The next generation of IFE is coming, and it will feature at-home entertainment concepts, including pairing and casting from personal devices, as well as streaming content from online providers. And, quite likely, a new generation of suppliers will also participate in the developments.
in-flight entertainment
Bringing the moving map online: Panasonic’s Arc gets a data feed
Panasonic Avionics’ Arc 3D inflight moving map is getting a live data update. The company announced the release of Arc v2 at APEX EXPO in Long Beach last week, adding multiple features which deliver immediate value and also demonstrate the ability of the platform to scale and grow.
AirFi LEO aims to alter the inflight retail landscape
It won’t support HD video streaming on board, but the AirFi LEO solution offers an expanded on-board shopping experience, real-time credit card payment authorizations, updated weather reports for pilots, and maybe even basic connectivity for travelers.
First photos of Lufthansa’s new First Class Suites
Lufthansa has released photos of its new “Allegris” line of cabin seating, including the first images of the first class suites planned for its future fleet. The carrier will offer at least eight different types of seating on board its long-haul fleet going forward.
Hans Airways picks its wireless IFE Moment
Hans Airways will offer streaming entertainment to passengers when it launches service between the UK and India. The carrier announced a deal with Moment to deliver the Flymingo wireless streaming solution on the carrier’s A330-200 aircraft.
Jetstar selects Bluebox Blueview for IFE upgrade
Can an airline deliver a modern and consistent inflight entertainment offering across its fleet without an expensive retrofit program? Jetstar Group plans to find out in partnership with Bluebox Aviation Systems.
Air Canada adds a route network to the moving map
The inflight moving map is, by all accounts, the most popular entertainment content inflight. Air Canada, in partnership with FlightPath3d, now plans to use that same interface to inspire wanderlust, and perhaps a few extra ticket sales. The carrier is the launch customer for WhereWeFly, an interactive feature allowing passengers to explore routes and view flights while on board.
Emirates picks AVANT Up for next generation IFE on A350 fleet
Emirates’ next generation of planes will show off the next generation of the airline’s ice inflight entertainment solution, delivered on the Thales AVANT Up platform. The update entertainment solution is part of a $350 million investment by the airline in the passenger experience on the upcoming fleet.
Qatar Airways picks Inmarsat GX for Super Wi-Fi service on 787s, MAX 10s
Qatar Airways is not shy about shifting providers to make sure the services offered meet its standards. That the carrier shifted suppliers on for inflight WiFi on the 787-9 fleet to Inmarsat’s GX Aviation hardware on board is perhaps even more notable.
Conetic Group builds lounge and IFEC synergies
Coordinating technology, content, branding, and advertising across airports, lounges, and aircraft is a daunting task for airlines. Often the partners they work with specialize in just one of those areas, meaning extra overhead to bring it all together. The newly established Conetic Group hopes to ease that pain, coalescing a trio of market leaders to cross over those boundaries.