Gallery: New IFE Services Give Passengers More Power

Air Serbia selected Bluebox Aviation Systems for a trial of Bluebox’s Blueview digital passenger services platform. Hosted on the Bluebox Wow portable wireless system in its battery-operated format and deployed on Airbus and ATR aircraft, Blueview will enable passengers to stream entertainment content to their own devices.
 

Ethiopian Airlines selected Thales’ Avant Up IFE solution for its upcoming four Airbus A350-1000s, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2024. Pictured at the signing ceremony at the Dubai Airshow 2023: From left:  Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew; Ethiopian Airlines COO Retta Melaku; Thales InFlyt Experience senior account manager Mathieu Franco; Thales InFlyt Experience regional VP Bruno Guinamand.
 

Thailand-based LCC Nok Air will equip its 14 Boeing 737-800s with Moment’s IFE Flymingo Box. This solution gives Nok Air passengers access to a platform filled with engaging entertainment options including VOD, TV shows, games and in-seat ordering services. The solution is complemented by a crew app, enabling Nok Air’s crew to monitor the IFE system, as well as the box’s battery level. With a few clicks, the crew can also activate/deactivate streaming during announcements and manage the shop.
 

Emirates Airline will equip its Boeing 777X aircraft with Thales’ AVANT Up IFE system. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2025.

AVANT Up features Optiq QLED smart displays that include Cinematic 4K HDR, Thales’ Pulse power management giving passengers high-speed charging at each seat for any devices and personalization features with curated recommendations and an enhanced ability to sync passengers’ personal electronic devices with the IFE screen.
 

Cyprus Airways will deploy airline technology provider AirFi’s portable wireless streaming solutions onboard its all-Airbus fleet of two A320 and two A220 aircraft. It will also seek to outfit new aircraft that are added to the fleet with AirFi’s products in the near-term.  

Each aircraft will be equipped with two AirFi boxes, enabling passengers to access digital entertainment on their personal electronic devices including movies, TV games, music, a moving map, and destination-based video content. AirFi’s streaming inflight entertainment solution is set to go live with Cyprus Airways in time for the holiday season.
 

Viasat and Deutsche Telekom have a new, long-term agreement that cements the companies’ commitment to providing inflight connectivity (IFC) solutions to airline partners across the European Aviation Network (EAN).

 EAN launched in 2019, powered by Deutsche Telekom and Inmarsat, a business recently acquired by Viasat.
EAN combines S-band satellite coverage with a complementary ground component network operated by Deutsche Telekom. 

EAN is a unique example of European technological and regulatory leadership, which allows travelers in Europe to benefit from an advanced IFC experience for most intra-European flights, including broadband services that support high bandwidth demanding applications such as streaming. Deutsche Telekom operates more than 300 EAN sites in 30 countries across Europe, providing substantial infrastructure across the continent.

Delta Air Lines selected Hughes Network Systems’ inflight connectivity (IFC) solution to power passenger Wi-Fi service on more than 400 Boeing 717 and regional jets serving North America.

Designed for commercial aircraft, the weight-optimized, high-performance aeronautical solution combines the advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning powered Hughes In-Flight management system with a multi-orbit antenna and Hughes JUPITER Ka-band satellite capacity to deliver reliable in-flight connectivity (IFC) even over busy airport hubs. This solution enables a consistent passenger IFC experience at scale across the entire itinerary.
 

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, has begun offering complimentary Wi-Fi internet connectivity onboard its international flights (operated on Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321neo aircraft) for all members of its loyalty program, Club Vistara. This complimentary Wi-Fi service is available to all Club Vistara members, regardless of their membership tier, accumulated points, tenure of membership etc. This makes Vistara the first Indian airline to offer free unlimited Wi-Fi to its customers onboard. Enrollment in Club Vistara does not require any charges or fees.

This offering includes unlimited data ideal for messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, iMessage and similar services) for all Club Vistara members. Furthermore, Platinum members and Business Class customers get an additional 50MB of data, which can be used for web browsing, engaging on social media, and staying connected through messaging and email services. To enjoy both benefits, Platinum members must activate the 50MB surf package before enabling the unlimited messaging service.<\/p>

Air Canada is continuing to invest in customer comfort across its fleet of Airbus A321s and A320s, which will feature a new cabin interior, new technologies and services such as Bluetooth audio, and free high-speed internet sponsored by Bell.

