For many people, inflight entertainment can play a useful role in making time fly while traveling from one airport to another. Seatback screens are commonplace on widebodies, but passengers on narrowbodies often have to remember to download movies to their own devices before their flight if they want something to watch.
Of course, if this is forgotten, your chances for entertainment are somewhat minimized. However, by teaming up with a Dutch WiFi provider, Bhutan Airlines has launched a 'bring your own device' system that will allow passengers to stream a selection of films and television series without having to pre-download anything.
The new system
The provider in question is AirFi. Based in Den Haag, Netherlands, the company describes itself as "the world's most portable IFE solution." Its partnership with Bhutan Airlines is now allowing the carrier's passengers to access a wide range of visual content, simply by connecting their own devices to AirFi's onboard network.
Find more news about Asian aviation here!
According to AirFi, video content is available in the form of "Hollywood and regional film, television series, and documentary content." However, the fun doesn't stop there, as passengers can also access magazines, music, and, of course, a moving map through the new system. AirFi's CEO, Job Heimerikx, stated the following:
"I’m always happy when AirFi’s low CapEx business model and easy-to-deploy solutions can enable a carrier like Bhutan Airlines to introduce IFE for their passengers. When Bhutan Airlines is ready to add new features to the IFE offering,or wishes to boost ancillary revenues from onboard sales, we will be ready with flexible, tailor-made options."
The system has been well received thus far
With Bhutan Airlines being a relatively small carrier, kitting out its fleet has been a rather speedy affair. As such, passengers have already been able to begin providing feedback regarding the carrier's new 'bring your own device' inflight entertainment. According to AirFi, the moving map is the most popular feature as it stands.
The positive reception is good news for Bhutan Airlines, as the carrier wants to use the presence of an inflight entertainment system to give it an edge over other carriers in the region. This is because, as AirFi notes, "many of the airline's regional competitors offer no IFE." Pema N. Nadik, the carrier's CEO, commented that:
"We are excited to launch our new IFE system, powered by AirFi. It will significantly enhance the overall travel experience for our passengers. These new systems are part of our ongoing efforts to improve our services, and provide our customers with the highest level of comfort and convenience. AirFi is a proven leader in portable wireless IFE, and can provide a perfect blend of entertainment to complement our passenger demographic."
Bhutan Airlines in a nutshell
Bhutan Airlines is based out of Paro International Airport (PBH), as pictured above. This airport is the only one of the four in Bhutan to offer international flights, and few pilots are permitted to fly there, due to its complex approach. Bhutan Airlines operates international flights out of Paro to India, Nepal, and Thailand, using, according to AirFi, a pair of two-class, 126-seat Airbus A319 twinjets.
What do you make of this new offering? Have you ever flown with Bhutan Airlines? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Source: AirFi