Which other airlines advertise on their IFE systems?
Gotta laugh at some of the arguments around here - "AC is providing free IFE and using ads to subsidize your airfare".
Sure, although if other airlines can do it ad-free while charging similar fares, I suspect it's not the fare that the passenger is paying that's the problem.
Either way, if this is what it's come down to, why not go the whole nine yards? Plaster the Y cabin with ads a la LCCs - overhead bins, seat back trays (both sides), bulkheads, catering carts, food trays.
Plenty of ways to generate revenue. So what if it degrades the passenger experience - AC is already being charitable to them by giving them a chance to fly despite their cheapness.