Cabin improvements include larger overhead bins provided by Airbus Airspace XL, upgraded seating, Bluetooth audio, new exterior cameras that give a birds-eye view and real-time video of the aircraft exterior, full color LED mood lighting, upgraded satellite-based connectivity and USB-A and USB-C power options at all seats.

Air Canada's remaining 14 A321s and its eight A320s will be retrofitted starting this fall through to the end of 2025.  With these upgrades, customers will benefit from an elevated narrowbody cabin experience, in line with the cabins of the Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that comprise the majority of Air Canada's narrowbody fleet.

Toronto-based Porter Airlines has a partnership with Viasat for inflight connectivity and wireless IFE systems to be factory-installed on an additional 20 new Embraer E195-E2s, the first of which is scheduled to begin service in 2024.

Powered by Viasat's Ka-band satellite technology and efficient use of bandwidth, connected Porter passengers aboard its E195-E2 aircraft are able to stream video or music, browse websites, use email or apps—all on their own personal electronic devices. The inflight Wi-Fi also enables access to a wide array of free streaming entertainment, including movies and popular TV series. Additionally, Porter Airlines' inflight Wi-Fi service is available gate-to-gate.
 

Vietnam Airlines signed a two-year deal with AirFi, wherein the airline technology provider will equip 37 of the carrier’s Airbus A321 aircraft with wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) and enable in-seat ordering for passengers. The rollout has commenced and is scheduled for completion by mid-October when the solution is expected to go live. Once operational, the logistics surrounding the new technology will be managed by Vietnam Airlines at three airport bases: Hanoi (HAN), Saigon (SGN) and Da Nang Int’l (DAD). 
 

Netherlands-based LCC Transavia is expanding its AirFi onboard Boeing 737 services with a trial to include at-seat food & drink ordering and more streaming services.

Air Canada expanded its agreement with Intelsat to provide inflight connectivity (IFC) systems for nearly 100 additional aircraft across the airline’s fleet, including Intelsat’s new multi-orbit electronically steered array (ESA) antenna for aircraft in the airline’s regional jet fleet. 

Intelsat already operates inflight internet on 240 aircraft with the airline, including its Rouge and Air Canada Express subsidiaries. 

The contract includes IFC installations on three types of Air Canada aircraft. Starting this year, the airline’s fleet of 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will be equipped with Intelsat’s 2Ku IFC systems. The 2Ku system includes a low-profile, fuselage-mounted antenna.
 

Global communications company Viasat has been selected as the inflight connectivity provider for Korean Air. Under the agreement, the Korean flag carrier will have Viasat’s inflight broadband solution installed on its upcoming fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft. Korean Air will receive a total of 30 A321neos by 2027 as part of a fleet modernization plan, all of which will be delivered linefit with Viasat’s connectivity solution. These will be operated on short- and mid-haul flights between the airline’s main hub in Seoul and destinations across the Asia region. 
 

Malaysia Airlines selected Viasat to supply wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) for its incoming Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet. The aircraft will also be equipped with Viasat’s Ka-band inflight connectivity (IFC) solution. The agreement encompasses factory installation of Viasat's equipment on its aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered to Malaysia Airlines later in August.
 

Connectivity provider Anuvu renewed its long-term contracts with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways and Saudia Arabian flag carrier Saudia for full IFE and content services. Both airlines are increasing their content offering, including welcoming both Max and Disney content onboard. Anuvu will also supply select entertainment from all the major studios, including NBCU, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate, and A24, as well as optional independent studio offerings and partnership content such as Formula 1.
 

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is providing all its long-haul flights with a new free internet service enabling the use of chat apps. The new facility will allow passengers in all classes of travel to send and receive free text and picture messages via their smartphone, laptop or tablet throughout their flight. The facility will offer access to chat and messenger services such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Telegram.

SWISS travelers will also be able to use the internet aloft to surf, send and receive emails or visit social media platforms by opting for one of two supplementary internet packages: ‘Wi-Fi 4 Hours’, which offers four hours of access for CHF 25, or the CHF 35 Wi-Fi Premium, which provides such access throughout the flight. Passengers in first class and HON Circle Members will have unlimited internet access throughout their flight.
 

AirJapan, the new airline brand under ANA Holdings, will deploy Bluebox’s Blueview onboard retail and inflight entertainment (IFE) modules on the airline’s widebody fleet, from February 2024 and expand its network over time, serving medium-haul markets in Asia.

