Advances in inflight entertainment provide airlines with momentum

Airlines have been working to improve inflight entertainment options for years, says Skift Research 2014 report This is an important factor in airline competition.

How do airlines want to enhance the choices they offer?What else can an industry expect expected to grow From almost $6 billion in 2022 to about $14.5 billion in 2033?

Here are some of the latest developments helping airlines increase inflight entertainment options for travelers.

Works with streaming services

In recent years, major airlines have sought to capitalize on the booming streaming industry. Expected to be worth $330 billion by 2030. also, 85% of U.S. households have at least one video streaming subscription.

JetBlue Airways has entered into streaming partnerships with: show time and amazon, announced last december Starting later this summer, Peacock will be its official streaming partner. Passengers with a Peacock account will be able to stream all of the platform’s content from their devices during the flight, said Miriya Stoyanova, JetBlue’s director of product development. Stoyanova added that passengers without a Peacock account can register on board flying network.

American Airlines goes a little further.company Provides access to an Apple Music subscription In-flight streaming is possible without purchasing Wi-Fi. Passengers without a subscription also get a two-month free trial, which can be accessed onboard.

But although Southwest Airlines Partnered with iHeart Radio since 2018United was open to partnering with more services, but chose to take a different approach.

“We don’t have partnerships in this space,” said Mark Muren, the company’s managing director of identity, product and loyalty. “But we think we’ve got something better than that. We think everyone on the plane has the opportunity to choose content on demand.”

A boost from aircraft improvements

Airlines’ efforts to improve inflight entertainment options have been helped significantly by improvements in aircraft design. Hawaiian Airlines is installing a new inflight entertainment system on its Boeing 787-9s, which will begin flying in the first quarter of 2024. The company’s 787 premium cabins will feature 18-inch in-flight entertainment screens, while the main cabin will offer a 12-inch in-flight entertainment system. inch seat back monitor.

Meanwhile, Manchester United unveiled plans Introducing the Astrove Inflight Entertainment System From 2025, its new Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787 will be equipped with Panasonic 4K OLED TVs. Why choose Astrove?

“I think it’s the biggest screen on the market. They come in all sizes,” Muren said, adding that he believes Astrove offers the best hardware. “I think it’s the highest definition ever flown – 4K OLED, better than anything I’ve seen in my living room.”

Showcasing more than just movies and music

While movies, music and TV shows may be the most popular forms of inflight entertainment, airlines such as Hawaiian Airlines also believe they can woo travelers by offering them educational content.hawaiians start running landing video In 2021, employee reminders about Aloha State travel will be provided on all inbound transpacific flights.

“As Hawaii’s hometown airline, we always showcase in-flight content that educates passengers about the people, culture and places of the island,” said Evan Nomura, director of inflight entertainment, connectivity and inflight product at Hawaiian Airlines.

“(And) as travel to Hawaii begins to rebound as COVID-19-related travel restrictions ease, we believe now is an opportune time to double down on how best to protect Hawaii’s increasingly fragile ecosystems, caring communities and priorities. Safety at the beach, hiking, etc.”

Likewise, American Airlines’ educational offerings are operated by: Language Learning Software Rosetta Stone and Online Learning Program Skillshare.

“We believe customers still have a strong appetite for traditional content, but entertainment goes beyond movies, TV and music,” said a U.S. representative.

Image credit: Airlines are always looking to increase inflight entertainment options for passengers