Air India, now owned by Tata, has exciting plans for its in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems in 2024. The airline is set to completely revamp its offerings, starting with the new Airbus A350s and leased Boeing 777-200LRs, equipped with Panasonic Avionics’ in-seat IFE systems. Additionally, as part of a substantial $400 million refurbishment, Air India will upgrade its Boeing 787-8s and 777-300ERs with new in-seat IFE systems and seats across cabin classes.
The focus on IFE will provide passengers with a rich entertainment experience. The content library for the A350s and 777-200LRs boasts over 2,200 hours of entertainment, including 1,000 hours of movies, 600 hours of TV, and 600 hours of audio. Air India promises a diverse selection, ranging from Bollywood blockbusters to Hollywood premieres, captivating documentaries, and even the launch of its own Air India Radio channel featuring podcasts, music collections, and curated playlists.
Air India aims to showcase Bharatiya content prominently, claiming to offer “the largest library of Indian content in the skies.” The diverse movie collection will span 14 languages, including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Danish, Icelandic, and Dutch. The airline plans to feature titles from major streaming platforms like Paramount, HBO, Prime, Sony Liv, and Hulu, with content stored on board rather than streamed live.
Interestingly, Air India is set to debut Panasonic Avionics’ Arc immersive inflight map experience on its new A350s. The first A350, delivered in December 2023, features Panasonic’s eX3 high-definition IFE system with various screen sizes for different classes. Business and premium economy passengers will receive active noise-cancelling headsets, while economy passengers will get reusable earphones.
Despite the extensive IFE upgrades, Air India has not yet announced Wi-Fi connectivity plans. The airline’s commitment to providing a world-class IFE experience reflects its broader transformation, as stated by Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Air India. With these enhancements, Air India aims to redefine the flying experience for its passengers.
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