British Airways, the UK-based airline, has recently upgraded its ‘In-flight Entertainment Experience British Airways’ on its long-distance aircraft.
The entertainment experience will vary with the type of aircraft, but most will be offering a wide range of content that will be available from when passengers board the aircraft to when they arrive at their destination.
For passengers in First and Club World and front row seats, screens will have to be stowed away during takeoff and landing, but they may still listen to audio broadcasts.
The airline has also made plans to increase its in-flight retail offers, as recent research amongst Christmas shoppers has found that a third (or 32%) of people are likely to buy their Christmas gifts on board flights.
Around 30,000 people are flying with British Airways on Christmas Day, and the airline is busy stocking additional gift items for its onboard retail programme, during the busiest shopping season of the year.
Peter O’Shea, the airline on-board retail executive, said, ‘December is our busiest month for on board shopping. Customers like to chose from our carefully selected gifts and benefit from a wide range of travel exclusives and tax-free purchases. Many also like the convenience of buying on board, as it means less to carry in their luggage.’
The airline is also planning to offer a charity donation card, designed by Tracey Emin, and available on board flights and online at www.highlifeshop.com from December 3, 2012. The card, priced at £5, will donate money to Flying Start, the airline’s charity partnership with Comic Relief.