Lufthansa Technik says it is the first company to be licensed by Boeing to install its new aerial technology on the BBJ. The new system is called TIOS – Two in One Solution – a name which denotes the integrated installation of Satcom and DBS- (Direct Broadcast Satellite) aerials at the tip of the aircraft’s tailfin.

It is said to facilitate inflight reception of 400 TV channels, world-wide, is mounted in a special plastic radome, allowing interference-free reception and transmission.

The TIOS solution was certificated by the German Federal Aviation Authority on behalf of the European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) in April and has also been endorsed by the US FAA.

A spokesman said: “As an intell-igent solution, TIOS weighs no more than 30 kilos, a fraction of the weight of the modern fuselage antenna normally installed for satellite telephony and satellite TV. Another plus point is its higher mounting at an optimum angle on the tailfin, which enhances signal reception.”

The company says a 1:1 scale model will shortly be on display in Hamburg to illustrate to operators how the system is installed and all its advantages. A kit with all the parts and components as well as a blueprint for guidance on their assembly will be available for Business Boeing Jet completion centres, worldwide, to handle system installation on their own.