Aviation industry grapples with challenges of integrating reliable wireless device charging

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Boeing 777X | The Boeing Company

By Sky Industry News

Sep 5, 2024

Fifteen years ago, airlines were integrating the eXport socket into inflight entertainment systems, allowing passengers to connect their iPhone 3GS or iPod Classic via a 30-pin dock connector and a $40 cable. This enabled users to play MP3s and movies on board. However, as soon as these eXport-enabled seats were rolled out, Apple replaced the 30-pin connector with Lightning, rendering the new technology quickly obsolete.

Airlines learned from this experience and began installing USB sockets that could be easily upgraded. This adaptation allowed for quick-change maintenance and technological upgrades from USB-A outlets to the more recent USB-C sockets.

The rapid pace of consumer technology often outpaces aviation lifecycles due to regulatory approval processes. This is not unique to aviation; rental car customers frequently face similar issues with outdated USB ports.

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Another example includes attempts to integrate digital camera RCA connectors into inflight entertainment systems, which failed due to ease-of-use concerns and content display risks.

Panasonic Avionics' eXport innovation still exists on some aircraft today. Image: John Walton

Since then, airlines have been cautious about adopting new consumer trends such as Bluetooth headphone connections, credit card swipes, app-based IFE content playlists, HDMI sockets, embedded tablets, and NFC readers—each varying in success.

Wireless charging emerged in the mid-2010s for business class seats. The first iPhone with wireless charging was the iPhone 8 using the Qi wireless standard. Despite announcements in the late 2010s, it wasn't until around 2021 that wireless charging started appearing on flights.

JetBlue's Mint Suite was reportedly among the first to feature this technology in 2021. However, much like USB power before it, wireless charging has evolved faster than aviation can keep up with. Upgrading between versions requires removing entire console parts—a costly and complex process given advancements in charging speeds over recent years.

Early Qi standards limited charging to 5W but have since increased significantly. The newest standards include magnetic-snapping MagSafe-style connections popularized by Apple. Passengers remain uncertain about how fast an onboard charger will charge their devices due to variability in installed technology.

To date, effective onboard wireless smartphone charging remains elusive for many passengers due to power limitations or compatibility issues—rendering it impractical for meaningful use during flights.

If current trends persist without significant improvements or standardization in wireless charging capabilities onboard aircrafts may need alternative solutions that offer reliability and broader usability for passengers' diverse range of devices.

Panasonic tackles charging anxiety with its own USB-C for Astrova IFE

Safran’s first Unity: a strong experience in JAL A350 business

In-seat power leaders on the extended transition to USB-C

Astronics reveals dock style wireless charging in tray table

Featured image credited to John Walton