KLM launches quiz contest to promote Business Class

By BA Staff

KLM has launched a quiz contest on their KLM India Facebook page that would give one winner a chance to win an all inclusive ticket to Amsterdam in their Business Class. The quiz contest is about answering five questions on the new KLM World Business Class.

KLM launched its fully flat beds on its international long-haul destination flights served by Boeing 747-400. The seat can be horizontally reclined at 180 degrees providing more legroom and no middle seat. Every seat is installed with a 17 inch screen video monitor for in-flight entertainment and storage compartments.

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Emirates to add more features for Children

By BA Staff

Emirates will boost the children’s content on its in-flight entertainment system, ice Digital Widescreen (information, communication, entertainment) in December

Children on an Emirates flight in December have more than 50 hours of kid-friendly TV and new features on ice Digital Widescreen include Nickelodeon featuring Bubble Guppies, Spongebob and Team Umizoomi, and new and updated channels dedicated to Thomas & Friends, Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Austin & Ally, and The Gruffalo. This is in addition to the BBC’s CBeebies, pre-school channel Disney Jr., Cartoon Network and over 15 channels of children’s television.

iceDigital Widescreen’s movie line-up is also adding movies such as Despicable Me 2 and One Direction, The Smurfs 2, Planes, and The Croods. Many of these movies are available in up to seven different languages and close to half offer closed captions.

Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Vice President Corporate Communications Product, Publishing, Digital & Events said:

“We want getting there to be half the fun, and the flight on Emirates to be the part that everyone in the family looks forward to. Having a great entertainment line-up for kids also helps alleviate some of the travel stress from the parents, so they can relax and enjoy the flight.”

He added:

“Emirates pioneered inflight children’s entertainment with the launch of a dedicated children’s TV channel back in 1992, and the introduction of a huge selection of Disney movies in 2003. We aim to continue raising the bar in this regard and look holistically at the whole entertainment offering such as the variety of games to play, music to listen to, kids activity packs and the newest members of the Emirates family: the Fly With Me Monsters.”

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Germania becomes new Airbus A321 operator

By BA Staff

S.A.T., the holding company of the Berlin-based German carrier Germania, has taken delivery of its first out of two A321s on order. Both aircraft are equipped with Airbus’ wing tip fuel saving devices, called Sharklets. The airline has already been operating eight A319 successfully since 2011.

The new Germania A321 will operate exclusively for Alltours, one of Germany’s biggest travel agencies. The airline has chosen a single class cabin layout for 208 passengers.

The cabin will be equipped with a state-of-the-art entertainment system, featuring video screens and in-seat audio channels. The aircraft will be powered by CFM engines.

Andreas Wobig, Germania Chief Executive Officer said:

“The delivery of our first brand-new A321 marks the beginning of a new era for Germania. With 208 seats, the aircraft capacity is one third higher than the jets we currently operate. This means that in the future, charter and scheduled flights on particularly popular routes can be operated even more economically. We are delighted with our A321s as they are especially fuel-efficient and make an important contribution to climate protection.”

John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers said:

“We are delighted that Germania has become the latest operator of the largest member of the hugely successful A320-Family. Thanks to Airbus’ unique commonality, the new A321s will fit seamlessly into Germania’s exiting fleet of Airbus A319s. The Sharklets will deliver Germania up to four percent in reduced fuel burn whilst passengers will benefit from the A320 family’s widest and most comfortable cabin.” 

Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and are 2.4 meters tall. They offer operators up to four percent fuel burn reduction on longer range sectors and provide the flexibility of either adding an additional 100 nautical miles range or increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

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EL AL selects Lufthansa Systems' BoardConnect for wireless AVOD IFE

by BA Staff

(left: Stefan Hansen, CEO Lufthansa Systems AG
and Elyezer Shkedy, CEO El Al)

EL AL Israel Airlines has selected Lufthansa Systems' wireless in-flight entertainment system BoardConnect. Using their laptops, tablet PCs or smartphones EL AL passengers will be able to access on-demand audio and video and other content.

The system will be installed on 10 Boeing 737s and two Boeing 767s.