The Blueview onboard retail solution will allow passengers to use their own devices to order items from AirJapan’s food & beverage menu and retail catalogue. Hosted on the Bluebox Wow portable wireless system, Blueview will also deliver an engaging IFE experience with passengers able to stream content to their own devices. The IFE content will be tailored to the markets served by AirJapan. 
 

Bluebox Aviation Systems has been selected by Icelandic LCC PLAY Airlines to trial a passenger-facing onboard retail solution on PLAY’s Airbus aircraft. PLAY—which flies from Iceland to destinations in Europe and North America—will deploy Bluebox’s Blueview onboard retail service via a Bluebox Wow portable streaming system in its battery-operated format for the trial. The Blueview solution will provide the airline with a platform to add new channels of revenue generation in support of its low-cost carrier strategy and at the same time enhance passengers’ inflight experience.
 

Bluebox Aviation Systems and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada announced a collaboration agreement at the Paris Air Show for offering Bluebox's Blueview digital services platform as a new solution on Dash 8-400 aircraft.

This collaboration offers operators of Dash 8-400 aircraft the ability to deliver Bluebox’s powerful digital passenger experience to passengers. Blueview, deployed on the Bluebox Wow wireless streaming system, can be offered as a new discrete service on the turboprops or as a way of extending a digital passenger experience available on other aircraft in an airline’s fleet to passengers on Dash 8-400 aircraft, ensuring a consistent fleet-wide passenger experience. The feature-rich Blueview platform allows Dash 8-400 operators to earn ancillary revenue whilst they engage and entertain their passengers with digital services such as onboard retail and in-flight entertainment, delivered wirelessly to passengers’ own devices.
 

By July 2023, 100% of American's Wi-Fi-equipped regional and narrowbody aircrafts will plan to offer T-Mobile In-Flight Connection On Us. With this new enhancement, eligible T-Mobile customers can enjoy complimentary connectivity with streaming during their domestic flights. 
 

United Airlines is the first US airline to support Live Activities for iPhone, giving customers real-time access to their boarding pass, gate and seat number, and countdown clock to departure time on their Lock Screen or while unlocked in the Dynamic Island, all without opening the United app.
 

Travel technology company AirFi and UK LCC easyJet completed the rollout of easyJet onboard on all 327 easyJet Airbus A319, A320, A320neo and A321neo aircraft. Access to the content is free, and there is no requirement for passengers to download an app before the flight or share personal information to get connected.  
 

Norwegian Air Shuttle and IFC provider ANUVU renewed their partnership for inflight connectivity on current aircraft and additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft the airline is acquiring. Norwegian will become the first Anuvu Dedicated Space connectivity customer outside of North America with the upgraded system across the entire fleet.

Installations of the new hardware will begin on the 737 NG aircraft later this year, followed by Norwegian’s MAX orders arriving through 2030.
 

Etihad Airways has launched new Wi-Fly ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages that enable passengers to chat with family and friends, and browse the web while flying on Etihad’s widebody fleet. 

‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight is available by signing in with Etihad Guest membership or enrolling online before the flight. The free chat feature includes access to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and WeChat. ‘Surf’ Wi-Fly plans are available for a flat fee with unlimited data for the duration of the flight.
 

Airline technology provider AirFi will provide IFE to Fiji Airways, Surinam Airways and Latvia-based SmartLynx Airlines’ Airbus A340 fleet. Surinam Airways’ fleet, comprising one Airbus A340 and one Boeing 737, will feature AirFi LEO, a minimally invasive, lightweight connectivity solution. AirFi LEO leverages the Iridium Certus satellite network, connected via a special window-mounted antenna, to support air-to-ground messaging capabilities for operational and passenger experience enhancement.  
 

Pegasus Airlines is strengthening its wireless IFE partnership with Immfly Group to offer its Equilux Aero LUC-1 hardware, which is scalable and connectivity-ready. Immfly Group, which has completed the hardware installation on 33 aircraft, plans to install four additional aircraft every month.
 

Delta Air Lines has selected Viasat IFC services for its widebody fleets, including all active aircraft in its Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Boeing 767 fleets, totaling more than 1,000 aircraft. In addition to previously announced mainline fleets, the Airbus A220 and upcoming deliveries on the Boeing 737 MAX will be outfitted and serviced by Viasat.
 

Bhutan Airlines, which operates daily scheduled flights to six international destinations from its base at Paro Airport in Bhutan, has selected AirFi to provide wireless inflight entertainment for passengers flying onboard its Airbus A319-100 aircraft. Passengers on all Bhutan Airlines flights can now watch Hollywood and regional film, television series, documentary content a moving flight map and a selection of music and magazines using their own Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices. 
 

