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INTERVIEW Imagine continuing to watch the Netflix video you had left half way at home or shop on Amazon and pay for it mid-air, without in-flight connectivity. SugarBox has introduced a first-of-its kind Hyperlocal Content Distribution Network that will empower a host of digital services in areas with bad or no network without users being dependent on an internet connection. In an exclusive interview with Aviation World,Mr. Rohit Paranjpe, Co-Founder and CEO of SugarBox, India briefs about the functionality of its CDN platform and how this can help make the internet accessible to a larger number of people without burdening the existing infrastructure. Excerpts… What is SugarBox? In the world of internet infrastructure, one of the key components that exist today is something called a content distribution network or CDN, which is the mode of digital distribution, similar to how physical distribution ecosystems have been built. Today close to about two-third of all data accessed globally is routed through a CDN and not delivered directly by the App or the service. This is how the internet works at the backend and CDNs makes the internet faster, cheaper and scalable, so that millions of users globally can concurrently access data. SugarBox has built the first Hyperlocal CDN in the world. What this really means is that traditionally,the CDN infrastructure is installed inside Internet data centres and hence, require an internet connection to deliver data to end users. SugarBox installs CDN infrastructureat the user premiseitself and by the virtue of this, data from Apps can be delivered to end users using a local area network – either wired or wireless.Combining Edge computing, SugarBox is able to make Apps and internet services work for users even in places where internet networks don’t reach and is able to optimize the internet bandwidth required in scenaros where connectivity is prohibitively expensive. What service does SugarBox provide in the aviation sector? Specifically when it comes to Avionics, let’s evaluate the options currently available. The first alternative is a wireless IFE system, which offers a disconnected platform – The user has to use a separate website or App while inside the aircraft and the user gets a restricted choice of content or services that can be used only for the duration of the flight. Additionally, there are challenges likethe airline having to invest in the hardware& content licensing, limited monetization avenues and operational hassles. The second is an IFC system, where users get internet access and can use any App / service of their choice. However, the CapEx and OpEx associated makes it difficult for airlines to invest in this, in addition to a lackluster experience due to bandwidth constraints and barriers like it being a paid service for passengers. SugarBox is able to provide the best of both worlds for airlines. As a CDN, SugarBox is able to provide user’s access to their favourite Apps which they are familiar with and which go beyond just entertainment. If an airline is IFC enabled, SugarBox enables airlines to optimize IFC cost, incrementally enhance IFC experience and even offer a large set of services to passengers free of cost. Most importantly, all of this is made possible by installing the exact nature of infrastructure that is needed for wireless IFE systems. Who are your potential clients and what is the status of its launch? For us, the partners are two-fold. We intend to have direct dialogues withthe airlines and offer them our solution – both for airlines that aspire to provide IFC services to passengers, as well as the ones that aren’t keen on the same at the moment. However, if an airlineis in the process of deploying / already hasan IFC solution, we are happy to collaborate with their IFC solution provider and integrate SugarBox as a part of the same solution. SugarBox also factors in continuity that enables airlines to upgrade to an IFC system in the future, with SugarBox ensuring compatibility with the same. As far as our launch is concerned, we are just about to enter the Avionics market. The original plan wasto start two quarters back, but we were forced to put our plan on hold for industry to restart after the Covid-19 pandemic.But with the new calendar year, we hope to start with Indian airlines, post which we will rapidly expand to internationalcarriers as well. Elaborate more about the technology and its operations and regulatory approvals if any required to provide service in the Indian sky. We are aware that when it comes to Avionics,regulatory frameworks are stringent and more so, airlines need a degree of comfort and confidence in hardware that is deployed onboard So, instead of reinventing the wheel, we have partnered with Kontron AG, which is one of the largest Avionics players in the world with a footprint of over4000 + aircrafts already powered with IFE/ IFC Solutions. Kontron hardware is already certified by FAA and EASA deployed in aircrafts worldwide. The partnership with Kontron also enables us to provide multiple options to airlines based on their preference – ranging from a portable system to a fully wired system with multiple wireless access points installed in the cabin. What level of business are you looking forward towards it? SugarBox wants to partner with every airline worldwide that wants to provide onboard IFE / IFC services. It seems like a naïve statement to make, but we have managed to prove this with surface transport in India, where we have nearly captured the entire rolling stock market. The reason for this is three-fold: 1. SugarBox technology has multiple utility patents granted by the US patent office and priority filings across 150+ countries. 2. SugarBox offers a far better user proposition and user experience than traditional IFE systems and is able to improve the experience and optimize costs for traditional IFC systems. 3. SugarBox works with airlines in a Zero CapEx model and work out commercial structures that are sustainable for airlines. ( Published in Aviation World Jan-Feb 2021 Edition)