Elyezer Shkedy, CEO of EL AL said

"BoardConnect represents a very essential asset to our overall product enhancement strategy. With BoardConnect we will be able to offer our passengers a significantly advanced travel experience", "EL AL is one of the first airlines worldwide and the first airline that provides this service from Israel to Europe and vice versa, which offer sophisticated in-flight infotainment not only on wide-body aircraft, but on 737-class aircraft as well. This gives us a significant competitive advantage."

Unlike conventional in-flight entertainment systems, BoardConnect does not require any complicated wiring for each seat. Instead, it works with a regular WLAN and depending on aircraft size needs only two to five access points in the cabin to stream a broad variety of content to every passenger’s device. It can be used with iOS, Android, Windows 8 as well as conventional Windows or Apple devices.

From the airline perspective, the system installation doesn’t need an extensive downtime like a major overhaul or a cabin refurbishment, thus saving costs and minimising roll-out times. The system has be designed for less complexity using of-the-shelve components and for high reliability and lower maintenance cost. Additionally it also lightweight, which is expected to save EL AL about 50 tons of fuel per 737 annually, when compared with embedded in-seat IFE systems.

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Delta to add more flights on New York JFK Los Angeles route with full flat-bed seats

by Devesh Agarwal

Delta Air Lines will debut three updated Boeing 757 aircraft on the transcontinental route between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport beginning July 1, 2014.

These will be the first 757 aircraft in service to feature Delta's previously announced upgrades which will include full flat-bed seats in BusinessElite on transcon flights between New York-JFK and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. All transcon flights on these routes will feature flat-bed seats by summer 2015.

The aircraft will include 16 full flat-bed seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration in the BusinessElite cabin. Each seat is 20 inches wide – expandable up to 22 inches – with an average bed length of 76 inches. Cabin mood lighting and high definition 16-inch video monitor at each seat will further improve the onboard experience.

The addition of flat-bed seats to the 757 transcon fleet will complement Delta's existing Boeing 767 transcon flights which already feature flat-bed seats for a total of eight daily flights on the route. Customers will enjoy a gourmet three-course menu from renowned chef Michael Chiarello paired with wine from Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson's specially curated Delta Winemaker Series, Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, a Tumi amenity kit featuring skincare products from Malin+Goetz, a noise-reduction headset, Starbucks coffee and sparkling wine round out the BusinessElite experience.

Delta Boeing 757 BusinessElite cabin

The 757s transcontinental fleet will add an Economy Comfort class with 44 extra-legroom seats offering 35 inches of pitch and 50 percent more recline in a 3-3 configuration. This is in addition to 108 standard economy seats.

All seats in the economy cabin will feature a slim-line design for more personal space, an adjustable headrest, a nine-inch video monitor and standard 110v and USB power ports available at every seat.

Delta has been enhancing the transcon experience from nose to tail throughout 2013 with the addition of products such as complimentary Starbucks coffee and headsets for all passengers. The entire transcon fleet will feature in-flight Wi-Fi and all upgraded aircraft will offer an entertainment library of more than 1,000 on-demand options. Additionally, the 757 fleet will feature 18 channels of live satellite TV.

New York passengers will depart and arrive at Delta's new Terminal 4 (see video below) and at Los Angeles it is Terminal 5 which is being overhauled with a $229 million investment in progress.

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Singapore Airlines debuts new 777 cabin products on Mumbai route for a limited time

by Devesh Agarwal

Singapore Airlines débuted its latest cabin products on its Boeing 777-300ER flying between Mumbai and Singapore for a limited time.

This is the latest cabin product of the premium airline which will be standard on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, but which is also fitted on eight of its new Boeing 777-300ERs, the latest of which was recently delivered to the carrier's fleet. This product was first unveiled on the London route.

See details and images of the new cabin product in our July story.

Nearly $150 million is being invested in the new products on the initial eight B777-300ERs. The aircraft feature the world’s most advanced in-flight entertainment system, with larger screens and touch-screen handsets, as well as more spacious and comfortable seats in First, Business and Economy classes.

