- SUMMARY
- IndiGo will offer mobile-based IFE service on a trial basis.
- This service will be launched on a single route to Goa.
- Mobile app has been upgraded with 200 hours of content including movies, games, and music.
IndiGo, the largest airline in India, is set to begin testing of a mobile-based In-Flight Entertainment System soon. From next month, the airline will roll out IFE service on a specific route on a trial basis. IndiGo is looking forward to receiving its first Airbus A321XLR in mid-2025. As this aircraft will be deployed on medium to long-haul routes, the airline is in the process of conducting trials to determine the most suitable offerings for its future operations.
IndiGo To Offer In-Flight Entertainment System
In its entire history, IndiGo has never utilized an aircraft with IFE screens. The only exceptions are two Boeing 777s wet-leased by Turkish Airlines. The airline has now planned a trial for mobile-based IFE.
From May 1, IndiGo passengers traveling between Delhi and Goa will be able to use this service, which will be under trial. For a period of three months, IndiGo will provide services on this exclusive route. Using the airline’s mobile app, passengers will be able to stream over 200 hours of content across various niches. Movies include both Indian as well as from Hollywood. A wide range of songs have been included in the IFE. For children, there are treasure hunt games synced with maps.
Passengers will have to bring their personal headphones to enjoy this service. Usually, full-service airlines like Air India and Vistara provide their own headphones to customers. It will be interesting to see whether IndiGo provide its own headphones to customers in the future or continue with this approach.
The airline has upgraded its mobile app to include options to watch famous movies, TV shows, maps, games, and a wide range of music options.
To avoid any interruption with aircraft electronics, this service will be enabled for the passengers, only after the aircraft climbs to the cruising altitude of 30,000 ft.
Full Roll Out After Trial Completion
In the statement, IndiGo said that from May 1, the trial of this service will start on the Delhi to Goa route. Once the trial is successful and the airline is satisfied with the results, it will roll out this service across the network.
IndiGo Chief Digital & Information Officer, Neetan Chopra said that the airline is looking to bring this service to fulfill the emerging expectations of Indian travelers. This new feature has been added as an extension to the airline’s mobile app.
IndiGo has an unknown number of Airbus A321XLRs on order. The airline has already cleared its intent to deploy these aircraft on routes to Eastern Europe and far-east Asia. It has eyes on destinations like Rome, Seoul, and Athens. The cabin configuration of the Airbus A321XLR is still unknown. There are many questions.
Will there be a business class? Will the XLR get fitted with In-Flight Entertainment Screens? Which seats will be used for the Economy and Premium cabins (if planned)? This trial announcement comes just a day after the Vice President of In-Flight Services at IndiGo announced her departure from the airline. Mrs. Suman Chopra has been with the airline since its inception in 2006.
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Thanking Note
With Inputs From IndiGo Press Release
Featured Image Credits: IndiGo via Facebook
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