AirAsia X is now offering offer Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1s as its in-flight entertainment option.
The tablets have been rolled out on the low-cost carrier’s flights to Australia, Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan, following a deal with Tune Box – part of Tony Fernandes’ Tune Group – which provide content for the tablets in the form of movies, TV shows, games and digital magazines.
Passengers in all classes will be able to pre-book the tablets for MYR35 (US$11) per sector. This rises to MYR45 for onboard rentals. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a battery life of 10 hours, making it adequate for AirAsia X’s regional routes.
“We are always on the lookout for ways to further improve our services and enhance our guests’ in-flight cabin experience. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will be a great change to our previous portable e-player as it offers one of the best high definition screens, sound system, and a powerful processor all packed in a sleek yet lightweight tablet. On top of that, the tablet is also considerably lighter than our previous e-player which cost efficiently reduces the weight onboard our flights,” said AirAsia X’s CEO, Azran Osman-Rani.
The new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will replace the portable e-Player previously available on AirAsia X flights. Passengers who have booked the portable e-player will receive the Samsung Galaxy Tab at no extra charge.
The move is the latest step in an industry trend towards offering tablets to passengers as an alternative, lightweight in-flight entertainment option. Singapore Airlines’ new LCC Scoot has begun offering iPads to passengers on its Boeing 777s, charging SG$20 (US$15.90) for pre-booked units in economy class, but offering them for free in business class.
Last year, AirAsia X currently generated 16.5% of its revenues from ancillary services, such as preferred seating, in-flight food and priority boarding. The provision of tablets is likely to be major new weapon in the airline’s ancillary revenue-generating arsenal.
AirAsia X offers Samsung Galaxy tablets
