WestJet to install Wi-Fi in-seat entertainment
WestJet will launch a new in-flight entertainment system for its fleet which will be powered by Wi-Fi.
As part of the upgrade the carrier will also offer a tablet rental service.
Canada’s second largest airline said it will remove seat back television screens next year and install the Panasonics Avionics system to enable mobile devices to access the Internet and live streaming of movies, TV and music.
It will also offer tablets for rent to the estimated 25% of passengers who do not travel with a mobile device.
The airline has not yet announced which tablet will be available and what the service fees will be.
"Decisions are still to be made regarding which tablets we will use, costs and service delivery," said Westjet spokesman Thorsteinson Ogle.
Along with enhancing the in-flight experience, the carrier is looking to generate higher ancillary revenue, which is currently around $8 per passenger per flight, much less than most other North American airlines.
Air Canada has been testing a similar in-flight Wi-Fi technology but has not yet announced a timeline for rolling out a new system.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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