This priceless feature will be available in every seat of Qantas’ new Airbus A380s starting from August 2008. If the wait is too long, then you can catch an existing 747-400s that will contain retrofitted parts in a new cabin type, “premium economy”. That is due to arrive later in February 2008.
However, the lucky ones who do manage to catch one of the upcoming to Airbuses will be delighted to know that even economy class will feature laptop power! Perhaps of even greater awe, Qantas will offer web and email access via seat-back in-flight entertainment systems if you aren’t carrying a laptop with you.
With the addition of the new more flexible kangaroo logo, Qantas has decided to place USB and Ethernet ports on the premium economy classes. The USB port will be designed to browse the in-flight entertainment system; however, Qantas is still discussing on whether to add Divx video capability (my personal choice) or the ability to connect with iPod. The Ethernet will be an another option for laptop users who prefer it over WiFi or even a better idea if/when in-flight Internet becomes congested due to popularity.
The company behind all these innovations is ONAIR; however, we have little information about it, but this report from September last year gives of a bit of information from CEO George Cooper. Little is also told about the pricing, but we can certainly expect the price to take off as Internet capability is added. The price may keep few travellers out of Qantas; however, if you can afford to spend a little, you definitely should fly first-class on the new Airbus. It will offer every passenger (on first-class) a 17″ LCD monitor. The economy-class will get a large monitor on the back of the seat, but it will still contain Internet capability.
New Innovative Features of Airbus’s Entertainment System:
- Audio and video on demand with over 100 on demand movies, 350 television selections, 500 audio CDs, 30 PC style games, as well as a selection of audio books and radio channels
- Lonely Planet destination and arrival guides
- Online duty free shopping
- Moving maps, text news and weather
- Wireless connectivity throughout the aircraft
- In-seat access to email and the Internet, telephone and SMS
- An external camera giving a pilot’s eye view of take-off, landing and cruising
All those features plus more will be available starting August 2008.
Read [APCMag]
But only if Qantas doesn't cancel their Airbus orders for late/non delivery