I’m not sure how I feel about Virgin Atlantic getting in-flight phone calls, but the web access is definitely a plus. The latter involves a huge, $70 million deal with Panasonic Avionics and will include Panasonic’s eX2 in-flight entertainment and eXPhone products. Each Airbus A330 will become equipped with the goods while other types of planes for Virgin Atlantic will get the treatment a little later.
Panasonic Avionics is partnering up with AeroMobile for GSM phone connectivity on Virgin Atlantic flights. Soon you’ll be able to endure the woman behind you yelling and whining trying to argue charges on her credit card bill like I once did on a five hour flight. Isn’t in-flight calling the best idea ever?
For entertainment, the eX2 in-flight entertainment will include up to 300 hours of movies, music and TV to choose from so those long flights don’t have to be so boring and dull. You can even create a playlist so that all your media is set for your flight and you won’t have to fidget with controls to get to the next item in your entertainment agenda.
If you fork over the extra dough for Premium Economy and Upper Class, you’ll be able to plug in your mobile device so you can see your own movies, pictures, documents and more on the seat-back screens. This is definitely a bonus when the tons and tons of content that the airline and its partners provide just don’t cut it for you.
So, when is it all coming? The first ten aircraft to get equipped will hit the skies in February 2011. For now, you’ll just have to settle with your MP3 players and iPads and books to help you get through those long flights over the Atlantic. Afraid of flying? Don’t worry, Virgin Atlantic has had an app for that for a little while now.
[Via: Electronista]