Virgin Australia launches wireless IFE system
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Virgin Australia has officially launched its new wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.
The platform, which the airline said is “the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific region”, gives customers the ability to stream content to their own devices, including smartphones, laptops and tablets, via onboard wireless technology.
Following a trial period, the airline is now rolling out the wireless IFE system across its domestic and short-haul international network. Thirty-seven aircraft have already been equipped with the new technology, including aircraft operating on routes to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
“Our research shows that around 90% of our customers travel with at least one smartphone, laptop or tablet,” said Virgin Australia’s chief customer officer, Mark Hassell. “We were instantly drawn to this technology because it represents a quantum change in the way entertainment is experienced in the sky. Our customers are the first in the region to be able to stream content to their very own personal device and the feedback we are receiving is fantastic.
“Wireless technology also gives us the freedom to constantly enhance the content and functionality, which is valued by customers who travel regularly on these short- to medium-haul flights.
“With the origins of the Virgin brand in entertainment, there is no limit to the expertise and unique content we can leverage around the world to continually offer our customers the best entertainment in the sky”, Hassell added.
The wireless IFE system supports Wi-Fi-enabled Apple and Android devices, as well as Windows laptops. Customers need to download a free app to their phone or tablet, or have the latest version of Microsoft Silverlight downloaded on their laptop. Once this is completed, they can start streaming content to their devices. Virgin Australia noted that since the trial started in August 2012, the app has been downloaded almost 200,000 times.
The roll-out across Virgin Australia’s fleet of Boeing 737-800 and Embraer E190 aircraft will be completed before the end of the year.
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