PIA to Buy Tablets for In-Flight Entertainment

[Abbas Ali]

In today's (July 25) newspaper.

Tender Notice

Procurement of Apple iPad Air 64GB or Equivalent Tablet for PIA In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) Programme Along With Licenced Western and Local Audio/Video Media Contents

Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier, intends to introduce innovative technology in its in-flight entertainment programme so that its valuable passengers can experience modern day IFE onboard.

To achieve this purpose, proposals are invited from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/Authorized Distributors for the procurement of Apple iPad Air (Wi-Fi + Cellular) having 64GB capacity or tablet having equivalent specifications along with related accessories.

Bidder will also provide Western and Pakistani audio/video licenced contents on two month cycle basis for uploading on the devices.



Abbas

[haroon_ek]

Let's have a round of applause for PIA management!

[ammad]

But how can they ensure that it will not be torn out or ripped by some of the different kind of Passengers? Apple IPAD is still leader but they could go with Samsung galaxy tab as well to save money.

[A310]

It will be a good step if really taken cuz getting tenders published is not a very tough task.
And whats the progress of in-flight wifi they were going to offer?

[iqbal]

Surely the proper way to do this would be to go to Apple directly!? They can customize the iOS for in flight entertainment and remove other features that are not necessary. Also, why does the hardware need to be cellular enabled!?

[Abbas Ali]

iPad Air with Wi-Fi + Cellular.



All iPad Air models come with built-in Wi-Fi. If you want to access the Internet in more places, choose a model that supports cellular data and sign up for data service from carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Contact your carrier or sign up right on your iPad Air.

Connect to fast cellular networks.

iPad Air supports fast cellular networks around the world - including LTE networks.* So you can download content, stream video, and browse the web at amazing speeds. And if you're in a location without an LTE network, you'll still get access to fast GSM/UMTS networks including HSPA, HSPA+, and DC-HSDPA.

Ready to take on the world.

iPad Air offers comprehensive support for fast networks around the world, and you don't need a long-term contract. You can sign up for cellular connectivity only when you need it. Some cellular carriers even offer flexible shared plans that let you use the data service you already have. If you want a local connection when you're traveling, iPad Air is ready. Just ask a local carrier about a short-term data plan, pop in a SIM card, and you're ready to go.

Use iPad as a personal hotspot.

Where supported by the local carrier, iPad Air can use its cellular connection to create a local hotspot for other devices. And the long battery life of iPad Air helps you stay connected for extended periods. So if youÃ're at the park with friends or camping with family, the cellular connection from iPad Air can keep everyone connected.

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more.

The iPad Air with Wi-Fi + Cellular model you purchase will work with a number of carriers such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. While you don't have to activate service right away, you should choose your iPad Air according to the carrier you prefer. Each carrier offers a range of data plan options. Visit your favorite carrier's website to see data plans.

No contract. No long-term commitment.

When you decide to activate data service, you can choose the amount of data per month you want to buy - with no long-term contract. So if you have a business trip or vacation approaching, just sign up for the month you'll be traveling and cancel when you get back. If you want a local connection when you're traveling, just ask a local carrier about a short-term data plan, pop in a SIM card, and you're ready to go.

No new plan required.

Your carrier may offer flexible shared plans that let you use the data service you already have - like the one you use with your smartphone - on your iPad Air. This convenient upgrade to your existing plan means you won't need to sign up for a new data plan to get connected on iPad Air. Visit your favorite carrier's website to see data plans.

Turn on data service. Or turn it off. All from your iPad Air



Sign up.

Tap Settings and choose Cellular Data. Then select a plan and enter your payment information.

Check your usage.

iPad Air lets you know when you're about to reach your data limit so you can add more.

Adjust your plan.

If you want more data, you can sign up for a different plan - or cancel data service altogether - anytime, right from your iPad Air.

*Data plan required. LTE is available in select markets and through select carriers. Check with your carrier for details. Speeds will vary based on site conditions.

Source: apple.com

[ammad]

Surely the proper way to do this would be to go to Apple directly!? They can customize the iOS for in flight entertainment and remove other features that are not necessary. Also, why does the hardware need to be cellular enabled!?

