Fleet Expansion

The number of in-flight entertainment systems on the market can appear overwhelming. However there are a number of steps to take and issues to consider that will help you understand and get the best from your new IFE system quickly and smoothly:

• Is the entertainment broadcast overhead or via a passenger driven graphical user interface (GUI)
• Is the entertainment on the system complimentary or do passengers pay for it?
• How often will the entertainment content be updated?
• Where is the main focus on content spend – expensive movies at one end of the scale or less expensive TV at the other?
• How soon is the aircraft’s entry into service?
• What is the anticipated rollout schedule of the aircaft?
• What is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM)’s rollout schedule?
• If there is an AVOD GUI (audio visual on demand graphical user interface), what is the look and feel you wish to attain?
• Who is designing the GUI?
• What is the GUI navigation flow?
• Is there any bought in functionality such as games, surveys or navigation maps?
• How do you match expectation to budget?

Passenger safety is the number one priority for any airline. Conveying vital information to passengers regarding safety procedures, the location of emergency exits and safety devices is a key part of all flights.

Increasingly, airlines are using safety videos to communicate this information to passengers rather than traditional ‘live’ cabin crew demonstrations because they offer a greater opportunity to engage, inform and entertain as well as keep the information and messages consistent.

If you are thinking about producing an instructional safety video then you will need to consider the following:

• Is the aircraft already in service or is the video for a new aircraft?
• What type of lifejackets will the aircraft have - single or dual chamber, tie clip or ribbon?
• Should the safety video use real people or animated characters in 2D or 3D?
• What style should the video adopt - fun and innovative or corporate and conservative?
• Is there a script already prepared for the video or do you need assistance to produce one?
• How many languages will the video be required in?
• Are there any subtitle requirements?

There are a number of issues to consider.

You will need to determine if the new aircraft has the same available memory capacity as your current fleet. If so, you should be able to transfer the existing media files to the new aircraft. If the system has a different capacity you will need to consider which content to add or remove bearing in mind the routes the aircraft will serve.

You should also consider if a new safety film is required. Due to the time required for original productions, planning ahead will avoid missing entry into service (EIS) dates. Should you not be able to supply the required recording and playback specifications for the video system for example, your content service provider (CSP) should be able to provide test tapes and instructional advice to assist.

You will need to establish a timeline for the EIS and agree key decision dates so that the in-flight entertainment (IFE) content is delivered on to the new aircraft in time.