Existing and Potential In-Flight Entertainment Transmission Systems - Strengths and Weaknesses

Abstract

in-flight entertainment is likely to greatly expand its content over the next few years, mirroring changes that are occurring interrestrial di@ entertaimmt and communication systems. Most in-flight enterkimmt systems have been based on either in-plane, aircraft-to-ground, or aircraft-to-satellite technologies. The expansion of content expected in the near future will require advanced transmission systems that will be both technically and commercially able to deliver broadband services. This paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of existing transmissions technologies and suggests aircraft-to-aircraft transmission technology may offer advantages that other systems do not. While most people associate in-flight entertainment (IFE) with airplanevideo and audio channels accessed from an armrest, the types of entertainment available on commercial aircraft are likely to abruptly change over the next decade. Reflecting these likely changes, the World Airline Entertainment Association defines in-flight entertainment (IFE) as including communications (telephony, fax, e-mail, data links), information (news, weather, stock quotes, Web content), and interactive services (video games, shoppinglecommerce, surfing the Web), as well as the traditional audio and video entertainment. The increasing emphasis on new types of digital applications is an indication of the promise of IFE as a powerful marketing tool for commercial airiines, especially since the success of JetBlue Airline's 24channel television network introduced in April 2000. Economic slowdown and the events of September 1 1, 2001 have negatively impacted the global and domestic demand for in-flight entertainment, particularIy for commercial aircraft, but an upturn in the industry may be associated with the introduction of new IFE applications in an attempt to replicate the success of JetBlue Airlines. Frost and Sullivan Inc. estimate that by 2007, I F ' revenue will grow to $7.4 billion (IPECC, 2002). United Airlines in their in-flight magazine suggest there might be operational cost and customer service synergies from IFE introduction too Wm, 2003). This paper reviews how these future IFE applications will be transmitted to air& and suggests that current transmissions systems may not be the best conduit for them.