iPod integration on Emirates

Emirates is flying to the exciting new world of digital media by teaming up with computer pioneer Apple to offer seamless iPod integration with its in-flight entertainment systems.

The Dubai-based airline's passengers - who already enjoy more than 600 channels of in-flight entertainment on its award-winning ice system - will soon have one of the world's first on-board iPod integrations, enabling them to use the portable devices to enjoy their own choice of music and videos, including full-length feature films, on their seat-back screens.

The new digital media destination was announced a week after Emirates revealed it will be the world's first airline to offer its passengers in-flight mobile phone use across its entire fleet.

Emirates' integrated iPod seat connection is scheduled for introduction from mid-2007. It will also provide a constant power source to ensure that passengers' iPods are charged for the duration of their flights.

The in-flight iPod offerings will be integrated by Panasonic Avionics Corporation and will provide passengers with outstanding sound and seat-back video quality.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: "We have been a leading innovator of in-flight entertainment since introducing the world's first seat-back screens in 1992.

"iPod integration keeps us at the cutting edge of entertainment technology, and together with our existing in-flight systems will significantly enhance the enjoyment of flying with Emirates for thousands of our passengers who travel with their iPods."

Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice-president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing, said: "We're excited to work with Emirates to take iPod connectivity to the next frontier for a seamless digital music and movie in-flight experience."

Emirates is one of only six airlines planning to offer iPod integration, the others being Air France, Continental, Delta, KLM and United.

Emirates won 'Best In-Flight Entertainment' at the 2006 World Airline Awards by Skytrax, the second year in a row that the airline was chosen for the accolade, based on results of the Airline In-Flight Entertainment Survey commissioned and conducted by Skytrax Research of London.