I don't think Apple is going to modify IOS for small order of up to 2,000 to 5,000 Ipad Air, or may be less. They didn't mention in Tender how many Pieces they are looking to. In fact never heard that Apple is customizing IOS by it self for customers. However, certain features could be enable or disable by programming, using Xcode, but Apple is not going to do it as part of Purchase for sure.

[iqbal]

Surely the proper way to do this would be to go to Apple directly!? They can customize the iOS for in flight entertainment and remove other features that are not necessary. Also, why does the hardware need to be cellular enabled!?

I don't think Apple is going to modify IOS for small order of up to 2,000 to 5,000 Ipad Air, or may be less. They didn't mention in Tender how many Pieces they are looking to. In fact never heard that Apple is customizing IOS by it self for customers. However, certain features could be enable or disable by programming, using Xcode, but Apple is not going to do it as part of Purchase for sure.

Apple are more than willing to do this. There are many stores in the UK that use iPads in their displays in store and they have heavily modified iOS. Also where I work (hospital) we have iPads that are heavily modified and only do what they are supposed to (access medical records etc...). Looking at it - you wouldn't think it was an iPad.

[Abbas Ali]

New tender notice in today's (August 29) newspaper with September 15, 2014, as bids' opening date.

Tender requirements, terms and conditions remain unchanged.



Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

According to following tender notice in today's (October 31) newspaper, tablets will be available for Business Class passengers of PIA Airbus A310-300 and Boeing 777 flights.



Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Bluebox Avionics (blueboxavionics.com) of United Kingdom (UK) declared technically qualified by PIA bid evaluation report.

Bluebox products include:

Bluebox Ai
Bluebox wiFE

Bluebox Ai - The Premier IFEC app for iPad, iPad Air and iPad mini



Bluebox Avionics is the leader in portable IFEC solutions, utilising the latest consumer technology to deliver low cost, high value IFEC applications.

Bluebox Ai delivers the best entertainment experience of any portable IFEC product in the sky. Our secure IFEC app is approved by all major Hollywood studios for delivery of early window movies not available to many other tablet and streaming solutions.

Bluebox sounds great too - in any language - delivering many hundreds of hours of pristine digital audio. It is closed caption compatible and supports dynamic multilingual dubs & subs.

Bluebox Ai is already playing early window movies on many commercial airlines around the world. It also delivers the best new touchscreen and motionsensitive games found in the online stores.

Its eReader holds a whole rack of newspapers, magazines, books and brochures weightlessly, and it supports custom apps to help simplify cabin service and promote onboard sales.

Internet-ready for any connected seat, Bluebox Ai can be your passengers window on the world.

Its many superb features include:

Optimized for the market leading tablet
Approved for Early Window Content
Integrated streaming option
Bespoke case for enhanced protection and extended battery life to 20+ hours
Simple, fast content management system
A flexible solution to fulfil your requirements: Revenue Generation, Service Enhancement and Service Recovery
Clients running from 30 to over 3000 units

Bluebox Avionics also provides Bluebox wiFE - the wireless streaming solution for carry-on devices.
hr Bluebox wiFE - The hybrid wireless streaming solution



Since 2006 Bluebox products have led the way in utilizing new consumer technology to deliver low cost, high value IFEC.

Our latest innovation for the airline market takes this future-proof philosophy further, with a versatile way to deliver media content to both airline provided and passengers' own carry-on devices.

The allied expertise of Bluebox Avionics and its technology partner Cobham Aerospace Communications has created Bluebox wiFE - the new streaming system that really delivers.

Hybrid solution for ultimate flexibility
Aircraft certified streaming server
Thousands of hours of IFE content
Early Window Content on airline provided Bluebox devices
Optimal use of limited wireless bandwidth
Multiple revenue opportunities

This unique hybrid solution enables an airline to entertain every guest without implementing heavy and costly in-seat hardware where it's not needed.

Early Window Hollywood movies and other premium content reside on devices running our secure Bluebox software, supplemented by a wide choice of server streamed titles too. Streamed movie, TV, audio media, games and digital books & magazines are also accessible to passenger laptops, tablets and smartphones throughout the cabin.

The Bluebox wiFE app is optimized for iPad, Android and Windows platforms. Internet-ready for any connected seat, the Bluebox enabled device can also be your passengers' window on the world.



