Asian skies become a digital entertainment and communications battleground

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.

See other recent news from: Centre for Asia Pacific