iStockPhoto / Getty Images
From homes and offices, to cars and airplanes, people expect the same seamless connectivity experience everywhere on the planet.
“It’s the new world order to be connected,” says Jack Jacobs, vice-president, aerospace and defense at Celestica. “Five years ago this wasn’t really a possibility on an airplane. But that’s changing.”
Smarter aircrafts are helping the sector to enhance safety, maintenance and comfort, and operate more efficiently. That demand is creating new opportunities for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other entities servicing the airline industry.
Many of these companies are choosing to collaborate with Celestica. Headquartered in Canada, the firm is a global leader in design, manufacturing, hardware and supply chain solutions.
Celestica is a veteran in the aerospace technology arena, and can accelerate prototype development, manufacture equipment, and conduct the rigorous testing needed to pass airline safety standards.
For instance, Celestica recently collaborated with an aerospace OEM to enable a satellite communications gateway for in-flight connectivity. Networks of these satellites provide aircrafts with broader coverage, so that passengers can continue to stream, send emails, or consume content while traveling over the ocean or remote parts of the world.
Improved connectivity goes so much further than the ability to tap into WiFi and email a colleague from 35,000 feet.
Connected technology can gather and analyze data from every aspect of an aircraft. Sensors embedded in components and systems on the plane can transmit real-time data. That transforms the aircraft into a data source that can help airlines and pilots anticipate and prepare for potential disruptions.
Grounds crews also have the information from every takeoff and landing. So they can track usage, replacing and servicing parts and systems when needed, and reducing the potential for failures. All of this drives a safer passenger and crew experience.
Aviation solutions is a highly competitive market, Jacobs says. To get ahead, manufacturers rely on supply chain partnerships, like those with Celestica, to shorten the product development cycle and accelerate their innovations.
Celestica can concentrate on the hardware and electronics, he says, while OEMs focus on the artificial intelligence and software side. “We take a product lifecycle approach – from design and new product launch, to full-rate production and after-market support – to help OEMs bring their solutions to life,” says Jacobs.
Every step is critical, from selecting the right component at the design level, to “ruggedizing” so that it withstands tough conditions, to rapidly scaling the product at the right cost and quality levels.
That’s the expertise Celestica brings to its customers, says Jacobs. Working with a partner that understands these challenges and complexities, he says, can mean the difference between success and failure.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.