Airlines are now starting to look seriously at using their onboard WiFi setups to also stream on demand video in a variety of situations.  The general idea is that the WiFi equipment onboard is vastly underutilized for internet access and by adding onboard storage, one could stream video throughout the airplane easily enough.  It will also offer more revenue streams and that isn’t a bad thing.

This newer approach also innovates inflight entertainment.  Virgin America, for instance, is going to adopt a new IFE system that will, once again, raise the bar for their already superior IFE but also reduce the infrastructure and weight necessary to serve such a system.  Simply put, it reduces how much wire has to be installed and that reduces weight and maintenance.

I like this approach because it allows people to use personal devices whether they be laptops, tablets or smartphones which are all devices those same people are familiar with.  In addition, it reduces weight and offers the opportunity to present IFE with a small footprint.   Small enough that even Southwest Airlines is going to do this.

It does reveal an evergrowing need on aircraft today and that is power connections.  Some airlines have them, some don’t.  Some airlines present it at a limited number of seats and some offer it at every seat.  I would argue that on flights greater than 2 hours, you need it at every seat and possibly in two forms.  You need a standard 110v AC plug capability and (optionally) a USB power connection.  That will add weight. 

However, the additional revenue streams that airlines could enjoy from this infrastructure probably offsets the additional associated costs with weight.  Furthermore, it allows airlines to stay competitive with each other when it comes to offering wireless internet connections and IFE. 

I like the approach and I like the opportunities it gives airlines.  One would expect that a multitude of airlines will adopt this fairly quickly.  Hear me Delta?

Filed under: Airline Service by ajax