Scoot to use iPads, WiFi for in-flight entertainment

Singapore start-up airline Scoot will opt for iPads instead of conventional in-seat video screens when the low-cost carrier launches next month.

The iPads will be handed out free to passengers in ScootBiz business class, and available for travellers in economy to hire (sources tell us that Scoot is looking at around S$22 per flight).

The tablets will initially be preloaded with films, TV shows, musics and games, but later this year Scoot will adopt an inflight wireless streaming system – similar to that recently trialled by Qantas – to beam content to all devices over WiFi.

Passengers will then be able to bring their own iPad onto the flight and pay for wireless access to the server (the wireless service will be offered free in Scoot Biz).

Embracing the rare ‘clean sheet’ opportunity, and playing up the airline’s promise of a fresh and modern approach to flying, Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson says “we are definitely not doing in-seat screens.”

Earlier this year, Wilson told Australian Business Traveller "we’re looking at various IFE options including wireless streaming and including tablets."

“We’re trying to be innovative with the things we’re doing, but some of the technology that we want is really quite embryonic" Wilson admits.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.