QATAR Airways is claiming to be the first airline to offer live digital satellite television to passengers using seatback TV systems.
BBC WorldCNN, Eurosport and the Disney Channel will be among the channels made available using the new technology on five of the airline’s Airbus A330 long-haul aircraft.
By the end of the year, 14 aircraft, including the airline’s new Airbus A340-600 that enters service this month, will be equipped with the system.
A further 10 aircraft will be equipped with the system during 2007.
Live television is initially being made available on flights within and between the Middle East and Europe.
Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We have been successfully trialling live TV for some time and are extremely pleased to be able to offer this unique service to passengers on selected aircraft.
“In this day and age of long-haul international travel, passengers are becoming more demanding and are flying in an environment where there is more choice.
“We continue to look at ways to improve our service levels to passengers and, by offering a variety of entertainment options, we also set new standards of comfort to ensure we are the airline of choice.”