Dec 15, 2020 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Following the launch of the Etihad Greenliner Program at the 2019 Dubai Airshow, and the arrival of the flagship Greenliner in January 2020, Etihad Airways today officially inaugurated the latest aircraft in its journey towards sustainability, with the pioneering 2020 ecoDemonstrator entering commercial service following a series of industry-leading test flights across the United States. The aircraft, a brand-new Boeing 787-10 registered A6-BMI, is the latest arrival to Etihad’s 39-strong fleet of 787 Dreamliners, making the UAE national airline one of the world’s largest operators of the technologically advanced aircraft type. As the 2020 ecoDemonstrator, in partnership with Boeing, NASA and Safran Landing Systems, Etihad’s 787 Dreamliner was used as a flying testbed to accelerate technological developments with the goal of making commercial aviation safer and more sustainable. A familiar sight in the skies over the American Northwest in recent months, the uniquely branded Dreamliner, kitted out with complex testing equipment, conducted extensive research flying above Montana and between Washington state and South Carolina. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As the first 787-10 to take part in the ecoDemonstrator programme, this very special aircraft stands testament to the innovation and drive for sustainable aviation that forms a core element of Etihad’s values and long-term vision. This is in line with the tremendous strides being made by Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, in the research and development of viable solutions to combat climate change. “Etihad’s partnership with Boeing, and participation in the programme with NASA and Safran, is one the UAE’s national airline is incredibly proud of. This exciting and progressive programme will have a real-world impact on our industry as part of Etihad’s Greenliner Programme and demonstrates Etihad’s ambitious sustainability strategy. As a prime example of industry collaboration, this aircraft is a unique example of how the aviation industry can come together for a more sustainable future.” To celebrate its launch into regular service, the special aircraft has been fitted with a commemorative plaque highlighting its contribution to sustainability, while its fuselage still retains some of the original ecoDemonstrator flight-test branding, including the ecoDemonstrator and Boeing logos, in addition to the words ‘From Abu Dhabi for the World’, a reimagined version of the airline’s famous tagline. During the ecoDemonstrator programme, A6-BMI was decked out with special equipment for eight days of specialised testing on seven initiatives to enhance safety and reduce CO2 emissions and noise. Flights took place in Glasgow, Montana, and during two transcontinental trips between Seattle, Washington, and Charleston South Carolina. During testing, a series of flights gathered the most detailed NASA aircraft noise information to date from approximately 1,200 microphones attached to the outside of the 787 and also positioned on the ground. The information will improve NASA’s aircraft noise prediction capabilities, advance ways for pilots to reduce noise and inform future quiet aircraft designs. Two cross-country flights across the United States demonstrated a new way for pilots, air traffic controllers and airline operations centres to communicate simultaneously, resulting in optimised routing, arrival times and reduced CO2 emissions. “Boeing’s partnership with Etihad Airways on this year’s ecoDemonstrator program elevated the strategic sustainability alliance we formed last year to a whole new level,” said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. “Collaborations like these are invaluable to accelerate innovation that further enhances the safety and sustainability of flying. The testing we conducted, in partnership with NASA and Safran Landing Systems, will benefit aviation and the world for years to come.” As part of the programme, Etihad and Boeing tested two innovative ‘wellness’ technologies that will help airlines combat the treatment of COVID-19, by safely and quickly cleaning high-touch surfaces. These were a handheld ultraviolet light disinfecting system and an antimicrobial coating that helps prevent the growth of bacteria on tray tables, arm rests and other surfaces. The highest permissible blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) was used throughout the programme, as well as on the delivery flight from Charleston to Abu Dhabi. As a result, over 60 tonnes of emissions were avoided on the delivery flight alone. The aircraft’s delivery flight to Abu Dhabi saw Etihad collaborate with multiple Airspace Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) including the FAA, UK NATS and EUROCONTROL to optimise the flight path, cutting fuel burn by more than one tonne and CO2 emissions by approximately four tonnes. Following Etihad’s special flights to Brussels and Dublin in January and March 2020 respectively, this initiative continues to demonstrate Etihad’s strong track record in collaboration with ANSPs to optimise airspace utilisation to deliver lower fuel consumption, noise and carbon emissions. Etihad and Boeing also collaborated on testing new route planning technology on A6-BMI’s delivery flight. Boeing’s in-development capability forecasts a range of potential weather scenarios and suggests best available route options. AW News: Published unedited on the basis of Press Release