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Virgin Blue has announced it is joining forces with subscription television providers, FOXTEL and AUSTAR and “LiveTV”, to
introduce live satellite TV in-flight entertainment. Virgin Blue’s “Live2Air” service will cost AUD5 for unlimited use during the
entire flight.
Air New Zealand has also announced plans to introduce rental DVD players on Auckland-Melbourne services, as part of a trial to
be extended to all short-haul international services if successful.
Meanwhile, All Nippon Airways this week took delivery of its first B777-300ER, equipped with Connexion by Boeing broadband
services. Japan Airlines will introduce JAL SkyOnline – a Connexion by Boeing service in early December.
According to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation’s Managing Director, Peter Harbison, pay-for-use inflight services is a concept
pioneered by low cost carriers. “But it is finding greater appeal among full service rivals, particularly on short haul services, to
enhance customer service – and revenues”, said Mr Harbison.
China Southern, Air India, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines and several other carriers across the region have all recently
announced extensive inflight cabin upgrades. “The user-pays digital revolution will certainly continue to gain altitude”,
concluded Mr Harbison.
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