It’s hard to imagine flying without access to dozens (even hundreds) of TV shows and movies.
But it really wasn’t that long ago that travellers were flying across globe with little to no onboard entertainment.
Over the last decade the shape of inflight entertainment has changed so drastically that flyers have access to almost anything they would normally have access to on land.
From a wide range of movie and TV show, interactive games, music, Wi-Fi and more – the sky’s the limit.
According to Denise Renny from Stellar Entertainment – the creators of inflight entertainment – the look of inflight entertainment is still undergoing changes to meet flyer behaviour and demand.
She spills to KarryOn about what travellers get up to at 35,000 feet and new initiatives being introduced to keep them entertained.
1. What are some emerging trends in the Inflight Entertainment (IFE) space?
From an IFE content perspective, there has been a significant increase in customers viewing their favourite television series whilst flying.
People are seeking the same experience that they get in the comfort of their own home – instant viewing with an extensive selection of program options.
We are also seeing an increased demand for non-traditional content, such as Tedtalks and topical podcasts. Customers are seeking bespoke content, specific to their individual preferences.
From a technical perspective, airlines want to extend the customer experience into pre and post flight.
Airlines are continuing to develop innovative ways to deliver content on board, for example, the introduction of wireless streaming and, in other parts of the world, Wi-Fi connectivity.
The opportunities that exist in the years ahead are astounding.
2. What trends do you predict will emerge in the next five years?
In the next five years, we predict that online radio stations such as Spotify and iTunes Radio will become available in-flight.
Airlines will create custom playlists and programs, providing a personalised travel experience for passengers.
We anticipate that Virtual Reality headsets will become available for First and Business class on the more innovative airlines.
These headsets will see passengers watching movies in boutique French cinemas or listening to music on sunny, exotic beaches.
Both technology and content sets will improve and in-flight duty-free shopping will become more interactive.
3. What are some of the biggest changes in IFE technology you’ve seen in the industry over your career?
The cost of IFE technology has lowered, and the products have improved substantially.
Airlines are beginning to use IFE as a way to connect with their passengers, especially frequent flyers. IFE has also become an effective selling point for airlines.
Streaming servers are becoming ubiquitous on short-haul flights, however airlines are continuing to provide seat-back screens for long-haul flights.
In addition, touch-screens and interfaces are now better quality.
Web design and apps such as iTunes, have also influenced the way that airlines present their entertainment library, which is essential in the IFE industry.
4. What are some of the challenges you face in the industry?
We work very closely with our airline partners to provide support and improve efficiencies for them whilst exceeding passenger expectations, via superior inflight content services.
5. What mistakes do you find people in the industry tend to make?
Not enough importance is placed on the seamless operational delivery.
There is always room for improvement in any industry, and the operational delivery of IFE content is no exception.
Also, not making the most of ways to improve product offering or services can result in missed opportunities.
6. What is Stellar Entertainment doing differently from its competitors?
The IFE industry and our clients are seeking complete turnkey solutions, extending beyond simple delivery of quality content.
They are looking to their partners to develop software and hardware, sell advertising and other streams of revenue, and conduct global research and insights. The opportunities via technology are limitless.
Whilst we understand the importance of delivering these services, we stay true to where our expertise lies.
Mastering particular sectors of the IFE industry takes years of experience, therefore we ensure that our team consists of top level experts at all times.
7. What accounts for Stellar Entertainment’s longevity in IFE?
Sticking to what we do best.
Maintaining our reputation as truly independent, and experts in content service provision.
We have strong values, high standards in customer service and a team of reliable employees.
We pride ourselves on remaining a step ahead of our competitors at all times, recognising when to adopt change and being able to do this quickly.
