Avionics PGA’s Sales and Marketing Director, Marc Piaulet, talks about in-cabin HD streaming, lighting and aircraft seating
Astronics PGA Avionics has been involved in innovative engineering and electronics for the aviation sector for decades. The company’s major areas of interest consist of the engineering and manufacturing of in-seat motion systems (such as that which allows the conversion of a seat to a flat bed, for example) plus seat lighting and in-flight entertainment systems. It provides solutions for both commercial airlines and for VVIP and business jet aircraft.
As Marc Piaulet, Sales & Marketing Director at PGA Avionics explains, the company’s in-seat motion systems are specifically designed for first class and business class seating. They consist of linear or rotary actuators, a control module and a range of custom wiring harnesses, all of which satisfy the latest standards for B787 and A350 aircraft. Seat lighting systems are customized to accommodate various lighting scenarios for reading and ambiance, and designed to suit a broad array of décor.
As a leading manufacturer for the corporate and VVIP aviation market, PGA’s full-HD audio/video in-flight entertainment and cabin management system solutions are flexible and convenient with a user-friendly interface. This gives the user control over all in-cabin features from lighting to the hostess call function, door closure, satellite TV, security camera, moving-map systems, and power management systems. The system provides full HD streaming capability to up to 30 personal electronic devices throughout the cabin.
Astronics PGA Avionics is a subsidiary of Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), a leading supplier of products to the global aerospace, defense, consumer electronics and semiconductor industries. Astronics’ products include advanced, high-performance electrical power generation and distribution systems, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, aircraft structures, engineering design and systems certification, and automated test systems.
“PGA first entered the business aviation market in 1995 with an order to refit Dassault Falcons, removing the old, outmoded passenger control units and replacing them with new modern
equipment. Then we developed a full system with audio and visual on demand (AVOD) display systems and touch screens, which enabled us to become the European leader in VVIP IFEC/CMS systems,” Piaulet says.
Products are internally designed by a team of multi-disciplinary experts who aim to ensure the best in class product design and reliability. “The company has state of the art test and simulation equipment to make sure our products are compliant with latest Airbus/Boeing certifications regulations,” he notes.
“We also invest a lot in R&D spend to enable us to be at the cutting edge on the latest technologies. The consumer electronics market is incredibly fast moving and this impacts the IFE market directly. We regularly see client expectations being set by new developments for the consumer market such as ultra high definition TV, faster connectivity and so on,” he adds.
On the lighting side, PGA is a well known provider in the field and has over 25 years of experience in Lighting Systems, technical quality, durability and manufacturing, with an emphasis on meeting tight delivery time scales. “We are a big supplier of aircraft cabin lighting and major airlines and VIP seat manufacturers have been using our lighting systems for years,” he comments.
The company’s portfolio includes a full range of standard lighting products but PGA also has the ability to enable customers to create on-off designs to match a specific requirement, and it can provide a very rapid turnaround on these bespoke solutions, Piaulet says.
“Our innovations team is always happy to make the customer’s dreams a reality. Our designer and technical experts will work with the customer to build the project and to provide customers with fast prototyping and production. Moreover the team is always available for any questions or help needed for technical, ergonomics or design issues. he company has to continuously monitor the passengers ‘attempts and the technological developments,” he adds.
On aircraft seating, Piaulet points out that PGA is a long standing supplier to the aircraft market. “We have equipped the major airlines for the last 20 years. All our motion systems are optimized for efficient energy use, easy integration and ease of operations. Astronics Motion Systems are designed for Premium Economy Class, Business Class, First Class and VIP seats. They consist of Linear and Rotary Actuators, Control Units with Power Supplies, Pneumatic Units, Air bladders, and a range of custom Harnesses. PGA’s Motion Systems are also used to operate all the moving elements in the cabin such as beds, tables, partition dividers, minibar, divan, pop-up TVs and much more. Moreover, Piaulet notes that everything that is provided is compliant with the latest Airbus and Boeing certification requirements. Support is provided globally through Astronics PGA Avionics locations in US (FL, WA), France and Ireland.