ICE provides passengers with a choice of Arabic, English and Japanese interfaces. Considering the fact that EK only has 14 flights to Japan (7x NGO, 7x KIX) weekly, wouldn't it make more sense to add Chinese or even German interface on ICE? (China gets 48 weekly flights: 14x PEK, 14x PVG, 14x HKG, 6x CAN and Germany gets 49 weekly flights: 14x FRA, 14x MUC, 14x DUS, 7x HAM) If the Chinese population in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia were also taken into account, adding Chinese interface on ICE would make sense.

One may argue EK focuses more on the sub-continent market. Yet Indians have better command in English than Chinese do. (But EK has added a list of Hindi, Bengal, Sinhala reminder message in the lavatory) Can anybody enlighten me the reason which EK decided to provide Japanese interface on IFE?

I agree that for some reason, public places and companies always cater to Japanese consumers, not just in airlines but in many respects. Although no doubt Japan is an important business destination and travellers flying ex. NGO and KIX pay top buck, well, the Indian subcontinent is by far the airline's prize goose. I agree that Chinese should be added, as should Hindu and perhaps Russian. Or even Fillipino ?

Good point. I guess premium traffic ex-PEK and PVG is high as well since these two cities are not sufficiently well-connected with the Arabian peninsula. EK attracts a lot of construction firm executive traffic from PEK especially. 4x daily to SIN is also a significant reason to motivate EK adding Chinese interface on IFE for its passengers.

EK isn't that motivated about catering to the needs of international travellers. I mean, they didn't have an Arabic version of their website until very recently. Realistically, if you're sophisticated enough to book online you probably speak English but this gives you an idea of the general mentality over at EK.

I don't think many airlines offer Arabic as a language on their website; And even if they did it would redirect you to an all English booking engine.

I think it's to do with the mentality at the arab world towards the internet. I haven't heard of anyone campaining for the domain names to be released in Arabic (while it has for other languages).

I flew BA few times and was surprised to see the safety videos played in Arabic (SYD-SIN and LHR-LCA) pretty interesting actually.

I think China's based airlines ought to do make some effort in publishing their sites in English. I haven't seen one with comprehensive information.

The computers and hardware for the ICE are made by Panasonic in Japan, hence the Japanese interface.

The UK's always been one of the most customer-friendly places one can think of. Their services are always oriented towards the desired clientele. I suppose those safety videos were for the benefit of the Lebanese/Arab communities in Oz and Cyprus.
Compare it to other countries-Cairo Airport is a good example of bad customer service. Key signage (directing to check-in, gates etc.) at the apt is available only in English. On the other hand, I've heard Gulf Air at BAH announce flights bound for India in Hindu.
IMO, standard should be local language of country, English and language of country of destination.

Totally agree with the first part. Just look at the signs at STN, polski polski =)