Streaming entertainment system on El-Al
 

Just got an email from El-Al about that.

You can enjoy it either using your computer or iOS / Android phone / tablet.
Currently available on select 737-900 and 767 aircraft.

Here is the information on the website:

http://www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/A...tem_010614.htm

So the funny thing is, I looked up the app in the Google Play store for android and it says:
"DreamStream by El Al"
Lufthansa Systems AG

To be honest, it's an interesting idea, and conceivably saves them from having to install personal tv screens by every seat. Of course the real test will be what content is actually available, and if the system really works.

So i looked inside the app, and you can preview the content that's available.
Smartly, they made sure the app only gives audio through the headphones.

There are 22 movies available, not particularly new ones, although a handful are from the last 12 months. About a third are Israeli movies.

There are also TV series, including some HBO TV shows, Music, audiobooks, and even Daf Yomi in Hebrew and English.

So it's a reasonable collection of content, but nothing fantastic.

Extremly selected (for now) I would say...
It's only available on 3 aircraft.



Sounds pretty underwhelming.

It also saves on fuel. Entertainment systems these days are quite heavy and with the cost of jet fuel high, the fuel savings could actually be tangible.

Are they also going to provide power points to plug in and charge?

I'll give you 2 guesses :p

Considering this is LY we are talking about, I think the answer is obvious, and only one guess should be given...


And if I wasn't clear, I'm sure they won't provide power ports (unless on the 737-900 which I believe already has them).

good point.
For those long haul flights, how long does a laptop last? Especially if your streaming...

Depends. The whole purpose of this streaming entertainment system is negated by the fact that there arent enough outlets to plug in devices and I doubt EL AL will refurbish/add enough onto a/c where they plan to offer this service.

Not an LY lover here as you all know but I'm going to take a contrary view to most of you on this one.

This is an excellent idea which most airlines are probably going to adopt and implement over time. Certainly I've been in private discussions with management of another airline where this was mentioned.

With any good idea though, execution is all that counts in the end. So with that in mind I think it's good they are launching this and hopefully they will execute it well if not immediately then over time.

As to power sockets, iPads at least can last for longer than I care to watch movies or television for - certainly if they are fully charged, they will last for about 10 hours. If you have both an iPad and a laptop you could probably watch telly for the whole flight even TLV-LAX, if you are so inclined.

I don't think it's a bad idea, but I do feel this will be classic LY. Announce something big, and half-a$$ the deployment. When most carriers announce something big, they do everything to convert the whole fleet AND to maintain it.

I don't mind streaming, as long as there are a number of options, the system works properly, and they include power ports. I think that's pretty important, and is something that most international carriers seem to agree with

In their Hebrew announcement they have proclaimed that all the 737-800s, 737-900s and 767s will be equipped with the system within the next year.

If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell...

Its ridiculous they are installing this system on the 763's (when those planes should be scrapped from the fleet) and not the 744's and 772's where the system is badly needed for long haul flights.