British Airways strikes inflight entertainment deal

It has been announced that Thales, a provider of information technology to the aerospace industry, and British Airways have reached a deal to equip the carrier's next generation aircraft with new inflight entertainment (IFE) systems.

The multi-million pound deal will see British Airways' planes fitted with larger LCD screens and a multimedia system providing more than 100 films, 300 programmes and 400 CDs, as well as radio shows and podcasts.

Ports for the connection and charging of personal electronic devices will be installed at every seat throughout cabins on the carrier's new aircraft, as well as power points for laptops.

Mark Barclay, managing director of Thales UK's aerospace business, said the entertainment system will "reinforce British Airways' brand and service in all classes".

"We are delighted about the selection and anticipate that, together, our two companies will keep raising the bar in this field," he added.

Jamie Cassidy, the airline's general manager of product management, said: "The new Thales IFE system will go way beyond the basics. It is an 'everything on demand' system that lets passengers do what they want, when they want."

The system will be delivered for installation in 2010 on British Airways' Boeing 777-300ER planes, as well as its next-generation Airbus A380s and 787 Dreamliners.

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