More than 60 exhibitors will showcase their newest technologies in the IFEC Zone at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). The IFEC Zone is an area of the expo floor in Hamburg Messe where companies can present the latest innovations in inflight connectivity and entertainment (IFEC), as well as developments in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, e-commerce, and more.
Big names in the IFEC sector leaders will be headlining the IFEC Zone this year, such as Panasonic Avionics, Rosen Aviation, Thales, Viasat, and Telekom Deutschland (representing the European Aviation Network and Deutsche Telekom), AirFi, Spafax, Stellar Entertainment, ThinKom, Telesat, and True Blue Power.
Panasonic Avionics plans to demonstrate the latest enhancements to Arc, its dynamic inflight map, emphasising its interactive capabilities and potential for passenger engagement. The company will also explore how IFEC can serve as a powerful promotional channel through its Modular Interactive platform, maximising value for both airlines and passengers. The team will also highlight Panasonic’s multi-orbit inflight connectivity offering, demonstrating how it is positioned to meet the evolving demands of the connected traveller.
Rosen Aviation, a specialist in IFEC and aircraft cabin experiences, will introduce brand-new technologies for commercial, corporate, and VVIP aircraft. With over 40 years’ expertise in cabin electronics and inflight entertainment, the expert in 4K OLED technology will unveil a 1-by-3 Digital Skylight configuration with three 65-inch curved OLEDs, developed with partners Otonomy and KiPcreating. Rosen will also debut the SmartMap Box, bringing smart TV capabilities, app hosting, and the FlightPath3D 4K 3D moving map.
Meanwhile Thales will present FlytEdge, a Cloud-native IFEC platform powered by the Onboard Data Center, which won the IFEC and Digital Services category of last year’s Crystal Cabin Awards. The Thales showcase will feature innovations designed to enhance passenger engagement, improve airline operations, and unlock new opportunities. Additionally, Thales will demonstrate its 4K HDR QLED screens, spatial audio, and accessibility suite.
IFEC, onboard retail and connectivity expert, AirFi, will demonstrate its LEO connectivity solution, which has been selected by multiple airlines as online payment validation emerges as an attractive feature for onboard retail. Powered by the Iridium NEXT low-earth orbit constellation with complete global coverage, LEO utilises a window-mounted antenna and has a total system weight of approximately 10kg per aircraft.
Elsewhere in the IFEC Zone, Spafax Group, a provider of media sales, entertainment curation, and content marketing for the airline market, will showcase its Connected Content Stream, powered by Spafax Profile, a digital content marketing platform that seamlessly integrates with airline systems and personalises the IFEC experience. The company, which has clients including Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways, was shortlisted for the solution at last year’s Crystal Cabin Award, in the Best Customer Journey Experience category.
Key features of the Connected Content Stream include IFEC microsites for pre-flight content exploration, a Live Sports Ticker (a low-bandwidth solution offering real-time sports results in-flight through a whitelisted URL), and Lounge Streaming, which uses geo-fencing and IP whitelisting to provide passengers access to exclusive content while waiting to board.
Meanwhile, FlightPath3D will debut its Accessibility Map, introduced across Delta’s fleet in late 2024. Designed to enhance accessibility for partially sighted travellers, the high-contrast display also caters to those with cognitive and motor impairments. The interface features high-contrast visuals, larger display elements, and flexible navigation controls. Built to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, the solution ensures regulatory compliance while maintaining an engaging user experience.
ThinKom will unveil its ThinAir Plus product line, featuring the flight-proven Ka2517, which delivers multi-orbit, multi-constellation support. This is paired with a LEO-only electronically steered antenna (ESA), integrated within a single, standards-compliant package. By utilising multiple concurrent connections, airlines can optimise both performance and cost when delivering connectivity to aircraft.
Archana Dharni, event director of AIX said: “With a standout line-up of exhibitors showcasing everything from high-definition screens to large-format integrated displays and more, the IFEC Zone will highlight how innovations in next-gen IFEC systems and ultra-fast connectivity are reshaping inflight entertainment. It will also address the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological advancements, ensuring operational reliability, and delivering a consistent experience across fleet types.”
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) will take place in Halls B1-B7 at Hamburg Messe, Germany, from 8-10 April 2025. For more information about the IFEC Zone, visit here.
