Airlines To Add Laptop Hookup - 1996-03-18

<H1> Airlines To Add Laptop Hookup</H1>By Jay Campbell

New York - To accommodate laptop-toting travelers, American Airlines will install 12-volt DC transformers with plug-in adapters starting this fall on at least 10 Airbus 300s flying between Boston and New York and London, said Henry Joyner, vice president of marketing planning.

While the airline would not confirm who will provide the technology, Olin Aerospace Company of Redmond, Wash., in January announced the launch of a system called EmPower, which would provide just that service. BE Aerospace of Irvine, Calif., is working to get its product on board as well.

Olin said it is working with several airlines and computer manufacturers to develop standardized technology that could accommodate the hundreds of types of computers travelers have and the different power sources they require. The company expects to begin producing the technology in April.

Both United and Delta said they, too, are working to install such technology. "We're actively working toward developing standards with several partners in technology and airplane manufacturing, but there's no schedule yet," said Mo Salam, staff representative for on-board planning at United. Salam said there is one vendor (presumably Olin) that is approaching the airlines with ideas for standardizing. Even that company, he said, is confused about what to offer-it is promoting two different adapters. "It won't be an easy solution," Salam said.

Delta plans to test the technology "in the very near future, and we expect it to be an extremely popular feature," said spokeswoman Jackie Pate.

Susan Nellis, project manager for Olin Aerospace, said there are "a number of airlines" looking to install this system, with some planning to test it first and others looking to install it fleetwide.

Nellis said all major laptop manufacturers have pledged their support in developing a standard. She expects over 90 percent of travelers to be able to use the product, and for those who cannot, cigarette lighter adapters are available at computer stores.

Other airlines said they were not considering the service, citing the possibility of a terrorist using the power source to make a bomb. Air New Zealand said that while the service would be a major benefit, the airline is investigating the impact of electrical noise from the airplane's controls.

Nellis downplayed such concerns, noting that the product has undergone months of testing, and that FAA approval will be required first.