Vueling – the low-cost IAG subsidiary based out of Barcelona El-Prat airport – has launched a free onboard entertainment platform with Viasat.
The platform is already available on more than half of the airline’s fleet and operates through a direct connection to the aircraft’s onboard server, meaning it does not require Wi-Fi or external connectivity. Notably, it adds entertainment options for passengers, as Vueling does not have screens installed in the seat-back on its aircraft.
Through the portal, passengers can enjoy a selection of entertainment that will be updated seasonally. The current catalogue includes 18 movies for all audiences and 23 episodes across 12 television series.
In addition, the portal offers a 3D interactive map that allows customers to track their flight route in real time. Passengers can also access the onboard menu and shop, where they can browse the selection of food, drinks and products available during the flight.
The portal also provides direct access to GetYourGuide, allowing customers to explore activities, tours and experiences at their destination. It also includes information about Vueling’s route network, sustainability initiatives and customer help services.
This new service, powered by Viasat, complements the Wi-Fi connectivity already available on much of the airline’s fleet, which includes 15 minutes of free internet access for customers. This is based on Viasat’s (ex Inmarsat) European Aviation Network
In Quotes
Melanie Berry, Vueling’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
“With this new onboard entertainment offering, Vueling continues to improve the customer experience by giving customers more ways to enjoy their time in the air. The platform makes it easy to access content and services from any personal device throughout the flight.”
Don Buchman, President, Viasat Aviation, commented,
‘We are incredibly proud to partner with Vueling to deliver an enriched, connected onboard experience, powered by the European Aviation Network. The service puts free entertainment into the hands of Vueling’s passengers and underscores our shared commitment to elevating the in-flight experience and passenger satisfaction.”
An interesting move, considering the elephant in the room
Whilst Vueling’s flights are short-haul in nature, having options to be entertained (without bringing your own content with you) is always good to see.
The timing, however, is interesting.
With IAG moving away from other solutions installed across their fleet, and standardising on the Starlink platform in the future, one has to ask how long this transition will take, given that Vueling has signed an agreement for this content to be delivered.
Given that IAG hasn’t specified which fleets get Starlink first, there could be some time in the pipeline (although the first British Airways 787-8 is now flying with Starlink).
We’ll have to see how long this system remains on the aircraft, or if it can be delivered on top of another supplier’s connectivity.
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