How are in-flight offerings changing in the growing aviation market? Exclusive Interview with IFE Services
With consumers demanding more onboard their flights, Mr Adrian Lambert, Head of Marketing and Mr Howard Clark, Business Development Director from IFE Services came together to shed some insights on the trends and opportunities for in-flight entertainment among airlines.
Terrapinn: What are the global trends in terms of airlines using in-flight services? Contrasting this with China, what is unique about this market?
Adrian & Howard: We’re currently seeing a number of innovations and trends in the IFE industry as airlines compete to offer their passengers the best possible in-flight experience.
Branded portable entertainment devices such as the iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and PlayStation Portable (PSP) are increasingly being either rented out to passengers or offered complimentary in business class. In-flight connectivity is expanding quickly across fleets globally to allow people access to the web whilst airborne, just as they can on the ground in restaurants and hotels. We’re also witnessing a number of airlines trialling wireless streaming IFE solutions which enable passengers to access content via their mobile devices. These systems are lighter and less expensive than traditional embedded systems so if the technology proves workable, they could revolutionise the way in which IFE is delivered to the passenger.
China is now one of the largest and fastest growing airline markets in the world and faces the same challenges in meeting passenger expectations as every other region. So we’re seeing Chinese airlines considering, trialling and adopting the same IFE solutions as those in the West, dependent on key factors such as route networks, passenger demographics and budget.
Terrapinn: With the growing fleet among airlines, do you have any plans or innovation that you think can cope with the challenges and opportunities in the China market?
Adrian & Howard: We position ourselves as a one-stop-shop for airlines that want to provide IFE onboard. So however a Chinese airline wishes to provide movies, TV shows and music to their passengers – whether it’s for embedded, portable or streaming systems – we will provide an innovative, great value solution.
IFE Services has already partnered with many leading companies involved in streaming solutions, and along with other application based technologies, IFE Services already offers these services. Our consultancy division is actively engaged in delivering varied solutions and innovative content package proposals to many airlines in the region.
Terrapinn: What is your best pitch to airlines to position IFE Services ?
Adrian & Howard: IFE Services is a leading, global provider of in-flight entertainment solutions.
Our team of experts is the best in the industry at tailoring and delivering the ideal IFE package to provide passengers with a first-class entertainment experience. From movies, TV shows and audio channels to safety films, entertainment guides and AVOD management, we can deliver everything an airline needs.
Our offices are strategically located around the world to provide local, dedicated customer support. Our unmatched international reach and network of content suppliers means we can deliver the perfect IFE package.
Whatever your requirement, however complicated or seemingly simple, we will deliver a fantastic, great-value solution on time and within budget.
Visit IFE Services at their booth at Aviation Outlook China this July to find out more!
