Gabon carrier Afrijet is to be the launch customer for ATR’s new wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution Cabinstream, developed by Phitek.
A deal was signed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, with the Libreville-based airline planning to introduce the streaming system into its fleet of five ATR turboprops before the end of the year. It operates three ATR 72-500s and two ATR 42-500s.
Cabinstream allows passengers to enhance their on-board experience by accessing a variety of multimedia content on their personal electronic devices, such as newspapers, music, films, TV series and travel guides.
ATR says the simple IFE box solution is easy to install and is an option on all new ATRs, as well as being easily retrofittable on existing aircraft.
Afrijet’s CEO, Marc Gaffajoli, said: “Being able to offer an even better on-board experience to our passengers is a key reason for us in choosing this option. We are looking forward to providing great, innovative and easily accessible content. We are proud to show that Africa is a land of innovation.”
Chris van der Loo, director of marketing at New Zealand-based Phitek, added that the system “enhances the in-flight experience by delivering rich content to passengers whilst opening up new advertising revenue possibilities for operators.”
ATR’s vice-president marketing, Zuzana Hrnkova, said: “This is a further example of how ATR’s culture of continuous development has real and tangible benefits for both passengers and operators. The deal between Afrijet and Phitek introduces another high-tech solution into the ATR cabin.”
