Singapore Airlines to launch new version of KrisWorld IFE

Thursday, 18 July 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Singapore Airlines’ customers will soon be able to experience the next generation KrisWorld inflight entertainment system on new Boeing 777-300ERs entering the airline’s fleet in the coming months. The new KrisWorld, based on a Panasonic Avionics hardware platform, will initially be available on eight new B777-300ERs that will begin to enter service from September. It will also be introduced on new Airbus A350s scheduled for delivery in the coming years, in line with the terms of an agreement valued at

nearly US$ 400 million that was signed with Panasonic Avionics in 2012. Singapore Airlines has indicated that existing KrisWorld systems on other aircraft already in service may also be retrofitted with the new system. “We are constantly looking to improve the inflight entertainment experience for our customers. Last year, we introduced internet and mobile data connectivity services, and with this next generation KrisWorld, customers can expect advanced hardware, an innovative yet intuitive user interface, and a wide selection of thoughtfully curated content to suit our customers’ preferences and prevailing trends,” said SIA Senior Vice President Product and Services Tan Pee Teck. Singapore Airlines agreed last year to be the launch customer for Panasonic Avionics’ next-generation eX3 system for the A350s, as well as the first to offer the eX3 experience on the B777-300ERs. The airline will also be the first to offer Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite on the A350s, with the capability to provide broadband internet services to passenger devices and the seat-back, as well as mobile phone services. The new KrisWorld features larger LCD screens and video touch-screen handsets across all classes. LCD screens will increase from 23 to 24 inches in First Class, 15.4 to 18 inches in Business Class and 10.6 to 11.1 inches in Economy Class. Economy Class customers will also be able to browse through the more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options by swiping or scrolling through the touch-screen monitor. Working with renowned design company Massive Interactive, Singapore Airlines has seamlessly integrated the functionality of the video touch-screen handset into the core design of a new, innovative KrisWorld user interface to ensure that navigating through menus and programs is intuitive and user-friendly. Customers will be able to multi-task among the varied entertainment options available. For example, they could watch a movie, while at the same time use the handset to keep up to date with the latest news headlines or track the aircraft’s flight path. Alternatively, customers will be able to use the handset as a touchscreen trackpad to navigate KrisWorld. New features such as ‘Quick Search’, where a flick of the handset pulls up a playlist of entertainment choices, are also being introduced. Leveraging on technology, a number of thoughtful features are being incorporated into KrisWorld with customers’ convenience in mind. For example, the Notification Centre on the KrisWorld dashboard contains information relevant to the flight, reducing the number of onboard announcements, thereby allowing customers to watch movies uninterrupted. Customers will also experience greater personalisation, with KrisWorld providing content recommendations based on passengers’ preferences. They may also rate movies and see how others have rated these. The next-generation KrisWorld complements the airline’s inflight connectivity service. 21 aircraft have been equipped to date and the service will be rolled out to the rest of the airline’s Airbus A380-800 and B777-300ER aircraft by the end of next year.