Solution Overview

Content and application hosting via market leading media server (Dual core i7, ARINC 600, 4MCU, DO-160F certified)
Multiplatform DRM supporting a range of tablet, smartphone and laptop devices
Supports multi-language and closed-caption streamed content
Automatic content resolution management for maximum wireless spectrum utilization
Scalable solution with optimal passenger connections delivered via multiple, highthroughput wireless access points
System platform, installation, and certification support by Cobham Aerospace Communications

The Bluebox Avionics philosophy is to provide airlines with solutions utilising market leading technology platforms. This continues with Bluebox wiFE, combining the best of airborne server and wireless network infrastructure with the engineering expertise of Cobham Aerospace Communications, and enhanced by the rich and powerful capabilities of Bluebox IFEC software.

A flexible user interface allows airlines to present passengers with a branded and engaging user experience. Bluebox wiFE supports a wide range of content including movies, TV programs, audio, digital books and magazines and games.

Inbuilt system flexibility supports custom airline deployments to meet any unique and specific needs. Bluebox wiFE is designed to support a range of payment requirements, including a mixed model offering free-to-seat in premium cabins and revenue opportunities in economy.

Bluebox wiFE is scalable to any aircraft environment. Regional to longhaul, single or multi-aisle, our adaptive distribution technology ensures that the system delivers a premium quality user experience to each and every seat.

Bluebox wiFE multiplatform DRM supports a range of portable devices from most consumer technology providers, including tablets, smartphones and laptops, with no need to connect to ground-based servers for DRM licencing.

External Connection

Bluebox wiFE is designed for expansion. Bluebox can offer connectivity options or integrate with existing onboard connectivity to support an enhanced and seamless IFEC experience.

Source: blueboxavionics.com

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Bluebox Avionics clients include British Airways and Thai Airways.

http://www.blueboxavionics.com/News.html

Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Another tender notice in today's (July 3) newspaper.

Tender Notice

IFE Loaded Tablets / iPads

Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC), national flag carrier and the premier airline of the region, is in the phase of revamping its resources and modernisation of its fleet / services according to the needs of today's aviation world.

In order to offer innovative services to its valued passengers, PIAC invites sealed tender proposals for supply of IFE loaded tablets/iPads for its Economy Class.



Abbas

[Abbas Ali]

Quantity required for IFE loaded Tablets/iPads = 5,000

Specifications of Tablet/iPpads:

8 inch screen, 1024*768 pixel display
1.4GHz dual-core processor,
2 GB RAM,
35 GB storage
5-6 hour play back time
Support Wi-Fi
Android 4.1 OS, with I Launch (iOS theme)
Aluminium slim body
Black, White and Silver
OEM - Logo on 5000 qty. Order
One Year Warranty
Free Case

Source: PIA

[Abbas Ali]

Provision of IFE Loaded Android Tablets - Quantity 5000

Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC), National Flag Carrier, and the premier airline of the region is in the phase of re-vamping its resources and modernization of its fleet/services according to the needs of the today's aviation world.

PIA pleased to invite proposals for provisioning of Quantity 5000 IFE Loaded Android Tablet on Barter Basis from financially and professionally sound companies. The tender will be on single stage and single envelope basis.

PIA’s requirements with technical specifications are as under:

8 inch screen, 1024x768 pixel display.
1.4GHz dual-core processor.
2 GB RAM.
35 GB storage or higher to support the contents.
5-6 hour play back time.
Support Wi-Fi.
Android 4.1 OS, with I Launch (iOS theme).
Aluminium slim body.
Black, White and Silver.
PIA Logo.

The IFE contents requirement is given below:

20 Famous Drama Serials.
60 English Urdu & Hindi Movies.
20 Cartoons & 20 Puzzles.
100s of Games.
40 Comedy & Talk Shows.
20 Historic Matches.

After every 45 Days the software will be updated with latest media and any physical damage to the unit.

Key elements to look for are:

Charging port.
Speaker Grill Cleanliness.
Scratches on glass.
Wear and Tear of Cover.

The bidder must have the valid licence for each IFE content.

Last date for submission of tenders is September 9, 2015, till 10:30 AM Pakistan Standard Time (PST) and will be opened on same day at 11:00 AM PST.

Source: PIA

Abbas