easyJet has today announced that it will trial inflight entertainment for the first time in a partnership with Rakuten, a global leader in internet services and e-commerce, and Immfly, an inflight digital services platform provider.
While airlines have traditionally offered seat-back screens, ‘Air Time’ will enable easyJet customers to tune in to a wide range of short-haul suited entertainment including TV and film, kids entertainment, games and audio books as well as easyJet flight information and destination guides, on their own devices. Moreover, content will cover multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish and Italian and feature services such as onboard language tutorials and digital pacifiers.
The easy-to-use portal will be accessible through the user’s own device browser which will connect to the onboard wireless network, while in flight mode. To ensure young viewers are protected, any age restricted content will be clearly marked and users will be asked to confirm their age in order to view the content, in the same way as many mainstream online streaming services.
‘Air Time’ will be initially available on five easyJet aircraft from this autumn, with plans to roll the service out to the entire fleet.
Andrew Middleton, easyJet’s Ancillary Revenue Director commented:
“’Air Time’ will allow us for the first time to offer customers inflight entertainment in a way that rep licates how they consume their media at home
‘We are delighted to be collaborating with more innovative partners, such as Rakuten who will help us curate engaging content, and Immfly who are providing the unique easyJet inflight platform with a dedicated customer support team, ensuring that easyJet crew are able to continue conducting an excellent standard of safety-focused service and onboard hospitality.”
Rakuten will also be the Official Entertainment Sponsor of ‘Air Time’. Rakuten is also FC Barcelona’s Main Global Partner and Global Innovation and Entertainment Partner.
Arjen van de Vall, President Rakuten Europe commented:
"Rakuten is very excited about the opportunity to partner with easyJet and to support the creation of a winning inflight entertainment proposition. We are confident Rakuten can bring strong value and create a high quality showcase of its services through the onboard Immfly platform offering a best in class user experience."
Just some of the entertainment available on ‘Air Time’ will include critically acclaimed TV titles such as superhero series Legion and quirky comedy Modern Family as well as a range of family favourites and box office hits.
Digital leadership
The airline is leading in using the latest technology to streamline the processes customers go through.
It is currently exploring applications which will improve and enhance the digital self-service proposition through the customer journey with a particular focus on voice. Airport Explorer is an app in development which responds to voice commands to help passengers easily locate airport amenities. In June the airline become the first European airline to launch an Amazon Alexa skill which enables passengers to easily and quickly check their flight status and which has already racked up over 30,000 searches.
easyJet’s Director of Digital & Marketing, James Millett, said:
“We look to the latest technology to enhance our customer’s travel experiences at every stage of their interaction with us from searching and browsing for a flight through to stepping off the aircraft in their destination. The announcements today show real progress and leadership in this area.“
easyJet has been leading in recent advances in digital in order to enhance and simplify passengers’ experiences when flying. One million people scanned their passport details last year with their mobile camera phone making check in significantly faster and easier. 25% of all easyJet passengers now choose to have their boarding passes on their phone through the easyJet app which can be used at 125 airports across easyJet’s network.
Following an announcement last year easyJet and Founders Factory are actively working together to support and drive existing travel tech start-ups and co-create two new travel businesses within the incubator programme every year, for five years. easyJet has kick-started this strategic partnership with backing for FLIO and LuckyTrip, two travel start-ups with a focus in in airport experience and travel inspiration.
