Thomson-CSF to Help Market EMPORT System

Thomson-CSF’s Sextant In-Flight Systems unit in Irvine said it will help market Primex Aerospace Co.’s high-speed aircraft electronic network, to give airline passengers access to services such as video on demand.

The Primex system, known as EMPORT, enables airline passengers to connect laptop computers and other personal electronic devices at their seats to various air-to-ground communications systems.

Thomson-CSF is Europe’s largest defense electronics company but draws a quarter of its sales from selling advanced electronics for civilian use and an additional 20% from aerospace applications. The French company’s announcement did not mention anticipated revenue from the joint venture. Sextant makes, tests and certifies in-flight entertainment products.

In-flight communications becomes an increasingly attractive prospect for making money in connection with air travel. Boeing Co. says the total market for in-flight Internet services could reach $70 billion over 10 years.