Eastern Airlines passengers will soon have inflight entertainment available across the carrier’s entire fleet thanks to AirFi. The wireless IFE system began deployment over the summer and will soon be fully fitted on all eight 767s Eastern operates.
We are very excited to put AirFi at the center of our drive to create inspiring passenger experiences and to generate new cross-platform revenue opportunities.
– Steve Harfst, President and CEO Eastern Airlines
Eastern chose the AirFi VENUS, the third generation streaming IFE solution to deliver media content and other ancillary sales offerings on board. The company also selected the Fully-Automated, Semi-Embedded (“FASE”) configuration for the kit. FASE uses aircraft power rather than batteries and offers a semi-permanent home for the hardware in an overhead bin. Updates are handled transparently and automatically without requiring the hardware to be removed from the aircraft.
The deal also launches the AirFi America partnership, formed between AirFi and Florida-based MEKCO group. Much like with the regional operation in Southeast Asia, having a local integrator to work with airlines while taking advantage of AirFi’s development and innovation efforts allows for better access to the market.
As we continue our focus on innovation, especially in these challenging times, I’m thrilled that the team at Eastern wants to squeeze every last feature out of the AirFi FASE system, to lower cost and complexity for crew and accelerate the digitisation of the airline to better serve its guests.
– Job Heimerikx, CEO AirFi
Eastern selected West Entertainment to handle content and advertising sales on its AirFi systems. This includes App-Free DRM streaming of premium Hollywood content to passenger devices and PCI-Certified onboard shopping, enabling new and increased passenger-generated revenue and simplified operations for crew. The implementation also features multiple languages to support Eastern’s international route network.
All images courtesy of AirFi America
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