New Indian planes to have entertainment systems

New Delhi, May 12: Flying aboard Indian (Airlines) is set to change soon with passengers being able to enjoy new entertainment systems.

The airline's board today approved a proposal to install In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems on its new Airbus aircraft.

The IFE system will offer passengers both audio and video footage at their seat.

Currently, the airline plans to install an IFE system in the armrest in business class. In economy class, the television monitor will be mounted on the headrest in front of each seat.

''Initially IA intends to install the IFE system in 10 Airbus aircraft which alone is likely to cost about Rs 100 crore,'' said Indian's chairman and managing director Vishwapati Trivedi.

The government-owned airline recently signed an agreement with Airbus Industrie to purchase 43 aircraft valued at Rs 9,888 crore.

It plans to buy 19 Airbus A319, 20 A321 and four A320 aircraft.

At present, IA offers piped music on its flights. Among the domestic airlines, Kingfisher Airlines offers personalised video screens and headphones broadcasting five video channels and 10 music channels.

UNI