The new products will be available on SQ 423/424 flights between Singapore and Mumbai on selected days of the week during the winter schedule which commenced from yesterday.

SQ 423 Mumbai – Singapore:
from October 28, 2013 till March 30, 2014 on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays
from October 31, 2013 till November 22, 2013 on Thursdays and Fridays
SQ424 Singapore - Mumbai:
from October 27, 2013 till March 29, 2014 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
from October 30, 2013 till November 21, 2013 on Wednesdays and Thursdays

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Best & Beyond - Air France reveals new economy and premium economy class upgrades

by Devesh Agarwal

Flag carrier Air France, revealed its new upgraded economy class and premium economy class service offering which includes new seats, new meal services, in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, ice-cream and second hot meal service on longer flights. The carrier will equip 44 of its long-haul Boeing 777s starting from summer 2014 with the new product.

These upgrades are part of the new Best & Beyond initiative the airline is undertaking under the umbrella of its Transform 2015 strategic plan.

The airline will also upgrade its business class and La Première first class which will be unveiled in January and April 2014.

In economy class, there is a new fully-revised seat, with more legroom, a new seat cushion, more comfortable headrests and a wider tray table. The seat has been ergonomically-redesigned to guarantee optimum comfort. The seat also features new functionalities including an electric socket, headphones holder, etc.

CGI of the new economy class seat. Photo courtesy Air France.

Children have received a lot of attention from the carrier in their meal upgrade. The airline uses organic produce adapted to the tastes of infants and young children, new tableware and a selection of new games (plane-shaped cutlery, pilot’s badge, colourings) to make the flight fun for children.

Economy class children's meal featuring "plane" cutlery shaped for children and toys pouch. Photo © Devesh Agarwal.

Economy class meal featuring new lightweight plastic containers. Photo © Devesh Agarwal.

In premium economy, Air France retains its leadership with its exclusive shell seat, which will be made more comfortable with improved seat cushions and a multi-position footrest. The meal service too is upgraded along with amenities and has been implemented since September this year. Candies, and chocolates are also added. On flights longer than 8.5 hours a second hot meal will also be served.

Premium economy class meal with Champagne service, candies and chocolates in a conical tube. Photo © Devesh Agarwal.

CGI composite of the new service offerings in the premium economy cabin. Image courtesy Air France.

For an actual cabin photo of the current premium economy cabin, please read our trip report.

The IFE is being upgrades with wide touch screens loaded with High Definition images offering over 1,000 hours of music, movies, TV series and many other programmes on an AVOD (audio video on-demand) system.

CGI of the new touch screen HD AVOD IFE system.

At present Air France operates only Airbus A330s to India and has no plans, at present, to re-introduce any Boeing 777 service.

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Videos: Singapore Airlines launches its new ad campaign "The lengths we go to"

by Devesh Agarwal

Iconic national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) has launched a new global brand campaign named “The Lengths We Go To”, showcasing the airline’s commitment to putting the customer at the heart of everything it does.

Explaining the thinking behind Singapore Airlines service experience, and the brand campaign, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah, said

“Making every customer feel at home when they fly with us has always been the cornerstone of our service philosophy. Our customers’ preferences have always been the foremost consideration in the curation process for our new products which are sourced from all over the world. This new campaign sets out to reaffirm this commitment.”

Tan Pee Teck, Senior Vice President of Product and Services at Singapore Airlines, along with three of his colleagues explain the customer centric focus of Singapore Airlines in this video which also shows insights on the rigorous training regime that goes to make the iconic Singapore Girl cabin crew.



Mak further explains

“The scenarios in the advertisements are examples of our commitment to delivering a special experience to our customers, with the Singapore Girl symbolising the lengths we go to. Despite the progression of time, the essence of the Singapore Girl and her gentle, caring ways remain especially relevant today, in an increasingly competitive environment where service excellence is the key differentiator,”

And the Singapore Girl, plays the protagonist in all three commercials which were filmed on location – Fujian in China, Glasgow in Scotland, and Venice in Italy – and involved local production crews of hundreds of people.

