How ‘Airshow’ Became Shorthand for the In-Flight Moving Map

When someone needs a tissue, they might ask for a Kleenex. When they need to make a copy, they may say they need to make a Xerox. Of course, Kleenex and Xerox are brand names, but they have become so ubiquitous that people often use them as shorthand for the products themselves. There is even a word dedicated to this exact phenomenon: genericization. And, in business aviation, the same thing has happened with Airshow.

Originally developed by Airshow Inc., the moving map later became a part of the Collins Aerospace product portfolio. As the first in-flight moving map in aviation history, ‘Airshow’ soon became so synonymous with the product itself that its name was used as a generic term. The introduction of this technology gave passengers something that had once been difficult to access in the cabin: a real-time view of where they were, where they were going, and, most importantly, when they would arrive.

Where the Moving Map Remains Valuable

Today, passengers have more access to information than ever. Smartphones can show a location on a map almost instantly, while high-speed in-flight connectivity (IFC) has put internet into the cabin. But neither of these factors necessarily answer one of the most crucial questions for someone traveling by business aircraft: When are we actually going to get there?

Unlike a consumer map that estimates a route based on general location data, an aviation moving map can connect to information from the flight deck. The route being flown, aircraft position, altitude, ground speed, and estimated arrival time can all be presented within the cabin. Passengers are not simply watching an airplane icon move across a map; they are seeing information connected to the actual flight. This technology has only continued to evolve with time.

Why Moving Maps are Essential for Cabin Modernization

Many of the moving map systems installed 10, 15, or even 20 years ago are now, understandably, facing parts obsolescence. The same is also true for the cabin displays they were designed to work with. This means modernization is more complicated than simply replacing one component at a time. A new high-definition display may become incompatible with older moving map systems, which often means the two will need to be considered together. As aircraft owners invest in modern connectivity and cabin technology, the moving map has increasingly become an integral part of the overall modernization process.

More Options, More to Evaluate

While ‘Airshow’ has become the industry shorthand for moving maps, today, operators have several options when it comes to moving maps. Collins Aerospace Airshow HD remains the flagship evolution of the original Airshow product. Modern alternatives and integrated solutions are also available with companies like Gogo, Send Solutions, and CMS (Cabin Management Solutions), many incorporating newer mapping technology and more immersive visual presentations.

Companies such as FlightPath3D have played a critical role in this evolution, with their moving map technology being integrated into other cabin and connectivity solutions. Gogo, for example, has partnered with FlightPath3D to provide the 3D moving map within its Gogo Vision platform, while CMS has teamed up with the company to incorporate its technology into the Explore product line. These partnerships bring FlightPath3D’s modern mapping technology into broader cabin and connectivity systems, giving passengers a more immersive way to follow their journey.

Why ETA Remains Important

The differences between systems is not just about graphics. The true value of a moving map comes from its ability to connect modern visual technology with information specific to the aircraft itself. That information can also help to provide passengers with a more realistic ETA. As many travelers know, a flight is not always as simple as flying directly from point A to point B. Air traffic control routing, descents, maneuvering, weather, and congestion can all influence the actual arrival time. Many modern moving maps can track the aircraft’s flight plan and provide passengers with a more realistic ETA.

While many moving maps can calculate and display an ETA based on an aircraft’s position or flight plan, Airshow is known for its ability to go a step further. Its Flight Deck Controller allows the flight crew to override the automatically generated ETA and adjust the time-to-destination based on conditions they know may affect the aircraft’s arrival. For example, if the crew expects a significant delay due to weather, traffic, or an expected holding pattern, they can manually update the ETA so passengers have a more accurate understanding of when they will arrive. That may sound like a small detail, but for the passenger waiting to land, it makes all the difference.

Meeting Passenger Needs

While the product once known simply as ‘Airshow’ may have evolved considerably, and the technology is no longer limited to a single name, its influence on the moving map category remains. It is a lasting example of genericization: a product name that became so synonymous with the experience that it helped to define the category itself. The technology may look very different from when it was first introduced, but the value it provides passengers remains consistent. Passengers still want to know where they are and exactly when they are going to arrive.