Airlines Boost Inflight Experiences with Advanced Connectivity and Entertainment
In a significant development, airlines are enhancing inflight experiences with advanced connectivity and entertainment options. United and Delta have bolstered their in-flight entertainment (IFE) offerings, while Panasonic Avionics adapts to the changing landscape.
Both United and Delta have expanded their IFE content partnerships. United has added Spotify audiobooks, podcasts, and Apple TV hits, while Delta offers ad-free access to YouTube videos, podcasts, and music playlists. Delta has also started playing seatback entertainment as soon as passengers board to reduce stress levels and enhance the passenger experience.
United's EVP and CFO, Mike Leskinen, believes that seatback IFE and high bandwidth Wi-Fi significantly improve the customer's journey, driving brand loyalty and revenue growth. This comes amidst the ongoing debate since 2004 about high-speed inflight connectivity disrupting the embedded inflight entertainment world.
Panasonic Avionics, a key partner to both airlines, is adapting to these changes. It offers new software suites and supports the transition to a 'connected seatback' with a focus on personalization and inflight wellness. Despite predictions of its demise, Panasonic believes the business of inflight entertainment keeps getting bigger.
Delta Air Lines has seatback IFE as a core feature on its mainline fleet, with over 930 aircraft carrying 165,000 seatback screens. United Airlines is equipping its entire fleet with SpaceX's Starlink service to provide free Wi-Fi for MileagePlus loyalty program members. Additionally, United is adding Panasonic Avionics seatback IFE systems to its narrowbodies and larger screens to its new widebodies, expecting around 1,000 aircraft to carry seatback screens by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Airlines are investing in both inflight connectivity and entertainment to enhance the passenger experience. United and Delta's expanded IFE offerings, along with Panasonic Avionics' adaptation to the changing landscape, signal a growing market for inflight entertainment despite initial concerns about disruption.
