Increased Launch Of Novel In-Flight Entertainment And Connectivity Offers New Hope For Airlines

As the airlines have slowly begun flying again, the investors in in-flight entertainment see a ray of hope. The market players aim to reimage the in-flight entertainment as it can support novel applications and gain the trust of passengers. Over the last couple of years, in-flight entertainment has evolved and included in-flight connectivity including services such as internet browsing, cell phone uses, and text messaging.

According to Allied Market Research, the global in-flight entertainment and connectivity market is expected to reach $6.24 billion by 2023, registering a CAGR of 11.2% from 2017 to 2023. The advancements in connectivity technology and supportive policies to use personal electronic devices drive the market. With the increase in personal laptops and other electronic devices, airlines have anticipated passenger-supplied digital hardware and offered in-flight entertainment and connectivity technology to stream content to passenger devices.

Updating in-flight entertainment systems can present various advantages including eliminating displays and onboard servers to reduce aircraft weight and improve fuel efficiency. Moreover, some airlines have started to replace seat-integrated displays with fast in-flight broadband to reduce maintenance costs. For instance, Air Tanzania has equipped its jets with Panasonic’s eX1 solution, which is designed for narrowbody aircraft. With this investment, the airlines have every seat integrated with full HD seatback monitors, along with tough displays and handsets and personalized interface. The next-generation connectivity offered by Panasonic allows fast-speed internet, enabling customers seamless video streaming. This in-flight connectivity is powered by new satellite modem that offers up to 20 times bandwidth than its predecessor.  

Launch of new in-flight entertainment platforms

Recently, Burrana launched a new in-flight entertainment platform, RISE to deliver a novel approach to single-aisle market, which is lighter, faster, and affordable than the conventional alternatives. RISE is a platform that integrates entertainment functions with cabin lighting, in-seat power, and it offers immense marketing opportunities.

The foundation of RISE is the 48VDC power backbone and every onboard environment builds from it. A centralized headend unit can control wireless access points and 13.3” 4K overhead screens for streaming the in-flight entertainment and seat-back screens. Moreover, it is integrated with crew controls.

Apart from RISE, Viasat, an American communication company, launched its Ka-band in-flight connectivity business aviation services in two business jets. The Ka-band services are expected to enable Viasat to improve their productivity and promote enhanced customer experience using various in-flight entertainment services.

The Ka-band solution is said to offer business jet customers to use high-speed internet connectivity throughout the journey. Moreover, it will empower market players to reinforce their investments and stay connected to streaming services and streamlined internet browsing. With use of Ka-band, customers would be equipped with unprecedented speed and quality and would help meet the demand of next-generation business applications.

During the pandemic, the airlines have suffered a tremendous loss. However, the previous and new investments in in-flight entertainment would offer new opportunities for airlines to win back customers and maintain foothold in the market.

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