On The Record With
DENNIS FERFUSON, PRESIDENT, AIRSHOW, INC.
Airshow Seeks Better E-mail Connection

Airshow's Dennis Ferguson

Moving maps may be the forte of Airshow Inc., but it believes it is ahead of all other companies in finding the Holy Grail of business aviation-true email in the sky from the executive's own laptop.

The problem is one of insufficient bandwidth to upload and download the vast amounts of data required by a CEO wanting true email. While Boeing may have found a solution with its Connexion product, that is very costly and requires antennae far larger than most business aircraft can carry.

"The advantage we have is that we have been operating Airshow Network for the last six years and have gained a lot of experience on how to make the most of the bandwidth we have," Airshow president Dennis Ferguson told Show News. "That collective knowledge has now been put into our email file server on the aircraft, so the phone and datalink we have with the ground is very robust.

"We have improved the data link, reliability of the communication link with the ground, and we have also given the executive the ability to manage the flow of the email. Once we go to a high speed datalink there will be other ways to go direct, but right now there are limits on that link."

Airshow offers an email software management program that is quite transparent, allowing the executive to dial up his usual email provider. It can also be used in fractional ownership and charter jets, where many different people will use the aircraft's email link in any given week. Airshow provides the ability for each to connect with his regular provider, then offload all information in the on-board memory after each session.

Airshow's onboard e-mail systems for business jets is exhibited here at EBACE.

Heart of the system is a file server introduced at last NBAA, which is also the brains of Airshow's iSYS integrated cabin management system. This allows control of all the systems, from lighting to entertainment (including live TV, video, DVD, stereo, stock prices, market indices and email) from touch screens, by handheld remote control units, or by traditional switches.

iSYS is proving popular with airframe manufacturers and completion centers, as it can be customized and installed almost on a plug-and-play basis to meet customer requirements.

Airshow products are now flying in over 4,000 business jets, and with more than 130 airlines.

For owners who want to upgrade their existing information, entertainment and control systems, Airshow has introduced the iGO System, which offers components from iSYS that can be installed in as little as two to three weeks.

By John Morris