Entertainment in the skies; glitches still hurting video with wings
Article Abstract:
Nearly all leading international airlines are spending heavily on sophisticated and fairly unreliable technology designed to entertain long-distance passengers. Among the options are video screens at every seat, a choice of up to 21 movies and computer games. The airlines, which until recently offered perhaps a single movie and scratchy music, view the technological upgrades as an opportunity to compete for customers. The industry is expected to spend $6 billion to install a new generation of systems in 4,800 planes by 2003. Passengers would have the ability to demand audio and video as well as utilize an interactive system to control numerous movies and TC programs. Additional choices of live television and Internet connections by satellite would let users watch live programming and perform popular online activities. Technological problems have prevented airlines from 100% delivery to all seats during flight.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Entertainment in the skies: glitches still hurting video with wings
Article Abstract:
Nearly every major airline in the world now provides high-tech video systems at every passenger seat. Each passenger can choose from a variety of movies, computer games, shopping, and even gambling. However, these systems can cost up to $4.5 million to install. They also have a reputation for being undependable. Nevertheless, carriers believe they have to spend millions of dollars to have these systems installed in order to lure and keep customers.
Comment:
World: Carriers believe they have to spend millions of dollars to install video systems on flights to lure and keep customers
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Amid U.S. suit, Northwest buys stake in rival
Article Abstract:
Northwest Airlines is moving ahead with its planned investment in Continental Airlines for $430 million giving it a controlling interest, even though the federal government has not given its go-ahead. The Justice Dept. will continue its suit against the deal in light of possible monopoly violations. Northwest is going ahead with the deal since a reversal at a later date is more easily achieved than if this were a full-fledged merger.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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