Lufthansa Systems is expanding its partner network for the BoardConnect inflight entertainment platform, enabling airlines to choose from a range of well-known partners in the fields of entertainment, infotainment and ancillary revenues. The open software architecture of BoardConnect allows partner offers to be easily integrated into the platform, creating a point of differentiation for airlines.
“Our large partner network enables airlines to customize their inflight entertainment platform. This means they can tailor their offer to the needs of their target group, which ensures satisfied passengers and brings in additional revenues for the airline,” said Norbert Müller, SVP of BoardConnect at Lufthansa Systems.
Touch has been appointed as its preferred content service provider for its content streaming services, with a focus on providing individual services to airlines and fleets without IFE as well as to low-cost carriers. Touch will also develop a customized content solution for BoardConnect clients.
In the area of music entertainment, Lufthansa Systems is cooperating with Napster. Passengers can use editorially prepared playlists from the onboard music catalog, with companies such as Waves, Fraunhofer and 3D Sound Solutions ensure high sound quality and variation in the audio program.
Passengers can also enjoy engaging HTML5 games from G.U.E. Tech as well as digital magazines from Media Carrier or Zinio. Bulls Press offers editorial about celebrities, royals, fashion and style, travel, lifestyle, food and art as well as kids content like puzzles, comics, eLearning or eBooks. Part of the new content offering is The QYOU, which provides 30 and 60 minute shows targeting older millennials, made from short videos curated from the internet. Touch is the partner for licensing of Hollywood movies, TV series and local content.
One new infotainment feature is GoGobot, an application that provides individual recommendations for a passenger’s destination based on personal preferences. A Look At Media produces destination-specific videos that allow passengers to learn about the city they are flying to, including excursions, restaurants and shopping areas, as well as nightlife and entertainment. Airport Guides from Airguide provide arrival information, such as gates, shops and restaurants at the airport.
With Epteca, a new partner in the field of ancillary revenues, airlines can show their passengers individualized information from the time they start researching a trip, through the booking process, all the way to the journey itself. Besides booking options for hotels, tourist attractions and tickets, this includes new and enhanced advertising opportunities.
BoardConnect and collaborations with partners such as Gruner + Jahr enable the integration of advertisements into the digital IFE offer. Other Lufthansa Systems partners include PXCom and RIM, which will explore new horizons with destination information and on-board sales.
