Zodiac Aerospace and AFI KLM E&M closed an agreement to upgrade the in-flight entertainment systems on four Royal Jordanian A340s. The Jordanian flag carrier is the world's first airline to equip its aircraft with the SiT (Seat Integrated Technology) in-flight entertainment system developed by Zodiac Aerospace.

The retrofit calls for 229 Economy class seats and 24 Business seats to be replaced. AFI KLM E&M carried out the embodiment engineering, drafted the modification instructions and obtained the necessary certifications.

In October 2009, Zodiac Aerospace and Royal Jordanian signed a modification contract for the total replacement of the IFE systems aboard Jordan carrier's four A340s, for which AFI KLM E&M is also providing component and engine support. Zodiac Aerospace drew up an ambitious execution schedule under which the first aircraft had to be handed back within 12 months. "We were called in by the OEM in order to meet that deadline," explains Jean-Jacques Michel, Senior Vice-president Engineering and Aircraft Modification at AFI KLM E&M. "With the agreement of the customer, AFI KLM E&M was asked to oversee the engineering, modification instructions, and certification aspects of the IFE retrofit. We also assigned an on-site engineering support team at JorAMCo facilities, which was carrying out the actual modifications in Amman. This contract is a perfect illustration of the high level of expertise and innovation that AFI KLM E&M is able to bring into the engineering and modifications projects of its customers".

 Schedule met. On 30 October 2010, a first aircraft was delivered to the customer, while on November the 1st, Royal Jordanian operated an inaugural flight in the presence of Alaa' Batayneh, Minister of Transport, and Hussein Dabbas, President and CEO of Royal Jordanian. The following day, the A340 made its first revenue flight. Three Royal Jordanian A340s are now operating with the new modification and the last aircraft is scheduled to fly with the new SiT in mid-December this year.

Innovative technology. SiT Seat Integrated Technology is a new range of IFE systems developed by Zodiac Aerospace which is lighter than previous systems and possesses innovative architecture. For example, each screen has its own hard disk and can communicate with neighboring devices to upload content in the event of accidental loss of data. This means improved reliability and availability for the whole on-board IFE. Total cost of ownership (acquisition, maintenance and update) of this SiT technology is also lower than a more conventional system. SiT offers a comprehensive range of IFE functions, including video and music-on-demand, computer games and an HTML browser.

Internationally acclaimed operators. Eric Cornilleau, Head of SiT Operations at Zodiac Aerospace, said, "We chose AFI KLM E&M as our integrator for its credibility and reputation on the cabin modifications market. Our customer also approved the choice, and all parties worked together on the project on the best of terms. We were particularly pleased with the skill and responsiveness of the staff at AFI KLM E&M who helped us to meet the ambitious deadline of this original project." For his part, Hussein Dabbas, President and CEO of Royal Jordanian, emphasized that "Royal Jordanian is delighted to be working with Zodiac Aerospace and AFI KLM E&M - two aviation sector operators with world-class credentials." He mentioned that "the four renovated Airbus A340 aircraft are operated to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal. The project reflects Royal Jordanian's keenness to invest in its fleet and to offer its long-haul route passengers distinguished amenities."

Source: Press Release (Royal Jordanian & AFI KLM)