Qatar Airways has added Sport 24 to its in-flight infotainment platform via GX Aviation and Pansonic Avionics, while Emirates will also utilise Sport 24’s coverage of major global sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar Airwaves
Inmarsat’s GX Aviation offers the high-speed, reliable inflight broadband required to stream Sport 24, with seamless global coverage across Qatar Airways’ flight routes. This solution already powers Qatar Airways’ Super Wi-Fi offering, enabling passengers to scroll social media, stream movies and TV, play games and browse the web, as well as watch live sports, offering the richest onboard experience.
William Huot-Marchand, Inmarsat Aviation’s senior vice president of inflight connectivity, said, “Qatar Airways was the first airline based in the Middle East and North Africa to offer Inmarsat’s GX Aviation inflight broadband service, cementing its status as a leading pioneer of technology innovations. We are delighted that, four years later, GX Aviation continues to lead the way for Qatar Airways, powering the connectivity for its first live television offering, which also coincides with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. We are delighted to share this special milestone with them, alongside our partner Panasonic Avionics.”
Panasonic Avionics’ Live Television service can be offered across a range of in-flight entertainment and in-flight connectivity configurations. It is being streamed on Qatar Airways via Inmarsat’s award-winning GX Aviation inflight broadband. It will be available on all aircraft equipped with Super Wi-Fi across Qatar Airways’ fleet, with the first aircraft now live.
“Our Live Television service brings a whole new dimension to in-flight engagement, and enables passengers to catch unmissable sporting moments in the skies. We are honored to be continuing our longstanding partnership with Qatar Airways by bringing this innovation to their cabins, in partnership with Inmarsat,” said Andrew Mohr, vice president of digital solutions for Panasonic Avionics.
Emirates’ infotainment
Emirates has equipped more than 200 aircraft with live TV capabilities, including sports channels Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra. From 20 November, passengers will be able to watch all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches on Sport 24 via Emirates’ ice, including the final on December 18. Sport 24 broadcasts 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, connecting airline passengers to thousands of hours of premium live content from over 40 different global sports competitions year-round.
Passengers in all classes will enjoy watching the matches on their personal screens on Emirates Sport 24 on Emirates’ entertainment system, as well as on the big screen in the A380 Onboard Lounge and in its lounges at international airports.
Before boarding, Emirates passengers can also watch the matches in its lounges, which are ideal places to relax and refresh before the flight, and can be accessed free of charge for First and Business Class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members. Silver members can also access the Emirates Business Class lounge in Dubai. Premium Economy and Economy Class passengers can pay to enter the lounge and enjoy the matches with cold drinks and unlimited snacks. Emirates lounges offer a generous buffet food and various beverages, as well as shower facilities, free Wi-Fi and a private business centre.
Emirates Inflight Infotainment was recently awarded the Passenger Choice Award as the World’s Best Global Inflight Entertainment System at APEX 2023, and for the 17th consecutive time the World’s Best Inflight Entertainment System at Skytrax 2022.
