AIRASIA X SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT (IFE) SOLUTION

Source : Air Asia Communications

AIRASIA X SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT (IFE) SOLUTION

PARIS, France, 22 JUNE 2011, Wednesday : AirAsia X, the long haul, low fare affiliate of Malaysian based AirAsia Group signed a Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) with Tune Box for the development of an In-flight Entertainment (IFE) solution for the airline.

The customised In-flight Entertainment (IFE) solution is expected to create a new profitable ancillary stream for AirAsia X and further enhance guests’ in-flight experience.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Azran Osman-Rani, the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia X and Sami El Hadery, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Tune Box. The signing ceremony was witnessed by YB. Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia X, and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X. The signing ceremony took place today at the Paris Air Show, France with the attendance of AirAsia X board members, AirAsia senior management and members of the media.

The In-flight Entertainment (IFE) solution concept will be developed to meet the airline’s low cost model (lower capex cost and simpler operations) while offering media content in an innovative way which will further enhance AirAsia X’s services to its guests. The concept will take advantage of existing server hardware on board the AirAsia X aircraft and distribute content to Passenger Electronic Devices (PEDs) using WiFi technology.

Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X said “AirAsia X’s partnership with Tune Box for the new innovative technology and concept of the In-flight entertainment (IFE) system would help us accentuate our ancillary product offerings across our network, while holding true to our business model. This would further elevate the AirAsia X brand to greater heights in all markets we fly to.”

“AirAsia X’s near to long term expansion plans has made it all the more important for us to be at the forefront of innovation. As we grow our network, fleet and operations, AirAsia X remains steadfast to its commitment of offering the best products and services to our guests”.

The proposed new installed system will be lighter weight and use less power than traditional in-seat systems, which would translate to lower fuel burn, efficient cost savings and hassle-free maintenance.

Sami El Hadery, CTO of Tune Box, added “We at Tune Box are very excited to be developing a bespoke IFE and connectivity solution for AirAsia X that will give passengers access to a rich new interactive experience while staying true to Tune and AirAsia X’s mantra of affordability.”

AirAsia is the largest low cost airline group in the Asia-Pacific region and operates an all-Airbus fleet.

In 2010 AirAsia X achieved best-in-class technical reliability rates for its fleet of A330s, surpassing established long-haul carriers in the region, and its continued efforts in providing 5 star value services and innovative product offerings underpins its on-going pursuit of operational quality excellence with its world’s best cost performance.