Flight Display Systems (Booth 1890), provider of the “do” suite of wireless cabin IFE solutions, announced a rechristening this week at NBAA 2016, changing its name to FDS Avionics Corp. This “better describes the broad portfolio of products and services in in-flight entertainment, cabin management, and special mission video systems” the Georgia-based company provides, said William Cathcart vice-president of sales and marketing.
FDS offers the do Capsule, a wireless server; do 3D, providing 2D and 3D in-flight maps; the Edge series of monitors; and do 360, a subscription service providing access to movies and other entertainment, including DRM-protected content such as the latest Hollywood releases through its partnership with Global Eagle Entertainment. Scaled-down content plans, do 180 and do 90, are also available. The do offerings were introduced a year ago at NBAA 2015.
“A year ago I stood here and told you we were making these, and they’re here,” said Cathcart. “These are not concept or theory or vaporware—they’re here, adopted, shipped, deployed and supported.”
In the past year, FDS has partnered with Textron Aviation, which will equip King Air 350i twin turboprops and Citation Xs with FDS systems for an undisclosed fleet customer. FDS has also partnered with MRO provider StandardAero (Booth 2296), which is showcasing FDS products at its display area.
As a key market for its products, Cathcart singled out the fleet operators, which he characterized as “One of the audiences underserved and desperate for something that fits in the IFE part of the puzzle.” The FDS products answer their needs for commonality, easy installation, predictable service costs and intuitive design, Cathcart said.
