IFE experts gather for APEX at CES 2012

January saw the Las Vegas Convention Centre host APEX at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with many prominent IFE executives in attendance. The APEX session was called "Consumer Electronics in the Air" and focused around a panel discussion on the role of technology in the passenger experience.

APEX (the Airline Passenger Experience Association) is a trade association of the world's leading airlines, suppliers and related companies that have the common aim of elevating the experience of passengers. At the event, IFE experts looked at the increasing number of passengers who are taking their portable electronic devices onto flights expecting to use them as part of their on board entertainment experience.

Among the main talking points were connectivity (also known as in-flight broadband) and the technology that is used to deliver it to passengers. Around 25 airlines have begun to provide this service to their passengers using technology provided by the likes of Row 44, Gogo and OnAir. However, over the next few years, many more of the 600 or so airlines globally are expected to implement internet connectivity systems onto their aircraft as standard.

Feedback from the early adopters of this technology has been mixed, with some passengers unhappy about having to pay such high costs for an often limited connection. This is partly due to the technical difficulties of delivering a high quality broadband connection while travelling in the air. The technology is expected to improve significantly however over the next few years.

A key area of discussion at the event centered around whether whether airlines will choose to provide their own branded portable devices to passengers to access the web or alternatively whether they are encouraged to bring their own devices on board.

The costs of each differ greatly and it is largely anticipated that low-cost airlines will opt for the latter solution, while premium airlines will invest in the former to provide online content.

The arrival of internet connectivity will be be revolutionary for the in-flight entertainment industry, with passengers using portable devices to watch movies, TV shows and live events.

During the discussion, APEX provided its outlook regarding what future fliers can expect from their on-board experience. Ash ElDifrawi of Gogo and Travis Christ from Row 44 were among the panellists.

For great quality, cost-effective in-flight entertainment, contact IFE Services on + 44 (0) 1565 752777 or email info@ifeservices.com.