(Yes, I know – an on-topic post. Be shocked.)
Jetstar (the low cost arm of Qantas) will be trialing a new Portable in-flight entertainment (IFE) system that is based on… the iPad, initaly on some domestic routes across Australia.
According to Jetstar’s CEO Bruce Buchanan, in his own words:
“Based on demand for the iPads as part of the trial, we’ll be looking to roll out the devices across our entire domestic and international network later in the year”
So of course a system like this will hold all the usual rubbish that an iPad can hold – eBooks, games, music videos, movies, and TV programmes
It’s being run with BlueBox (an IFE specialist – shame you need to register to see most of the site) and Stellar Inflight (who deal with the licensing part)
Jetstar are of course thrilled to bits to have the toy on their airline.
Well GhettoIFE saw it coming when it was announced, and I like what I’ve seen – with a possible 10 hour endurance (8 or so in the real world), it’ll be intresting how they 1) manage the content 2) protect the content and 3) protect the devices from walking off a plane.
My concern has always how you mount a device like that – and playing with the physical examples leaves me with the same question.
Again – it will be interesting how the trial goes and how it goes into production use.
Ghettoife.com will keep you posted!
More resources:
Runway Girl: http://www.flightglobal.com/runway-girl/2010/06/jetstar-to-launch-ipad-in-flig.html
Flight: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/06/01/342632/jetstar-to-trial-ipad-portable-ife-player.html
Cranky: http://crankyflier.com/2010/06/02/jetstar-plans-ipad-inflight-entertainment-plan-do-we-really-need-that/