Air Malta selected Bluebox Aviation Systems to deploy a Blueview digital passenger IFE experience on the Malta flag carrier’s new Airbus A320 neo aircraft that includes entertainment, moving map, games, etc. It will be deployed on a linefit Airbus Airspace Link installation. This new aircraft is expected to be delivered to Air Malta in March, and the Blueview digital passenger experience will be live for passengers when the aircraft enters service.
 

Delta Air Lines and Touch Inflight Solutions started a new partnership early this year to solve content bottlenecks for the Atlanta-based carrier, allowing the delivery of next-generation content experiences to passengers across 145,000+ seatback screens.

Touch will provide a full scope of services—including automated media management, content licensing & analytics, media processing & delivery, and ongoing enablement of innovation—and leverage their suite of digital media tools to help Delta and their in-house teams deliver the next generation of inflight entertainment (IFE) to its passengers with greater efficiency than ever before. 
 

Alaska Airlines will offer streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi on its regional jet Embraer 175 fleet, provided by Intelsat. The new, faster service will utilize an electronically steered array (ESA), which is a small, lighter weight antenna with no moving parts. In an industry first, Intelsat's new system will communicate with both traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites and new low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. With an additional $25 million investment, Alaska Airlines said this upgrade represents a “major step forward in the travel experience for our guests, enabling higher speeds and more coverage in the air, particularly across areas in the state of Alaska.”

The new system will debut on Horizon Air in early 2024 and roll out across Alaska’s regional jet fleet, including partner SkyWest, over a two-year period. With nearly all Alaska’s mainline fleet set to feature satellite Wi-Fi by this April—also installed by Intelsat—Alaska is on track to provide consistent streaming-fast Wi-Fi across its entire fleet by 2026.
 

West Entertainment (West) announced today that it has been selected by Canadian regional Porter Airlines (Porter) as its inflight entertainment (IFE) Content Service Provider. 

The partnership will cover the provision of IFE on Porter’s Embraer 195-E2 fleet equipped with Viasat’s Wireless Streaming system, starting Feb.1, 2023. As a result, Porter said its guests will now enjoy not only connectivity, but access to the latest Hollywood and Canadian content. 
 

Latvian airline airBaltic will equip its entire Airbus A220-300 fleet with SpaceX’s Starlink internet connectivity system. Every passenger will benefit from complimentary, in-flight high-speed internet access during all airBaltic flights without hassles or login pages. 

Developed by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in over 40 countries and counting around the world and began serving commercial aircraft last year with in-flight high-speed internet. With satellites positioned in low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 km, over 65 times closer than conventional geostationary satellites, Starlink achieves significantly lower latency and higher transmission speeds for its end users. Starlink can deliver up to 350 Mbps to aircraft, and with latency as low as 20 ms, passengers can engage in activities previously not functional in flight, including online gaming, virtual private networks, and other high data rate activities.
 

Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways has selected Images In Motion its contract for providing IFE content services. Images In Motion will be providing a broad range of content across Bamboo Airways’ fleet. The content catalog features the latest Hollywood releases, Classic movies, Asian movies, and hours of TV programs, as well as an extensive array of local Vietnamese and Western music.
 

Emirates has chosen Inmarsat’s GX Aviation as its inflight broadband system for the airline’s incoming fleet of Airbus A350s. The airline said Jan 12 that the system would provide passengers with greater connectivity and coverage, even over Arctic regions.

The Dubai-based carrier has ordered 50 A350-900s for delivery from 2024. The A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to use Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, which powers what the satellite services company describes as the world’s first globally available broadband network.  
 

Delta will offer fast, free Wi-Fi in partnership with T-Mobile to all customers on board most domestic mainline flights beginning Feb. 1—the first major US airline to offer free Wi-Fi as a core element of its customer experience. The Atlanta-based airline will offer the service on more than 700 Viasat-equipped aircraft by the end of 2023. Delta also announced plans to bring free Wi-Fi on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024.
 

China’s Sichuan Airlines has partnered with AeroSat Link Technology Co. and Viasat for inflight connectivity (IFC) technology and equipment on its Airbus A320 family of aircraft. When in service, the Viasat terminal installed on the aircraft will connect to China Satcom’s Ka-band satellite network and AeroSat Link’s digital IFC service to provide IFC service to passengers and crew.