Behind The Screens: How In-Flight Entertainment Systems Truly Work With Arjun Agaram Mangad

For most travelers, in-flight entertainment is simply part of the experience, an easy way to pass time at 35,000 feet. Whether it's a movie marathon, a soothing music playlist, or a touchscreen game, these systems are often taken for granted. But beneath the surface of every flickering screen or unresponsive menu lies a highly complex network of embedded systems. And for embedded systems engineer Arjun Agaram Mangad, those background processes are not just a technical curiosity, they're a professional mission.

In an influential paper, “Testing In-Flight Entertainment Software: A Structured Framework for Embedded Systems Reliability,” he tackles a challenge that airlines and aviation tech providers have long overlooked: making in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems not just faster or more feature-rich, but fundamentally more reliable. Drawing on years of practical insight and rigorous research, he proposes a structured testing framework designed to catch issues early, well before they can disrupt the passenger experience.

“Passengers shouldn’t be the ones finding bugs,” Arjun highlight. “Testing needs to be built in from the start and continue long after the software ships. That’s how we make these systems work the way they’re supposed to.”

His framework divides validation into key areas like core feature functionality, load testing under extreme conditions, resilience to unusual inputs and faults, and preparedness against cyber-security threats. These pillars aren’t just theoretical; they’re rooted in real incidents from the field. From system-wide IFE reboots mid-flight to recurring integration errors between hardware and software modules, Arjun’s work highlights the risks of treating these systems as an afterthought.

What sets this approach apart is its scope and depth. Rather than focusing solely on pre-launch tests, he advocates for lifecycle-based testing strategies that extend across software updates, platform upgrades, and long-haul deployments across different aircraft models. His insights are shaped by firsthand exposure to embedded aviation platforms, where system reliability is mission-critical.

“We have to stop treating IFE as an isolated unit,” he explains. “These systems are deeply integrated into the aircraft’s digital environment. When they crash or freeze, it’s not just a nuisance, it reflects on the airline’s brand and the passenger’s sense of comfort and trust.”

The end goal of his testing methodology is confidence that the system will hold up under unpredictable real-world conditions, confidence that issues won’t escalate mid-air, and confidence that airlines can deploy new features without compromising stability. His paper outlines test strategies that simulate heavy loads, edge-case scenarios, and prolonged use cycles to uncover hidden failure points. He also underscores the growing importance of threat modeling in the IFE domain, as these once-simple entertainment tools become increasingly connected.

Looking to the future, he envisions IFE systems that are smarter, more personalized, and seamlessly integrated with cloud platforms for real-time updates and remote diagnostics. But he’s quick to note that the foundation must come first.

“In the end, the best systems are invisible,” he says. “They don’t crash, they don’t lag, and they just work. And that only happens when we take testing seriously.”

His contributions are part of a larger movement within aerospace engineering to bring software reliability in line with rising passenger expectations and increasing technical complexity. With air travel becoming digital by the day, the quality of embedded systems, especially those passengers interact with directly, has never mattered more.

Arjun Mangad’s work serves as a timely reminder: in a world chasing innovation, it’s the behind-the-scenes rigor; the hours spent testing, simulating, and refining, that ultimately delivers a smooth and satisfying flight.

About Arjun Agaram Mangad

Arjun Agaram Mangad has experience in embedded systems engineering with a focus on aviation technology, with a focus on enhancing the reliability of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. Arjun Agaram Mangad has written a paper on structured testing frameworks, highlighting lifecycle-based validation that ensures system stability under real-world conditions. His approach tackles functionality, performance, cybersecurity, and resilience, moving beyond pre-launch checks to continuous improvement. With experience in embedded aviation platforms, he supports for the development of IFE solutions that elevate passenger trust and brand perception. Arjun’s work highlights the key role of behind-the-scenes testing in delivering a dependable digital experience at 35,000 feet.