03 Aug 2006
British Airways (BA) has started a two-year project to install audio and video on-demand systems in its entire fleet of aircraft.
The company is lagging behind competitors such as Virgin Atlantic and Singapore Airlines, which installed in-flight technology up to five years ago.
BA has fitted the technology on its first plane – the Heathrow to Detroit service – and will offer films, TV shows, music and interactive games. Using on-screen menus, passengers can select entertainment when they choose at the touch of a button.
Aviation communications firm Rockwell Collins is upgrading the Total Entertainment System, replacing the tape players with media servers. The digital system is built on an interactive platform said to be reliable and flexible.
Plug-and-play IT enables quick and easy upgrades without changing or replacing wires, distribution or seat electronics.
Forrester Research analyst Henry Harteveldt says BA could do more to entice travellers.
‘It puts BA on par with other carriers, but it is not offering internet access, which would interest passengers on long-haul flights,’ he said,
Harteveldt says the expense of installing in-flight entertainment could explain BA’s delay.
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