Finnair to introduce tablet IFE systems on their A321-Sharklet aircraft

Finnair is planning to make a switch from traditional In Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems towards tablets according to http://yle.fi/uutiset/finnair_to_save_on_fuel_with_tablets/6871490?origin=rss.

The main reason seems to be the weight of traditional IFE systems (be they old generation systems or the new generation ones) is having an impact where it hurts – fuel costs.

Whilst passenger and cargo weights are variables, there is fact that airlines are carrying around screens and equipment to show you shows – and that’s dead weight not earning revenue, which needs fuel to be lifted to point to point…. costing a bucketload of money.

Since the Apple iPad was introduced, airlines have been slowly coming round offering tablet based devices on their aircraft – be it as a “rent on board option” (Scoot/Jetstar), an alternative option (American Airlines aboard their long haul 767 routes), or the sole IFE device (British Airways aboard their A318s).

Tablets have been also slowly eating away at the custom handheld IFE solutions too – the cost of getting them is cheaper than a custom IFE device, and with the configuration tools, deployment of the devices is much easier.

Finnair will be offering the Tablet-IFE devices on is new Airbus A321s (fitted with Sharklets) on routes to the Canary Islands, with devices available to rent.

No word on which brand of Tablet Finnair will be using yet. Currently, the Apple iPad seems to be a customer favorite (with deployments far and wide), whilst American Airlines use Samsung Galaxy tablets. Previous Finnair trials have involved HP ElitePads.

Still for those who need to be entertained in the air, its a good option. I just wish more airlines install USB ports at every seat… and more power sockets whilst they’re at it….

Thanks to @Qualityhunters for the lead.

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