Inflight Dublin Supports Airlines With Free Six-Month Wireless IFE Trial
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With this show of solidarity, Inflight Dublin hopes to allow passengers to retain access to in-flight entertainment during a time when airlines are forced to cut costs due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The service can also help airlines generate ancillary revenue through advertising, content sales, destination services and in-flight product sales.
Inflight Dublin has launched a six-month free trial of its wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution to support airlines during the pandemic. Everhub includes all components necessary to allow passengers to consume IFE on their personal electronic devices (PEDs).
According to Inflight Dublin marketing executive Jane Boland, the company’s free trial offer is not a sales exercise: “It’s simply our way of trying to support the relaunch of an industry that has been severely impacted by COVID-19.” As such, it is offering six months of free service to any airline that wants to maintain what Boland calls a “positive in-flight service,” but is not in a strong enough financial position to do so.
The Everhub server is DO-160G certified and can deliver DRM-protected HD content to 75 passengers per unit. A hot-swappable battery configuration and remote loading of content minimize operational costs, and the device weighs only six pounds. Since September, interCaribbean Airways, Privilege Style and GainJet have become clients, and Inflight Dublin is currently in the final stages of contract talks with a few other parties.
The IFE provider bills Everhub as a one-stop-shop that goes beyond hardware. It features a software platform with a data analytics tool, called Everhub Insights, that gives airlines direct access to system usage statistics, server status and more. “Many airlines are already experiencing the benefits of Everhub, with our innovation program ensuring that our solutions meet the changing needs of the market,” said John White, Inflight Dublin’s CEO.
Part of that innovation lies in giving airlines the ability to capitalize on ancillary revenue streams via Everhub. Advertising, content sales, destination services and in-flight product sales are some ways the product can help airlines mitigate financial losses while considering the needs of the traveler. “Inflight Dublin believes any ancillary service must be mutually beneficial for the airline and its passenger to ensure it is a success,” Boland said.
White also alluded to the importance of wireless IFE during the coronavirus pandemic. As airlines attempt to maintain a germ-free cabin, they are making an effort to eschew high-touch surfaces and objects. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and other carriers have stopped inserting magazines and other items in the seatback pocket for this reason. Everhub provides an alternative to high-touch seatback screens by delivering digital shopping catalogs, publications and video directly to passengers’ PEDs.
Inflight Dublin has introduced new content opportunities recently as well, from rethinking the possibilities for communicating hygiene best practices in the cabin to inking an exclusive in-flight content deal with YouTube stars Dude Perfect.