“Air New Zealand will equip eighteen of its airliners with in-flight entertainment rigs allowing iPod users to play their video on seatback screens, listen to audio through the aircraft system, and control their device via the plane’s interface,” The Times Online reports.
“Flight International reports that the Panasonic X Series in-flight entertainment system, which was trialed last October, will be fitted to 13 Airbus A320s and five Boeing 767s operated by the Kiwi carrier ‘in the near term,'” Times Online reports. “The X Series kit is capable of offering broadband internet connection, VoIP, secure payments and indeed pretty much anything you might expect from a computer/media centre, depending on the options selected by the airline, says a report and analysis on The Register website.”
“And of course there is the iPod hookup, says The Register, – under which, according to Panasonic, ‘your aircraft becomes an authorised Apple accessory.’ Air New Zealand have also selected ‘USB media player’ options, however, so owners of other portables may also be able to get in on the action,” Times Online reports.
MacDailyNews Take: All three of them.
Full article here.
Hmm. Couldn’t find an A320 in the accessories list on the Apple Store…
Singapore Airlines actually is the first airline to offer the iPod integration. Its first flight with the system from Singapore to New York is scheduled to land in about 30 minutes.
I have flown air NZ before and it’s a great airline. Stay away from United if you are going down under. United is THE worst airline I have ever flown.
Air New Zealand is one kick ass great airline. Great memories taking their planes on around-the-world trips I did as fun and for work (16 altogether).
And New Zealand is a magical, magical place to visit. Been all over the world, and if I had to pick one spot where I could visit, it would be New Zealand.
Damn. Go Kiwis.
The only way the crappy US airlines will do something like this is if they figure out how to nickle and dime the passengers for the “extra service.”
@D. “New Zealand is a magical, magical place to visit”.
I’m pleased you enjoyed it. We have our problems, but it’s not a bad place to live either.
@D
Here’s one for you
PURE NZ AD
It was MADE ON A Mac
While looking for a funny Kiwi beer ad I found his beauty from Aussie
Love the bottle opener –
So turn up the volume and enjoy this Pure Blonde Beer ad – EXCELLENT.
And here’s is the Kiwi “sheep shaggers” ad – Hello ladies.
In regards to NZ and iPods –
All the latest Ad TV spots here in Australia, involve young “funky” Kiwi peeps accosting people on the streets, shoving an iTouch into their hands and plonking headsets on their heads to watch a Video that demonstrates the action and beauty to be found in the “land of the long white cloud”.
Personally, I have always found NZ to be truly blessed as THE magical and wondrous place, unlike any other on this rock.
Do yourself a real favor and go there … and swing by Aussieland on the way thru.