Quantcast

Diehl integrates next-gen cabin system with Thales' blade server

Diehl integrates next-gen cabin system with Thales' blade server
Webp 1j2z2he2jv85ft2pvno4u4jt2coq
Becca Alkema Operations Manager and Contributing Writer | Runway Girl Network

Diehl Aviation has integrated a next-generation version of its CANSAS cabin management system with Thales’ new blade server technology, making the optimized package available to airlines for retrofit. This integration aims to unlock the full potential of cabin data using artificial intelligence and a light sensor network.

CANSAS, short for ‘cabin area network system and services,’ serves as the central control panel for various aircraft functions related to the cabin, including lighting, intercommunication devices, galley and lavatory controls, and fire protection systems. Diehl’s new CANSAS High Performance Controller (HPC) enables secure management of a connected cabin ecosystem.

Thales’ Onboard Data Center (ODA) introduces advanced hardware architecture and web technologies on board. The server features individual blades that share storage and computing capabilities, allowing significant additional aggregate storage space. Each blade can be replaced or upgraded based on an airline’s needs.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

“We have integrated, with our colleagues from Thales, the two worlds together, CANSAS and ODA,” Diehl technology evangelist Marcel Schmedes revealed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. “There’s basically no barrier between CANSAS and the ODA. So, the ODA can use our data from the aircraft cabin and vice versa.” Thales and Diehl are long-time partners in aircraft avionics.

The ODA optimizes what Diehl has achieved with its upgraded CANSAS solution. AI-powered applications on the server can enhance passenger experience while providing crew support and improving eco-efficiency.

Schmedes provided an example: “If you manage the galley, there’s so much food waste. It’s basically a nightmare when it comes to sustainability. And with our technology, we want to enable the data integration layer to provide all the data — how goods flow into the galley and are consumed — to allow perspective and artificial intelligence or a holistic optimizer to better control food flow to reduce waste.”

Regarding passenger experience improvements, he said AI models could be trained “to better individualize travel experience.” Working alongside a sensor network, this system can manage lavatory queues, monitor overhead bin fill levels or air quality among other applications.

With data sovereignty secured through CANSAS HPC's data integration layer, well-trained AI applications can provide “better optimizations,” Schmedes stated. The fully integrated package with Thales’ ODA is currently available with lead times of 12 to 18 months.

Diehl and Thales are also participating in a research project called i+s Cabin along with Airbus, Adient Aerospace, Boeing, Jeppesen Safran among others aiming to revolutionize how cabin data is collected analyzed used They have developed unified communication standard for cabin components ensuring robust data supports future cabins

Beyond commercial aviation applications for CANSAS HPC Thales' ODA blade server Diehl's HPC technology will play role connectivity unit unmanned aerial vehicles eVTOLs where it already boasts key partnerships under 'CANSAS all platforms' strategy German ATG specialist SkyFive integrating A2G-branded air-to-ground connectivity technology HPC yielding "lightest-ever broadband solution weight-constrained aircraft"

"This connectivity target eVTOL applications regional jets rotary platforms we support highly critical missions like firefighting rescue missions medical," Schmedes said Work goes beyond providing high bandwidth communications passengers citing "mission critical links air traffic management flight management" Data security eVTOLs UAMs "absolutely mandatory" he stated

Asked if HPC keep non-safety safety data separate he said: "I think this makes our unit quite unique because we have isolated place safety applications even if connected open world connect avionics get system connect ground transport ensures both security safety."

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025