Apple to integrate iPod on Air France, Emirates, United and others
February 15, 2007US electronics giant Apple is joining forces with airlines including Air France, KLM and Emirates to allow passengers to plug their iPods into seat-back entertainment systems.
From mid-2007, passengers will be able to use iPod seat connections which power and charge their iPods, as well as allowing video content to be displayed on seat-back screens.
US airlines Continental, Delta and United will also benefit from the iPod connectivity feature and Apple is working with Panasonic Avionics to include even more airlines in the future.
"There is no better travelling companion than an iPod," said Apple's Greg Joswiak.
The system is likely to be a hit with passengers because the iPod has become phenomenally popular since it was launched in 2001.
It became the world's best-selling range of digital audio players in 2004 and the latest incarnation is the fifth generation (iPod 5G). This model was introduced in late 2005 and allows users to play games as well as watch videos.
The iPod connectivity is one of many upgrades made by airlines to their in-flight entertainment systems in recent months.
Emirates offers more than 1,100 distractions on its "ice" system, including live news headlines from the BBC, 40 interactive games and 600 channels.
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