So as opposed to improving their seat back systems, they are simply removing them and relying on the customer's devices?
Quote:
The Panasonic satellite service covers 99.6 per cent of global airline routes — making it a good choice for WestJet, which has made no bones of the fact it has its eye on international expansion in the coming years. Removing the seatback televisions will also save upwards of 1,000 pounds of weight per aircraft, resulting in significant fuel savings.
As far as I'm concerned, the IFE is only something of a story because of the last system's sour exit. The rather unpleasant slimlines is a way bigger deal.
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I doubt wifi will be free - certainly enough bandwidth to stream netflix won't be free. At best I suspect there will be an app of some sort for them to stream a few shows and movies locally. My point - this has revenue source written all over it.
It is wifi distribution of content, both free and paid. Something like 70%+ of guests have a tablet, smartphone, or laptop already.
There will be a wide selection of older movies that will be free. Eventually there will be live TV (sporting events and news) via the internet, which is satellite based for the widest footprint. Internet will be pay. Early release movies will be pay.
I am glad we are doing this, sounds like a good system.
Not to mention after travelling around on some US carriers lately, with inflight entertainment that ranged from absolutely nothing to 1 movie on shared screens, it has given me a different perspective on IFE, and this system will be one of the best around, and comparable or better than the good product AC has on the embraers.
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It is wifi distribution of content, both free and paid. Something like 70%+ of guests have a tablet, smartphone, or laptop already.
There will be a wide selection of older movies that will be free. Eventually there will be live TV (sporting events and news) via the internet, which is satellite based for the widest footprint. Internet will be pay. Early release movies will be pay.
I am glad we are doing this, sounds like a good system.
Not to mention after travelling around on some US carriers lately, with inflight entertainment that ranged from absolutely nothing to 1 movie on shared screens, it has given me a different perspective on IFE, and this system will be one of the best around, and comparable or better than the good product AC has on the embraers.
I understand the desire for weight savings, but there is something nice about the seatback screens that will be missed. Its kinda nice to not have to rely on ensuring you have a charged media device in your lap when you fly. The seatback screens are also placed in a nice viewing angle rather than staring down at your lap or tray table to watch your tablet/laptop/phone. Especially on longer flights.
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Despite the news it was pretty well known almost as long back as a year ago that this was the direction WestJet was going. I'll reserve judgement until trying it out.
However, flying to and from Maui on the Air Canada 767 with seatback TV's and their Enroute VOD system* is awesome when traveling with kids. My 4-1/2 year old just plopped herself in her seat and figured out how to watch her kids shows right away. No fussing with having to hold a device or keep the tray table down.
Ryan: When you mention the system AC has on their Embraers do you mean the one I am describing above? Because it is installed fleet wide and has been for many years. I know they had a lot of teething issues with it (it was revolutionary in the ability to not have those data boxes needed to be mounted under the seats, eating into leg room), but I do believe AC is also looking at new IFE options. Rouge will be employing a similar WIFI system to their aircraft, but not sure if they'll have seatback TV's or not.
* Yes I am also aware that YYC-Hawaii flights will no doubt be operated by Rouge next season. We got spoiled this year by having the XM'd birds operating the flights as those oldest 763's that were not XM'd were transferred to Rouge ops.
Yes, probably the same system. I have to admit I don't fly on AC that often anymore
My understanding is the Rouge system does not have seat back tv's.
I hear what you are saying about the pros of seat back displays, but I expect that eliminating those not only saves weight and lowers costs, but would increase reliability as well. At least I hope so. Not having to fix individual tvs, and push button pads, and headphone jacks.....because the kid that was sitting there prior to you decided to jam their crayon in the hole.
I played with a similar system on AA recently (it was gogo based) and it seemed quite good.
Even in the dark, this thing roaring over 32 Ave was pretty incredible. So glad I got to see that... thanks for the heads up. Had a friend see it over Deerfoot and ask if it was a 380. Not quite.
I doubt wifi will be free - certainly enough bandwidth to stream netflix won't be free. At best I suspect there will be an app of some sort for them to stream a few shows and movies locally. My point - this has revenue source written all over it.
Just another step WJ takes downwards....
Of course its a revenue source. Do you know how slim the profit margins are for airlines?
WestJet (one of the most profitable in the world) had record profits this last year. That profit translates to $14 per guest. Thats it. Record profits = making $14 per person per flight.
I realize it's not cheap to fly, but it's not cheap to operate an airline either.
BTW, there is supposed to be alot of free content (older movies, tv shows)
USB plugins at all seats would sell me, be nice to have my phone or tablet on charge while I'm watching stuff on it. I always bring my own movies anyways.
USB plugins at all seats would sell me, be nice to have my phone or tablet on charge while I'm watching stuff on it. I always bring my own movies anyways.
Air Canada has had those almost since the inception of their IFE, no?