Flyi Evaluates Mobile IFE After Dropping Satellite TV Aviation Daily

02/09/2005, page 08

Steven Lott/Lori Ranson

Independence Air`s recent decision to drop plans to install an inflight satellite television system on its Airbus A319s is a blow to Matsushita Avionics Systems Corp. (MAS), but it opens the door to suppliers of handheld entertainment devices.

Flyi in late September inked a deal with MAS to install seatback eFX system on its fleet of A319s that would provide 24 channels of live television (DAILY, Oct. 1). At the time, MAS said the first installation would start at the end of 2004. Flyi faced delays certifying its A319s and also delayed the installation of the MAS system.

The airline recently decided to abandon the MAS deal altogether largely because of the cost, a spokesman confirmed. The airline has not said if it has to pay a penalty to Matsushita for canceling the contract. The carrier`s spokesman said Flyi is evaluating other options, including handheld devices that don`t require permanent installation in the aircraft.

American last year signed a deal with Integrated Media Solutions Inc. to trial a ``personal entertainment device`` that offers a wide variety of movies and music (DAILY, Oct. 1). The IMS unit, resembling a portable DVD player, weighs about three pounds and has an 8.9-inch screen. The devices have content downloaded from a central computer service, including movies, music, music videos, television and animated short programming, newspapers, audio books and games.

Alaska Air allows passengers to rent a digEplayer handheld device on transcontinental flights. Made by Tacoma-based APS Inc., the digEplayer offers 10 movies and 10 categories of music; passengers also can watch television shows, destination information and airport maps. The airline charges $10 to rent the player. -SL/LR