and utilised to optimise services moving forward.

Ukraine International Airlines is the flag carrier and largest airline of Ukraine. With its main hub in Kyiv, it operates flights to over 8 domestic and 33 international destinations.

Inflight Dublin has been selected by Qatar Airways, Qatar Executive and Qatar Amiri to provide its Everhub™ iPad solution.

As part of a three year partnership that launched in September 2021, Inflight Dublin is leveraging the software platform from its successful wireless IFE solution, Everhub™. The interactive media application is DRM-enabled and includes a fully customizable Graphical User Interface (GUI) that is aligned with Qatar Airways’ illustrious IFE brand – Oryx One.

Markus Mainka/Shutterstock.com

Inflight Dublin’s CTO, David Miller said “We are delighted to have delivered our innovative pre-loaded iPad solution to Qatar Airways and its Executive fleet. As an extension of our market-leading wireless IFE platform, Everhub™, tight timelines were overcome through the efficient onsite delivery and management of hundreds of devices that are powered by Everhub’s advanced and user-friendly media application. The technical expertise of Inflight Dublin combined with the adaptability of the Everhub™ software ensures a truly tailored and reliable experience for each of our airline partners.”

ASKY, The Pan African airline, partners with Inflight Dublin for the provision of wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) and content services on its fleet of Boeing 737s New Generation aircraft.

Commencing this last quarter of 2021, the three-year partnership sees Inflight Dublin providing its wireless IFE solution, Everhub™, across ASKY airlines’ B737 fleet. Inflight Dublin’s market-leading Everhub™ software platform will excite passengers through a range of engaging features. The content catalogue consists of Hollywood movies, popular TV Shows, local African programmes and documentaries, music and games.

ASKY airlines will also be utilizing Inflight Dublin’s bespoke data analytics platform, IFD Insights™, where they will gain access to intuitive performance reports that will support the optimisation and expansion of their IFE service moving forward.

About ASKY:

ASKY, The Pan-African Airline, is a 100% privately owned airline created by regional banking institutions in Africa that includes The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and ECOBANK Group (ETI) in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner.

ASKY currently operates a fleet of ten aircraft: five (5) Boeing 737-800s and five (5) Boeing 737-700s, serving twenty-five (25) cities in twenty-two (22) countries within Africa.

ASKY’s focus is to develop a strong intra-Africa network that foster regional development, tourism, economic growth and regional integration as a major economic catalyst within the continent with its long-term goal of a sustainable business focused on profitability.

For more information, contact communication@flyasky.com, visit our website www.flyasky.com or our LinkedIn; Twitter Facebook and Instagram pages, @ASKY Airlines

About Inflight Dublin:

Inflight Dublin is a leading global provider of inflight entertainment (IFE) solutions with a 37-year history of supplying airlines with the latest Hollywood and international content, as well as wireless, digital, and design services. Everhub is Inflight Dublin’s touch-free, end-to-end wireless IFE solution consisting of Hardware, Software, Content and Ancillary Services to deliver a “one-stop-shop” for airlines to provide an engaging experience for their passengers, while also generating considerable revenues for the airline. With over 50 clients, including the flag carriers of 15 countries, Inflight Dublin’s content supply business is the market leader in Africa and Scandinavia, while also being dominant across Europe.

For more information, contact jane.boland@inflightdublin.com, visit our website www.inflightdublin.com or our LinkedIn and Twitter, @InflightDublin.

Inflight Dublin has been providing IFE content services to Sunclass Airlines since 2014, ranging from the latest Hollywood movies to promotional motion graphics.

Challenge

What was the requirement identified by Sunclass Airlines?

When Sunclass Airlines began to investigate wireless IFE options, they witnessed the growing popularity and many benefits it offers. Inflight Dublin advised on the Everhub™ solution which would align with their current offering of seatback content and provide a touch-free solution for passengers during a time when hygiene and safety is a top priority.

Solution

How we addressed Sunclass Airlines’ requirements

After receiving a demo of the solution, Sunclass Airlines were satisfied to proceed with a full deployment of Everhub™ across its A321 fleet. With tight deadlines to ensure a seamless entry to service, the solution had a complete turnaround of just 8 weeks from discussion to full installation.

Key Features of the solution:

• Hardware: Fully certified portable server with hot-swappable batteries and remote syncing and content update capabilities.
• Engineering: No STC required. Quick and easy deployment.
• Software: Complementing the portable server, the Everhub™ software platform features a fully customizable GUI tailored to Sunclass Airlines’s brand identity.
• Ancillary Revenue: Advertising for onboard snacks and duty-free
• Analytics: Inflight Dublin’s intuitive analytics platform, IFD Insights, was accessible to Sunclass Airlines to monitor most popular content watched by passengers and advertising performance.
• Content: The content package featured Hollywood blockbusters, TV shows and YouTube content, and Publications.
• Support: Inflight Dublin’s dedicated engineering and account management team were available at every step to assist with the installation and continued maintenance of the solution.

