In-flight entertainment has a rich history dating back to the early days of commercial aviation. From the screening of the first in-flight movie by Aeromarine Airways in 1921 to the introduction of digital entertainment systems in 1996, the evolution of inflight entertainment has been marked by significant milestones. Today, inflight entertainment is offered on almost all wide-body aircraft, with airlines investing in various technologies to enhance the passenger experience.
In-flight Entertainment History
In-flight entertainment has a long history since commercial aviation was established. The first in-flight movie was screened by Aeromarine Airways in 1921. The film The Lost World was shown to passengers of an Imperial Airways flight in April 1925 between London Croydon Airport and Paris. The first in-flight television ‘media event’ was shown on a Western Air Express in 1932.
However, in-flight entertainment becomes mainstream and popular in the 1960s. In 1961, David Flexer of Inflight Motion Pictures developed the 16mm film system using a 25-inch reel for commercial aircraft. In 1961, TWA was the first to debut a feature film in flight.
Throughout the early to mid-1960s, some in-flight movies were played back from videotape, using early compact transistorized videotape recorders made by Sony.
The first digital in-flight entertainment systems as we know them now were introduced in 1996. These systems featured individual touchscreen displays integrated into seat armrests.
In-flight Entertainment Today
Today, IFE is offered as an option on almost all wide-body aircraft, while some narrow-body aircraft. As technology improves, many airlines invest in in-flight entertainment in different ways. While some airlines invest in seatback entertainment, others – in streaming entertainment and Wi-Fi.
Some airlines stand out as being better than most, so the above are Rustourismnews.com’s top picks.
Emirates ICE
Emirates has won the Best In-flight Entertainment Award in Airline Ratings 2024 Airline Excellence Awards. Emirates was one of the first airlines to introduce seat-back videos almost 30 years ago and today, the ICE system has 6,500 channels making it a clear winner for Best Inflight Entertainment.
Passengers aboard Emirates flights can access a world-class entertainment library with more than 45 Academy Award-winning films, 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment, over 1,500 movies, and 1,500 hours of TV, as well as music, podcasts, and audiobooks across 40 languages, 5 channels of live TV including news from BBC, CNN and Sky News Arabia, and two channels with live sports coverage- Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra.
Passengers can also curate their own ICE experience before their flight, by browsing and pre-selecting movies or TV shows on the Emirates app, which can then be synced to the ICE system the moment they board, maximizing the seamless travel experience.
Qatar Airways Oryx One
Qatar Airways Oryx One entertainment system offers a world-class experience with up to 4,000 entertainment options. The airline’s in-flight entertainment system allows passengers to create a personalized playlist of their favorite content before boarding, ensuring a tailored in-flight experience. Additionally, Qatar Airways offers high-speed broadband Wi-Fi, making it easier for passengers to stream content, engage on social media, or work during their flight.
Delta Air Lines Delta Studio
Delta Air Lines is a leader among American carriers with its upgraded in-flight entertainment. Its Delta Studio system boasts an impressive selection of on-demand movies, TV shows, music, and games, accessible on seat-back screens or personal devices. Delta provides free Wi-Fi across its fleet, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted online content. Delta offers Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones for a great in-flight entertainment experience.
The Future of In-Flight Entertainment
The future of inflight entertainment is poised for further evolution and innovation as airlines adapt to changing technologies and passenger preferences. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Delta Air Lines each offer unique IFE experiences, setting them apart in the competitive aviation industry. As we look to the future, the evolution of IFE systems will undoubtedly continue, with airlines investing in more personalized entertainment options to meet the growing expectations of global travelers.
The integration of VR and AR technologies into inflight entertainment systems opens up new possibilities for immersive entertainment experiences. Passengers may have the opportunity to explore virtual destinations, participate in interactive games, or watch movies in a virtual cinema environment.
With a growing focus on passenger well-being, airlines may introduce inflight entertainment content centered around health, wellness, and mindfulness. This could include meditation exercises, yoga classes, relaxation programs, and sleep-inducing content to help passengers unwind during long flights.
As wearable technology becomes more prevalent, airlines may integrate inflight entertainment systems with passenger’s smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other wearable devices. This allows for seamless synchronization of entertainment preferences and personalized recommendations based on biometric data.
The future of inflight entertainment promises to deliver a more immersive, personalized, and connected experience for passengers, enhancing the overall travel experience and setting new standards for onboard entertainment.
