Emirates rolls out inflight innovations

In line with its ongoing inflight product improvements, Emirates is launching a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed by Panasonic Avionics Corporation that will make the airline’s ice digital widescreen system easier to use. The new interface will be introduced within two weeks across Emirates’ A380 fleet and subsequently over the next year across the majority of Emirates’ Boeing 777 aircraft. It will be available in all classes of service. Unique to Emirates, the enhanced GUI includes a wide range of advanced capabilities that enhances the distinctiveness and elegance of Emirates’ inflight system, ice Digital Widescreen. The new ice experience includes the capability for passengers to discover the full entertainment system by “swiping” or “scrolling” through the vast library of media and entertainment that is available on Emirates; send SMS and email messages; explore the moving map system, Airshow; watch the in-flight cameras; and access live text news from the BBC. Emirates offers more than 1,000 channels of information, communication and entertainment on all its four daily services from New Zealand to Dubai and beyond via Australia. “Emirates has been tracking the commercial progress of GUIs, where an ever-expanding array of choices are available to consumers, and we wanted to bring the same experience, look, and feel available on smart phones and tablets to our loyal customers in an aircraft environment,” said Tim Clark, President Emirates airline. “Emirates has always been committed to continuous innovation of our ice systems and to providing our passengers with a unique and memorable onboard experience. Subsequently, over the past 24 months working with our partner, Panasonic, Emirates has succeeded in creating a smart and simplified interface which will appeal to customers of all ages.” Emirates will roll-out a number of additional inflight product enhancements across the next few months as part of a multi-million dollar investment in onboard technology. Larger video screens, in all classes, will come into operation from May on new Boeing 777 aircraft, in addition to future Airbus A380 deliveries. An enhanced in-seat telephone handset and new Mode Controller in First Class and Business Class will also be introduced, ensuring a more seamless customer experience. In July the all new A380s are set to be delivered to Emirates with full wi-fi, mobile phone and data services available.