Hi All:

I've flown Jet Blue, and other domestic/international airlines that have these in flight entertainment systems. I was wondering if anyone knew how they work, how costly they are, and who actually makes them for the airline.

How much does one unit cost, and how expensive are they to operate?

I look forward to your feedback.

http://airfax.com/blog/index.php/200...tuifly-nordic/

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication systems, today announced that TUIfly Nordic, a leading charter airline based in Stockholm, Sweden, has chosen the Panasonic eFX in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for three (3) B767 aircraft. When the aircraft enters service in April 2009, TUIfly Nordic will be the first charter airline in the Nordic region to equip aircraft with full in seat audio and video on demand (AVOD).

I work for a major LCD supplier (industrial, not consumer) and one of our top markets is the IFE market.

Right now we just completed an LCD design for a company that is installing 15.4" TFT LCD in to Lufthansa's Business Class on Boeing 747's & A330's.

We also are involved in IFE systems for the business jets also - we're providing LCD's to Leer, Embraer, Cessna etc.

Welcome to FT.

IFE comes in a variety of formats, it varies from single channel large projected screens to individual handheld units to fully integrated multichannel/programme seatback systems like you saw on B6. The sources range from video cassettes, DVD, Solid State to Satellite again like you saw on B6. The cost also ranges considerably from individual units costing a few hundreds upwards.

How they work is different depending on the source and the method that the passenger watches on, so is the cost and the system features (Moving Maps, Games, Internet, phone etc.) as well as content (movies TV/Radio Progs, Music etc.) will also contribute to the costs both upfront and ongoing. The company that makes the B6 IFE that you watched is a subsidiary of the airline https://www.livetv.net

APEX - the Airline Passenger Experience Association formerly the WAEA is the industry body for this.

I actually tried to do a case study on this. It was very difficult to find solid information, especially pricing.

I do work for one of the IFE manufacturers, and yes, pricing is very difficult to determine. Each airline is very different. Just like they all pay Boeing/Airbus very different prices for the same airplane.