The first commercial depicts how SIA tailors quality products to suit the needs of its customers. A tea plantation and teahouse in Fujian were selected as the setting as this is the region from which SIA sources Jasmine tea.



The second commercial illustrates how SIA delivers the comforts of home through innovative products and services. Renowned Glasgow-based Andrew Muirhead and Son, Europe’s oldest tannery, was used as the filming location as it is where the leather used in SIA’s Business Class seats is produced.



The third commercial demonstrates SIA’s focus on curation to offer customers the best entertainment from around the world. It is set in Venice and features the Venice Film Festival, for which SIA is the Official Airline this year.



The commercials will be released progressively over three weeks, with the first being broadcast from today. A combination film, incorporating all three advertisements, will be released later this month.

The airline has also made a video showing the making of the advertisements.

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PR: THAI in-flight magazine “Sawasdee” wins Award of Excellence in Magazine Design

Thai Airways recently won an award of excellence for its in flight magazine "Sawasdee." Find the press release below.

18th August, 2013 

THAI in-flight magazine “ Sawasdee ” wins Award of Excellence in Magazine Design

Image Credit: Thai Airways

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) announces its Award for Excellence in Magazine Design for the in-flight magazine, Sawasdee. 

THAI’s in-flight magazine, Sawasdee , recently won its third award. The Excellence in Magazine Design was announced earlier by The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), and gaining this comment from the judges, “dramatic use of art photos, goes beyond the standards of the in-flight magazine genre.” The SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence were established as a tribute to editorial excellence in both traditional and new media, and were designed to encourage editorial vitality throughout the region. Previously Sawasdee also won an Award of Excellence at the 2012 Asian Publishing Awards and the Bronze Award in the category of Design: Most Improved Publication, B2C at the Custom Content Council’s 2012 Pearl Awards.

Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuvan , THAI President, said THAI is most honored to have received this award. Through the dedication of the editorial teams at THAI and Publicitas (Thailand), Sawasdee ’s publisher, in developing quality publication that customers on board and on the ground can enjoy a variety of contents, including striking images, information about places to discover, and cultural events.

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Images: Singapore Airlines unveils new cabin product for its Airbus A350XWB and Panasonic eX3 IFE for 777

Small portion of existing Boeing 777-300ER (77W) fleet also to be refitted.

by Devesh Agarwal

National carrier Singapore Airlines unveiled its next generation of cabin products, which will be deployed on its Airbus A350 XWB aircraft which recently celebrated its first flight on June 14th, and is due to enter service in late 2014.

The airline will also initially introduce the new cabin products, progressively, on eight Boeing 777-300ER (B77W) aircraft, at a cost of US$ 150 million. The airline has 19 B77W in its fleet and another eight on order. It is not clear if the airline will retrofit existing 77Ws or introduce the new cabin on the new aircraft. The airline's total fleet is 102 aircraft comprising of A380s, Boeing 777-200ERs, 777-300s, 777-300ERs, A340-500s, and A330-300s.

The first passengers to experience the new cabin will be on the 777-300ER service between Singapore and London Heathrow starting from September.

The airline has worked for more than two years with world-renowned design firms to develop the new products. BMW Group DesignworksUSA assisted with the development of the new First Class, James Park Associates assisted with Business Class and Massive Interactive with the in-flight entertainment system interface.

The new in-flight entertainment (IFE) audio-video on demand (AVOD) system

The new Krisworld IFE system is uses the new Panasonic eX3 system which the airline will be the launch customer of on the A350 XWB and is the first to offer on the 77Ws.

The new KrisWorld features larger LCD screens and video touch-screen handsets across all classes. LCD screens will increase from 23 to 24 inches in First Class, 15.4 to 18 inches in Business Class and 10.6 to 11.1 inches in Economy Class. Economy Class customers will also be able to browse through the more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options by swiping or scrolling through the touch-screen monitor, while first and business will have touch-screen handsets.

