A Flightglobal.com article reports how carriers are upgrading their IFE systems in an attempt to distinguish themselves from their competition and to boost ancillary revenues. Carriers are pushing to entertain and connect passengers by offering in-flight broadband and/or in-flight live direct broadcast video. Recent research from MultiMedia Intelligence suggests the market for in-flight broadband services is poised to grow to $936 million in passenger revenue in 2012, up from initial revenue of $6.6 million this year. Similarly, the market for in-flight live direct broadcast video is projected to grow from $87 million in 2007 to $913 million in 2012.
Tag Archive for 'connectivity'
Following in Singapore’s contrails, United has announced that it would become the first U.S. airline to offer in-flight iPod and iPhone connectivity. The carrier will offer the service as part of its in-flight entertainment system, letting users charge and connect their devices to the in-seat 15.4-inch widescreen LCD monitors.
Singapore Airlines announced the first-ever flights featuring iPod and iPhone connectivity as part of their KrisWorld IFE system. iPod/iPhone connectivity is achieved via a custom cable that includes the iPod/iPhone 30-pin connector on one end and a 9-pin connector that plugs into the KrisWorld IFE system. Each seat features a 15.4-inch widescreen LCD monitor which is perfect for watching television shows and movies, as well as active noise-cancellation headphones. iPod/iPhone connectivity is currently available on the newly reconfigured all-Business Class A340 flights between New York and Singapore. Service between Los Angeles and Singapore is slated to begin in August.
