American Airlines to expand on-demand entertainment offering

American Airlines is to rollout on-demand video streaming across its wifi-enabled narrowbody fleet by the end of next year. The service - which allows passengers to stream TV programmes and movies on compatible personal devices in-flight – is already available on 15 B767-200 aircraft serving transcontinental routes, and will be installed on over 90 MD-80 aircraft by the end of the year, along with B737-800 aircraft by the end of 2012. In total around 400 AA aircraft will be fitted with the service by the end of next year. Passengers do not have to pay for full wifi internet access to stream the videos – instead they purchase individual programmes and movies, which will then remain accessible for viewing for up to 72 hours after landing (24 hours in the case of movies). AA is currently offering an introductory price of 99 cents per TV show and $3.99 per movie for videos streamed on board B767 aircraft fitted with the service. In addition customers will receive a free internet session for a future flight when they purchase a TV programme or movie before October 15. For more information visit aa.com. Report by Mark Caswell