LIVE AIRBORNE TV is about to hit the international market although this facility has been available on certain US domestic carriers in recent years. Qatar Airways is set to become the first full long haul airline to install onboard satellite television as part of a US$100m agreement with German company Lufthansa Technik. The airline plans to introduce the new feature on its fleet of Airbus A330s by the end of the year. Using the Rockwell Collins Tailwind 560 product passengers will be able to watch live TV on the existing interactive in-flight entertainment system. Fellow Gulf airline Etihad is also developing a seat back global TV service, but in conjunction with Boeing Connexion with an in service date during 2006.
http://www.lufthansatechnik.com
http://www.qatarairways.com
http://www.etihadairways.com