Passengers consistently regard inflight entertainment as one of the top five most important things on a flight, after seat comfort, cabin crew services and food and beverage offerings.
Below is a list of some of the movies you’ll have access to when travelling in the region with five major airlines operating around Asia-Pacific between July and August. The list is not exhaustive, since many carriers have installed AVOD IFE systems, providing a plethora of vintage releases and classics.
CATHAY PACIFIC
The airline has rolled out AVOD systems on long-haul routes only and a majority of regional routes still feature the older system.
Top three movies:
The Lincoln Lawyer
Cast: Matthew McConaughey
Summary: From the back of his Lincoln car, this lawyer represents the scum of the streets.
Limitless
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and Abbie Cornish
Synopsis: A secret drug falls into the hands of a writer, endowing him with super powers.
Kung Fu Panda 2
Cast: Jack Black and Angelina Jolie
Summary: The sequel to the hugely successful Kung Fu Panda follows Po on his journey to take down an old enemy with the help of new kung-fu masters.
EMIRATES
This carrier has rolled out AVOD systems on almost all its aircraft except in the economy class of their Airbus A330-200 and A340-300 aircraft.
Top three movies:
Red Riding Hood
Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Julie Christie and Gary Oldman
Synopsis: After a werewolf kills someone from Daggerhorn, the people of the village seek to slay the beast.
Battle: Los Angeles
Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Bridget Moynahan and Michelle Rodriguez
Synopsis: Los Angeles struggles to survive in a global battle against unknown forces
Soul Surfer
Cast: Anna Sophia Robb, Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt
Summary: Based on the true story of a female surfer who persevered and pursued her passion for the sport despite having her arm hacked off during a shark attack.
JAPAN AIRLINES
The carrier has recently introduced AVOD IFE systems, dubbed Magic V, which are available on Boeing B767-300ERs operated on the Haneda-Singapore, Beijing and Narita-Singapore, Hanoi routes. Magic III, an older version of the IFE system, features on the B777-200ER, B777-300ER and B767-300ER aircraft, while Magic IV is available on B737-800, which is used on routes to China.
Top three movies:
The Adjustment Bureau
Cast: Matt Damon and Emily Blunt
Summary: A romance thriller about a budding politician and a ballerina being kept apart.
Rio
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg and George Lopez
Synopsis: A cute animated comedy film about the adventures of a blue macaw
Water for Elephants
Cast: Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon
Summary: Romantic drama film based on Sara Gruen’s novel about a veterinary student who joins a travelling circus troupe.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
The carrier has introduced AVOD IFE systems across most of their fleet, excluding the Boeing B777-300 and the B777-200, which are undergoing retrofitting programmes to install the new system.
Top three movies:
Midnight in Paris
Cast: Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams
Synopsis: An engaged couple arrive in Paris for business and end up questioning the notion that the grass is greener on the other side.
Hanna
Cast: Saoirse Ronan and Eric Bana
Synopsis: A teenager bred to kill tries to adjust to a more conventional way of life
Thor
Cast: Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman
Synopsis: After the arrogant warrior, Thor, is thrown out of Asgard he has to adjust to live on Earth with humans.
THAI
Most of this carrier’s fleet have also been installed with AVOD systems except select, older Airbus A330-300.On some of the B747-400 aircraft, the AVOD system is only available in business and first class.
Top three movies:
Beastly
Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens and Mary-Kate Olsen
Summary: A modern day twist to the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast set in New York.
Arthur
Cast: Russell Brand, Jennifer Garner and Helen Mirren
Summary: Just when the son of a rich family is about to get a large inheritance, he falls for someone his family doesn't approve of
Prom
Cast: Aimee Teegarden, Thomas McDonell and DeVaughn Nixon
Summary: A comedy revolving around group of teenagers preparing for prom night.
Alisha Haridasani and Hazel Ho