Air India has issued a global tender for the provision of live radio and television transmissions inside its new fleet of Boeing 777s, due for delivery next year. The fleet consists of Air 23 B 777-200 (Long Range) and B 777-300 (Extended range) planes. The Satellite Radio System installation is to be integrated with the existing in-flight entertainment (IFE) system so that the reception of Satellite Radio (Audio content) is available to the passengers on their seats as a set of selectable channels. Similary, select audio-visual channels available on satellite television channels would also have to be integrated with the Thales IFE system.
Bids have been invited from international companies for the installation of certified systems capable of operating on aircraft during flight as well as on ground. Such facilities have not yet been introduced in the fleets of most of the major global airlines.
(Source: Daily News and Analysis/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)