Kiwi tech company Phitek has secured a global aviation deal in the US$2.08 billion (NZ$3.03 billion) in-flight entertainment industry.
The company has gained certification by the European Airline Safety Aviation (EASA) - the first in the country to do so - enabling the local company to sell its audio connectorto major airlines.
Phitek CEO Roy Moody said EASA certification is a game-changer for the company which is well-known for its high quality noise-cancelling headphones.
"The independently verified Part 21G and AS9100 certification means Phitek is now in a unique position to offer airlines our magnetic connectors which helps solve a problem many airlines have with headphone jacks."
Phitek's audio connector aims to reduce the number of aircraft jack failures that cost airlines millions of dollars in maintenance each year.
"For example a passenger may leave their seat and become tangled in their headphone cable. When the cable gets snagged, the angle and force of the tug often breaks the pins from the plug, leaving them inside the jack," he said.
The aviation in-flight entertainment sector is rapidly changing to meet evolving customer expectations, Moody said. It is estimated to be worth US$5.27 billion (NZ$7.69 million) by 2020.
Phitek's magnetic audio connectors will enable passengers to use their own headphones while using the in-flight entertainment and replace the traditional two-pin economy class headphone connector.
The Auckland-based company will showcase its range of magnetic audio connectors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany in April.