Passengers will be able to multi-task among the varied entertainment options available. For example, they may watch a movie, while at the same time use the handset to keep up to date with the latest news headlines or track the aircraft’s flight path. Alternatively, customers may use the handset as a touchscreen trackpad to navigate KrisWorld. New features such as “Quick Search”, where a flick of the handset pulls up a playlist of entertainment choices, are also being introduced.

The new 'Notification Centre' on the KrisWorld dashboard contains information relevant to the flight, reducing the number of on-board announcements, allowing uninterrupted viewing of video programs. Passengers will also experience greater personalisation, with KrisWorld providing content recommendations based on passengers’ preferences. They may also rate movies and see how others have rated these.

First Class

Singapore Airlines' new First Class seat features a new fixed-back shell design with curved side panels to provide a clear demarcation of personal space, for added privacy. At 35 inches in width and with an increased bed length from 80 to 82 inches, it is one of the most spacious First Class products in the sky. An ergonomically sculpted cushion and improved adjustable headrest have been introduced for greater seating comfort, while new features such as a padded headboard for extra support and an additional mattress layer ensure passengers enjoy a comfortable rest.

Little but important features have been added. For example, the seat now boasts a stylish passenger control unit that includes a new switch to provide passengers easier access to turn off their in-flight entertainment monitor, and for cabin crew to do so without disturbing passengers when they are resting. New lighting was developed after extensive scientific research. In addition to reading lights, the seat features ambient lighting, which not only accentuates the seat design but also serves as a night light in a dimmed cabin. The seat features an all-in-one panel including in-seat power supply, USB port, eXport and HDMI ports allowing passengers to view content from personal media devices.

Business Class

Singapore Airlines retains its leadership in this class with its 1-2-1 configuration which rivals the first class of most airlines. The new Business Class seat offers greater recline at 132 degrees and features an improved ergonomic seat cushion. When converted, it becomes the industry's widest full-flat bed, at 78 inches in length. In addition, the new seat offers two new seating positions - 'Lazy Z' and 'Sundeck' based on in-depth research and feedback from passengers. The seat offers increased stowage space, with an amenity stowage area on the side console and a laptop stowage area. The lighting, LCD monitor on/off switch, and all-in-one panel from the first class cabin is added.

Economy Class

From photographs, it appears Singapore Airlines has retained its 3-3-3 configuration which offers the widest economy class seat in the world. The new seats are of a 'slimline' type which provides a feeling of increased personal space and legroom. Each seat comes with new backrest seat cushions with side bolsters for better back support and an ergonomically sculpted headrest cushion offering better neck support.

The IFE is on a 11.1-inch touch screen accompanied by a video touch-screen handset.

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Video: Boeing delivers its 7,500th 737 to Malaysian start-up Malindo Air

Boeing has delivered a 737-900ER, the 7,500th 737 to come off the production line to Malaysia-based Malindo Air. The aircraft in a two class configuration, 18 business class and 164 economy class seats, features the Boeing Sky Interior featuring sculpted side-walls, improved window reveals, LED lighting and larger pivoting overhead baggage storage. The Boeing 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time with total orders exceeding 10,500 airplanes.

Malindo Air is a joint venture by Jakarta, Indonesia-based Lion Air and Malaysia's National Aerospace and Defence Industries (NADI). The name "Malindo" comse from the names of respective countries: Malaysia and Indonesia.

Malindo is a response by Lion Air after the entry of AirAsia from Malaysia, in to their home turf of Indonesia. AirAsia's subsidiary Indonesia AirAsia, in partnership with its parent firm, bought Indonesian carrier Batavia Air to gain foothold in the Indonesian market. Mr Chandran Ramamuthy, personal assistant executive to the president director of Lion Air, has been appointed as CEO of Malindo Air. The airline inaugural flights will be operational from 22nd of March.

Malindo will take a hybrid approach to differentiate itself from the bare bones low cost AirAsia. Malindo will provide a personal TV IFE (in-flight entertainment) system in every seat, free snacks or meals, seat pitches of 32" and 45" for economy class and business class respectively, and a free baggage allowance of 15 kg and 30 kg. The airline also plans to add in-flight Wi-Fi service.



