The on-demand in-flight entertainment provided by SITA and Thales is currently on trial with LAN Airlines.
Image credit: LAN Airlines

[Via Satellite 09-17-13] Thales and SITA have seen success with the pairing of Thales’ GateSync with SITA’s e-Aircraft Connectivity Services to enable in-flight entertainment (IFE) on demand to passengers’ smartphones, tablets and other devices. Currently on trial with LAN Airlines, at Santiago Airport, it provides passengers with on-demand rich content straight to their own devices. This includes music, movies, news, TV series, PC games, interactive shopping, destination and flight information, all streamed within the cabin.

SITA provides connectivity for aircraft on the ground via Wi-Max, Wi-Fi, or cellular service and, through its subsidiary OnAir, in-flight connectivity through satellite-based broadband services. By using SITA’s network to deliver its IFE, Thales avoids shipping hard drives and the need for manpower to upload content, while allowing frequent updates. Besides IFE content, SITA’s delivery of information can handle other airline data, such as non-safety-critical operational aircraft communications.