Outcome

The resulting benefits to Sunclass Airlines

Sunclass Airlines expanded their IFE offering from traditional overhead and seatback systems to include a touch-free option for passengers to continue enjoying content on board. Constant communication between Sunclass Airlines and Inflight Dublin’s account management and engineering teams was a key factor that led to the project’s success.

Inflight Dublin also assisted in providing instructional information and materials to help Sunclass Airlines promote the system on board and increase passenger uptake. The feedback from passengers using Everhub was very positive, with praise for the ease of use and connecting to the system being the most frequent response, as well as the great selection of content available.

Sunclass Airlines had a great uptake in passengers utilizing Everhub™ and impressive results for advertisements and IFE ratings:

Inflight Dublin has been awarded the contract for the provision of Inflight Entertainment (IFE) content services by Italian airline, Neos.

Commencing in November 2021, Inflight Dublin will be providing a broad range of content across Neos’ fleet of B737 NG, MAX and B787 aircraft. The content catalogue features the latest Hollywood blockbusters, Classic movies and International content.

“Neos consistently works to deliver the finest services to our passengers and this new partnership with Inflight Dublin to provide a new and exciting inflight entertainment offering will be a great enhancement on board. The Inflight Dublin team have already been extremely proactive whilst demostrating fantastic support and we look forward to broadening our partnership in the future.”

– Aldo Sarnataro, Neos’ Commercial Director

“We are delighted to be working with Neos to provide an exciting catalogue of content to its passengers in the coming months. Inflight Dublin’s extensive experience around Europe and dedicated teams are key factors that enable us to provide a unique and personalized experience to Neos and its passengers.”

– Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO

Inflight Dublin has been awarded the contract for the provision of content and wireless Inflight Entertainment (IFE) services by Sunclass Airlines.

Commencing in August 2021, the agreement sees Inflight Dublin providing its wireless IFE solution, Everhub™, on board Sunclass Airlines’ A321 aircraft, while also providing content services across their A330 fleet. The content catalogue consists of Hollywood movies, TV Shows, Boxsets, Music, and Publications. Also included is Inflight Dublin’s revenue-generating gaming platform, Gladi8tor Gaming, through LXM.

Sunclass Airlines is a Danish charter airline that operates a fleet of 10 A330 and A321 aircraft to over 30 destinations across Scandinavia, Europe, South America, and Asia.

“Broadening our partnership with Inflight Dublin is a reflection of our commitment to further engage with our passengers and to create exciting new revenue streams. The quick turnaround time and the utilization of one supplier for both our content and wireless IFE requirements will ensure an efficient and flexible setup, rollout and future expansion of this innovative service. As we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis, we are delighted to have Inflight Dublin’s continued support and to avail of their Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™. It will be an exciting addition to our inflight service for our loyal passengers.” – Christina Pedersen, Sunclass Airlines’ Customer Experience Manager

“Sunclass Airlines’ decision to continue our partnership for content services while also introducing Everhub™ on their narrow body aircraft gives us great pride and further validates that Everhub™ is the leading Wireless IFE solution in the market. With the endless possibilities our scalable solution offers, Sunclass Airlines and Inflight Dublin will be building on the initial rollout with a range of engaging features to delight passengers and generate additional revenues in the near future.” – Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO

For more information about Everhub™, click here.

Inflight Dublin has been chosen by Nigeria’s foremost airline, Air Peace, to provide a trial of its Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™.

Beginning in May, Inflight Dublin will equip Air Peace’s brand new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft with the DO-160G certified Everhub™ Portable wireless server. The browser-based software platform features secure DRM streaming and a fully-customizable Graphical User Interface (GUI) to align with Air Peace’s brand guidelines. The content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows, International content, documentaries, publications, and games from Inflight Dublin’s innovative gaming platform, Gladi8tor Gaming.

Photo: Embraer

Air Peace is a passenger and charter airline with a varied fleet of 28 aircraft (B777, B737, ERJ-145 and E195-E2) and currently services 16 local routes, 5 regional and 2 international destinations including Johannesburg and Dubai via Sharjah. The airline is reputed for its best-in-class flight services and strong commitment to passenger safety.

Inflight Dublin has been chosen by Norwegian regional airline, Widerøe, to provide a 6-month trial of its Wireless IFE solution, Everhub™.

Beginning in June, Inflight Dublin will equip three of Widerøe’s Embraer E2 aircraft with the DO-160G certified Everhub™ Portable wireless server. The Everhub™ software platform will be accessible to Widerøe’s passengers through Inflight Dublin’s web-based passenger application which features a brand-aligned Graphical User Interface (GUI) available in 11 languages. The content package consists of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows, International content, documentaries, publications and games.

Widerøe is the largest regional airline operating in the Nordic countries, with a fleet of 45 aircraft flying to 41 destinations in Norway and 8 destinations in Europe.

“We are delighted to begin our partnership with Widerøe and to support them through the process of introducing wireless inflight entertainment on board. Wireless IFE is continually growing in popularity as a cost-effective way to offer inflight entertainment and generate revenue through ancillary services that enhance the in-flight experience for passengers. Therefore, we look forward to collaborating with Widerøe on this exciting project and to engage and delight its passengers”.

– Barry Flynn, Inflight Dublin’s CCO