MUMBAI: Frequent flyer "saas-bahu" saga addicts would just love this service on our domestic aircraft carriers. LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation, has entered into an agreement with Virgin Blue Airlines to provide in-flight satellite television on the Australian low-fare carrier's fleet.
This new service will be broadcast live via satellite to the aircraft and displayed on individual seatback screens. This is the first time in-flight satellite TV has ever been available in Australia, following JetBlue's US debut of the system in 2000, informs a company release.
Under the terms of the agreement, LiveTV will provide satellite receiving and distribution system equipment as well as maintenance services, enabling Virgin Blue to provide its customers the choice of 24 Foxtel and Austar channels of satellite programming at every seatback.
Virgin Blue will purchase the in-flight entertainment system and maintenance will be provided by LiveTV. This order is to equip 51 firm Boeing 737 aircraft with the option to install the system on future aircraft deliveries. Installation of the equipment on Virgin Blue's first aircraft is scheduled for the third quarter of 2005, the release adds.
"We're delighted to add Virgin Blue to our customer base of low-fare airlines," says LiveTV VP Glenn Latta. "I'd like to commend our crewmembers on once again being the supplier of choice when it comes to in-flight entertainment on low-fare carriers. Our agreement with Virgin Blue is a tribute to their hard work and dedication in providing the At Home in the Air (TM) experience for all of LiveTV's customers."