Images courtesy Randy's Journal

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Video: British Airways In-Flight Entertainment for March 2013

I may not give British Airways high marks for its customer service, but hats off to the airline on the information it provides its passengers.

As per the infographic we posted yesterday, over 41% of passengers will spend their time watching a movie during their flight. This is the highest percentage of in-flight entertainment (IFE) activity.

British Airways has put out a video highlighting the shows it has on-board its flights for this month, which include films 'Skyfall', 'Hitchcock', 'Silver Linings Playbook', 'Life of Pi' and family fun with 'Rise of the Guardians'; base jumping documentary 'Journey to the Centre', plus TV hits 'Peep Show' and 'Elementary'.

Another very nice offering by the airline is details of the shows one can expect on their particular flight for the current and next month. Just visit the airline's Entertainment Highlights page and enter the city pairs and out will come a list and synopsis of all the shows, cinema, television, etc. Cool feature, I must admit.

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Infographic: In-Flight Entertainment - facts and figures

Courtesy M/s IFE Services Ltd., of the UK, below is an infographic detailing the facts and figures for calendar Q1 2013, of the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) industry. Click on the infographic for a high resolution view. In the light box, you can right-click and download the picture.

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Lufthansa commences Boeing 747-8i service to Delhi, first Asian destination. Bangalore in September?

After unsuccessfully trying for almost two years to be the first airline to operate the Airbus A380 superjumbo to India, German carrier Lufthansa, is doing one better, and bringing to its second largest international market, its latest aircraft, the newest avatar of the venerable Boeing 747, the 747-8 Intercontinental or B748i in short.



From Monday, the nation's capital Delhi, will become the second global, and first Asian destination to be served by the newest “Queen of the Skies” which is outfitted with the carrier's latest business class product (see photos and video here).

LH 760 departs Frankfurt at 13:45 and arrives Delhi at 00:35 early the next morning.
LH 761 departs Delhi at 02:25 and arrives Frankfurt at 07.10 the same morning.

The cabin product

The 747-8i is configured with 8 first, 92 business and 262 economy class seats. In a departure from the Boeing 747-400s, the first class in the B748 goes back to its traditional location, in nose section. The first class is the same as that on the airline's A380s, but has additional sound-proofing to make it the quietest first class cabin in the world.

The business class is also in a traditional split configuration with 32 seats on the upper deck and 60 on the lower.

The economy class seats are said to be 52 cm wide which are an astounding 20.47 inches, making them even wider than the business class seats which are 50 cm wide in the upright position. The business class seats though widen to 67 cm with the armrests dipping, when the seat is reclined. For big guys like me, this economy class is a god-send.

All three classes feature individual video screens with a full AVOD IFE (Audio Video On Demand In Flight Entertainment) system.

This PDF document has complete details on Lufthansa's Boeing 747-8i cabin product.

With this 747-8i launch Lufthansa finally connects its two largest markets, the United States and India with its newest cabin and aircraft products, thus overcoming a long standing complaint of passengers.

Lufthansa's South Asia Director Axel Hilgers explained

“Choosing India as launch-pad for our latest two products in Asia underlines this market’s importance in our global network as well as our commitment to grow here”, “With the B747-8 and our brand new Business Class, we are offering Indian customers exceptional travel comfort. These investments will further strengthen Lufthansa’s position in the core market that is India.”

Lufthansa is the launch customer for the 747-8i. Since the start of June, the first aircraft, D-ABYA, has been deployed on the Frankfurt-Washington Dulles route. The carrier took delivery of its second aircraft, D-ABYC, just a few days ago. It is receiving final fitments and touches at the airline's home base Frankfurt before starting its Delhi service on August 6.

Bangalore 747-8i service expected to start September

A further two 747-8i, from the total order of 20, are scheduled for delivery in 2012. D-ABYD, the third aircraft, had its first flight just yesterday. Based on our best judgement, this aircraft is expected to join the Lufthansa fleet in late August or early September. Bangalore passengers can expect the airline to announce its Bangalore service soon.

