Sun Country Airlines has inked a deal with digEcor to distribute the firm's digEplayer XT portable in-flight entertainment units to passengers.

Beginning this weekend with the launch of its inaugural flight between Minneapolis/St Paul and London Stansted airport, Sun Country will offer digEplayer XT devices free-of-charge to all first-class travelers and at a cost of $10 in coach class.

Each digEplayer XT device will come preloaded with a selection of first-run movies, as well as TV shows, music and games.

"Sporting an 8in screen, the digEplayer XT offers DVD-quality video and crisp, clear text and graphics and two independently controlled headphone jacks. With a battery life in excess of 12 hours, the digEplayer will keep travelers entertained throughout their flight," says digEcor in a statement.

Sun Country vice-president of marketing and sales Wendy Blackshaw says: "The digEplayer is perfectly suited for air travel, particularly on longer flights. DigEcor has been a leader in designing personal entertainment systems for in-flight use and truly understands what travelers want. The digEplayer is intimate, and the device fits comfortably in your hands, on your lap or on a tray table."

Sun Country in March announced plans to launch seasonal scheduled Boeing 737-800 service to London Stansted after securing extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) certification from the US FAA.

In addition to offering the digEplayer on London flights, Blackshaw says the airline also plans to add devices on its Twin Cities-Anchorage, Alaska service and is evaluating the possibility of offering them across its entire system.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news