Boeing and Samsung Electronics has announced that they will explore working together to research and develop technologies that improve in-flight entertainment and communications, as well as enhance factory productivity.

A signed memorandum of understanding between the world's largest aerospace company and the global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies will help broaden and deepen the Korean industrial ties to Boeing aircraft production.

Boeing and Samsung Electronics will initially start the development of advanced display and wireless networking technologies that offer more capabilities for passenger entertainment and ground-to-air communications, but are lighter and require less power.

Additionally, the companies will explore opportunities to collaborate on projects involving productivity and enterprise mobility using Samsung's current and future devices and solutions in hand-held mobile devices and other IT products.

"Onboard communications and networking are key elements to the passenger in-flight experience, and connecting the airplane with ground crews during flight is vital to airline operational efficiency," said Larry Schneider, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Product Development.

"The collaboration between Boeing and Samsung Electronics will explore the use of innovative technologies to advance the science in these areas."

Samsung Electronics said the new research-and-development relationship with Boeing demonstrates its continued commitment to cement its leadership in enterprise information technology through superior products, software solutions and services, and building relationships with valued partners.

"The aviation industry is one of the most complex and sophisticated landscapes in business, with millions of passengers and employees passing safely through aviation systems every day," said Bumcoo Cho, Samsung Electronics senior vice president of the Enterprise Business Team.

"I am delighted that Samsung will work with Boeing to satisfy the fast growing demand of airline customers around the world. We will bring our expertise in multimedia and information technology to the forefront of aviation for a richer and more fulfilling connected experience while traveling."

Boeing Research and Technology, the company's advanced, central research and technology organization, will oversee the collaborative relationship for Boeing. The organization is focused on developing future aerospace solutions and improving the cycle time, cost, quality and performance of current aerospace systems.