Discover Airlines has initiated the process of modernizing the cabins of its Airbus A320 aircraft. The airline will be the launch customer for the new AERENA Inseat System by AERQ.
The new onboard entertainment system will enter service on March 29th, when the updated A320 is scheduled to return to service. The implementation of this new system has been made possible through collaboration between AERQ, Discover Airlines, and Lufthansa Group Innovation Runway.
AERENA features a virtual infrastructure with cloud storage, reducing the aircraft’s weight by eliminating physical servers. The system is compatible with a wide range of personal devices.
«We are delighted that AERENA has taken off and that both airlines and passengers can experience what our platform offers. This is a significant milestone for us and our parent companies,» said Arnd Kikker, Co-CEO of AERQ.
Passengers of Discover Airlines will digitally access personalized offers and information, view the onboard meal service menu, and have access to various mobile applications, such as excursion bookings at the destination.
The leisure airline within the Lufthansa group will benefit from AERENA‘s ability to quickly update all content: AVoD (audio/video on demand), the user interface, or any application to elevate the experience and engagement to a new level.
Through intelligent data capture, analysis, and matching, Discover Airlines can understand passengers’ entertainment demands and address them specifically. This will enable the airline to promptly customize the digital product offered onboard.
Meanwhile, AERQ celebrates obtaining a Supplementary Type Certificate (STC), covering the installation of the AERENA Inseat system.
Maximilian Meintgens, Director of Product and Marketing at Discover Airlines, noted, «We are proud to be the first airline to test this special entertainment system and to collaborate with AERQ on the next generation of onboard entertainment. Our goal is to test the system in everyday life and understand how to further enhance and personalize the travel experience through feedback and usage behavior from our guests.»
«The information we gather during the testing phase will be a significant contribution to the development of the onboard entertainment experience for the entire Lufthansa Group,» added Meintgens.
Xavier Lagardère, Vice President of Innovation at the Lufthansa Group and CEO of the Lufthansa Innovation Hub, stated, «Accelerating innovation allows us to continuously improve our customers’ experience, and this collaborative effort is a prime example of that. We are excited and proud to see our investments in cutting-edge onboard entertainment, alongside our partners AERQ and Discover Airlines, installed on our first aircraft.»
The Airbus A320 ceo equipped with the AERENA system bears the registration D-AIUQ and will carry a special sticker with the inscription «Next level entertainment on board«. The aircraft is 8 years old, with its maiden flight on January 22, 2016.
