Cabin Announcements are the focus of the task force. A list of announcements is provided, grouped by their source and category. A list of interfaces both to and from are tabulated. A reference architecture is presented, along with configurations and components of the system.
List of Announcements
Passenger Safety:
1. (PreRec) Safety information
2. (PreRec) Standardized emergency announcements
3. (PreRec) Takeoff instructions
4. (PreRec) When to stow/use electronic devices and use IFES
5. (PreRec) Turbulence instructions
6. (PreRec) Need for medical assistance from any medical professionals on board
7. (PreRec) Pre-Landing instructions
a. Putting tray table up, putting seats in upright position, staying seated, trash collection, etc.
8. (PreRec) Instructions for taxi to the gate
9. (PreRec) Instructions not to congregate near the lavatories.
10. (ad hoc) Specific weather issues
11. (ad hoc) Unique emergencies
12. (PreRec) Return to Seat and Fasten Seat Belt
Cabin Services (using the airplane):
13. (PreRec) Wi-Fi information and where to find power outlets
14. (PreRec) Customs and Immigration procedures for international flights
15. (PreRec) In-flight beverage service commencing/ending
16. (PreRec) Food menu choices (for long haul flights with meal service)
17. (PreRec) Post-Landing instructions
a. Any announcement requests to pull down window shades to block the heat when landing in hot locations
Passenger Information:
18. (PreRec) Routine delays in leaving the gate.
19. (PreRec) Welcome messages
20. (PreRec) Airline promotions for frequent fliers
21. (PreRec) Routine delays in takeoff and reasons why
22. (PreRec) Routine delays while taxi to the gate and reasons why
23. (PreRec) Special promotions/offers
24. (Radio) Connecting gate information
25. (Radio) Baggage claim information
26. (Radio ???) Specific destination information, which is especially vital for flights with stopovers so that the passenger does not get off at the wrong destination
27. (Radio) Ground transportation information
28. (ad hoc) Unique delays in takeoff and reasons why
29. (ad hoc) Unique delays in taxi to the gate and reasons why
30. (ad hoc) Landmark views (when the pilot tells passengers to look out their windows)
Interfaces
Conveying Information >TO< a Passenger
Conveying Information >FROM< a Passenger
Conveying Information >FROM< a Crew Member
Reference Architecture
Cabin announcements are modeled as a system. Elements are distributed amongst a number of sub-systems including those on the ground and those on the airplane.
Reference cabin announcement system architecture
Configurations
Airline fleets are comprised of aircraft where equipage may vary based on retrofit campaigns, type and model differences, and mission. Each existing airplane may include one or more of configurations (overhead seatbelt/call and PA are basic) listed below:
- No IFE installed
- IFE Overhead monitors, in-seat headphone jack, public content
- IFE Airline portable player
- Wi-Fi Internet Access, Personal Device
- Wi-Fi Local Content Server, Personal Device
- IFE Seatback display, in-seat headphone jack
- Cellular Picocell Internet Access, Personal Device
- Other (Bluetooth, ???) Internet Access, Personal Device
- Wi-Fi Internet Access, Airline portable device
- Wi-Fi Local Content Server, Airline portable device
- IFE Overhead multipurpose device
Airplane Components
Cabin Management (CM) is that equipment relating to cabin functions. Cabin management functions includes:
the overhead attendant call button/indicator and seat belt sign
- managing the overhead reading light
- the passenger address system
In-flight Entertainment (IFE) is equipment that offers passenger entertainment. This includes:
- seat back display
- in-seat handset
- audio jack
- overhead video monitors
- Wi-Fi passenger network
- a multipurpose display
The radio encompasses that equipment that provides a connection to the ground. The radio may be connected to an ACARS management unit (analog audio, ARINC 429) or to the IFE (Ethernet or other bus). The radio may include VHF, HF, satcom (L, Ku, Ka), or ATG.
ACARS is a network that includes remote ground end-systems, an inter-network to a data link service provider (DSP), the DSP, an inter-network to VHF, satcom, and HF radio stations, an airborne communications management unit (CMU), a multipurpose interface (display/keyboard), a flight deck alerting function, and interfaces (ARINC 429) to airborne end-systems including cabin terminals for cabin crew interface and to IFE for messaging.
A portable device is a small, hand-held, battery-powered keyboard and display with headphone, haptic (vibration) and aural ringing. The portable device is handed out by the airline to the passenger onboard the airplane to aid in cabin announcements and entertainment.
A personal device is a small, hand-held, battery-powered keyboard and display with headphone, haptic (vibration) and aural ringing. The personal device is a smartphone or tablet owned by and brought onboard by the passenger onboard the airplane. The airline provides an application to aid in cabin announcements and entertainment.
A flight attendant PED is either provided as part of the airplane kit, or assigned permanently to each attendant. The PED is a small, hand-held, battery-powered keyboard and display with headphone, haptic (vibration) and aural ringing. Worn devices, such as a watch, are an alternative.
Pre-recorded announcements are prepared in-advance by a partner, loaded, and stored onboard the airplane.
A radio ground station (teleport/gateway) can provide a pathway to deliver announcements or other information directly to the airplane in real-time. Announcements are created as a first step leading to the message submission to the radio network. The message is sent to the airplane by the radio.