D-ABYD first flight technical details

For the more technically interested below are the details of the first flight of D-ABYD
L/N 1453 C/N 37829 B747-830
Dep PAE 11:13 PDT Arr PAE 14:02 PDT via MWH
Call Sign BOE024 Hex Code 3C4B24

Share your thoughts. We invite your comments on these developments.

• What are your thoughts on the 748i? 
• By now offering a modern cabin product, do you feel Lufthansa will be able to build passenger numbers? 
• What are your thoughts on the 52cm wide economy class seat?
• What feedback would you like to share with Lufthansa? Yes, they do read Bangalore Aviation.

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Video: Virgin Atlantic's first Boeing 747 with new cabin re-fit G-VROM

Virgin Atlantic shows off the first of its "face-lifted" Boeing 747-400's G-VROM named 'Barbarella'. The aircraft features the new Virgin cabin interiors and new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.

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Singapore Airlines to introduce mobile phone calling and internet connectivity onboard

Singapore Airlines is collaborating with inflight connectivity provider OnAir (jointly owned by Airbus and SITA) to provide passengers on its Airbus A380, A340-500 (nonstop Singapore Newark and Los Angeles), and Boeing 777-300ER flights, a full suite of on-board communication offerings, including access to Wi-Fi Internet and GSM compatible mobile telephony services including SMS texting, email messages, and voice calls.

The airline plans to roll out the services in the first half of 2011, but the carrier has not specified a launch date as yet.

Passengers will pay for their usage via their telecom provider's phone bills, at international GSM roaming rates. For internet access, passengers will have to sign up for an access package when logging in to the system. However, the airline has not divulged any pricing details for either service which it says "will be announced closer to the launch."

Just a week ago the carrier also announced the introduction of a new western classical music channel on its aircraft equipped with the Panasonic eX2 AVOD systems. These are again the same three types of aircraft.

Some of the music tracks are:

1. The Salzburg festival opening concert 2010 by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra -- conducted by Daniel Barenboim, one of today's leading pianists and conductors,
2. Lucrezia Borgia, an Italian opera performed by Edita Gruberova, the world's undisputed Queen of bel canto, as her concert debut,
3. Così Fan Tutte – Director Claus Guth's concluding production of Mozart's da Ponte trilogy for the Salzburg Festival,
4. Dudamel and The Simon Boliver Youth Orchestra, declared ‘the biggest audience hit of the summer’ at the Salzburg Festival by Munich daily Münchner Merkur; and
5. La Traviata by Anna Netrebko, the acclaimed Russian soprano, and the Wiener Philharmoniker

Regrettably neither of the two announcement apply to the carrier's Boeing 777-200, 777-300, or A330 fleet which are used on flights to the airline's destinations in India, though it does offer one daily Boeing 777-300ER flight each, ex Mumbai and ex New Delhi.

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List of Jet Airway's Boeing 737s equipped with AVOD in-flight entertainment systems

To most passengers, Kingfisher is the only airline in India offering an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system on narrow body aircraft. Not too many people are aware that Jet Airways has also has some Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with an Panasonic efx IFE system with 10.6 inch screens.

Jet has 20 Boeing 737NG with seat back AVOD (audio video on demand) IFEs and another three with a top mounted (below the baggage compartment) IFE.

The AVOD IFE allows passengers to have complete control of their entertainment options including the ability to create more than 200 audio play lists from a Juke Box application and access to over 200 hours of Hollywood and Bollywood movies, Regional films, and Television and short programs.

The AVOD IFE equipped Boeing 737s in the Jet fleet are:

VT-JGP, VT-JGQ, VT-JGR, VT-JGS, VT-JGT, VT-JGU, VT-JGV, VT-JGW, VT-JGX, VT-JGY, VT-JGZ, VT-JBB, VT-JBC, VT-JBB, VT-JBC, VT-JBD, VT-JBE, VT-JBF, VT-JBG, VT-JBH, VT-JBJ, VT-JBK.

The top mounted IFE equipped Boeing 737s are :

VT-JGE, VT-JGF, VT-JGG.

Most of these aircraft are used by Jet on their near international destinations from the middle east till south-east Asia, and domestically on their Mumbai-Delhi flights.

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