JetBlue Airways has extended its LiveTV commitment to the additional 30 Airbus A320s it ordered at last month's Paris air show.
The New York-based airline, the launch customer for Thales Avionics In-Flight Systems and Harris joint venture LiveTV, already operates 14 A320s offering the in-flight satellite-delivered television services to passengers at every seat. JetBlue's commitment to LiveTV totals 71 A320s with options for 60 more aircraft, with around 10 due for delivery each year through to 2007. The A320s feature 24-channel satellite television, offered free of charge, at each of the 162 seats. JetBlue is currently LiveTV's only operational customer following the closure of its second operator, Legend Airlines.
In October JetBlue is due to introduce LiveTV's Wireless Data Link to provide high-speed, bi-directional data communication, connecting the aircraft to an airport base control centre. The system will allow the aircraft to become a node on a wireless network to permit information to be downloaded and uploaded without crew involvement. The Wireless Data Link will allow the entertainment system to be maintained remotely, with content updates to be made including route specific programming and dynamic channel changing.
Source: Flight International
