WestJet to install new in-flight entertainment, including Wi-Fi
Posted Feb 14, 2014 5:19 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary-based airline WestJet Airlines Ltd. has unveiled a new in-flight entertainment system for its passengers.
WestJet announced on Friday it has inked a multi-year deal with Panasonic Avionics Corporation in order to provide wireless satellite Internet, live stream television, on-demand movies and magazines on the personal electronic devices, tablets and laptops of guests.
The feature will be available on each WestJet Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
“We are very excited to take the next step in the evolution of our in-flight entertainment system,” Marshall Wilmot, the vice-president of product and distribution, said in a release.
“We were proud to be the first Canadian airline to offer live television on board our aircraft beginning in 2004, and today we are announcing a completely new system designed to offer WestJet guests a broader selection of entertainment options than ever before.”
The new system will be implemented on one WestJet Boeing Next Generation aircraft by the end of 2014 to allow the airline to make adjustments if needed. WestJet said the rest of its fleet will receive the new in-flight entertainment system over the next several years.
WestJet has been in discussions about the replacement for its seat-back entertainment system, which has been removed from many of the company’s planes over the past several months.
“We know that roughly 75 per cent of our guests are bringing their own devices on board today,” Wilmot said.
“They tell us they want the opportunity to connect to check their email, put the finishing touches on a presentation or keep in touch with family and friends.”
Passengers will also be able to rent tablets if they are not travelling with one, and the airline will offer airtime packages to connect to the Internet. Also, the airline will install USB/110 volt power outlets so that travellers can charge their devices while enjoying the in-flight entertainment.
It’s been a long-term project for WestJet. CEO Gregg Saretsky first detailed the company’s plan to move to inflight Wi-Fi nearly two years ago, after running into difficulties with cross-border satellite service.
Presently, 275 airlines worldwide use a Panasonic in-flight entertainment system.
