The first ‘fflya’ kit, a Bluetooth connectivity kit developed by AS-IP Tech, a specialist in Bluetooth connectivity for aviation, has been fitted on an aircraft, namely a Wizz Air UK Airbus A321. A key component of the installation is the Iridium Next window antenna system. The certified setup is designed with minimal components, which made it simple to install, with the work carried out by Storm Aviation, in co-operation with Wizz Air UK Technical services.
The original concept of a Bluetooth passenger network connecting via Iridium utilising a window antenna was tested by AS-IP in 2010. By 2016 the company had commercialised the first dual window antenna installation on a private jet. In 2018 AS-IP embarked on the airline version, conducting further tests with a dual Iridium platform on an Airbus A340.
According to AS-IP the next step for its technology is ground testing, to support airline operational approval.
