Loyal customers are crucial for all airlines and there are a number of factors that can influence people to become repeat passengers. Ultimately, they need to enjoy their overall experience when using the airline and to achieve this requires a number of elements to come together.
One such element is in-flight entertainment (IFE); a high quality IFE offering can play a major role in leaving passengers happy with the experience they’ve received. But what is the role of an IFE content service provider (CSP)? How do they bridge the gap between content suppliers and airline?
There are four common services that a CSP should provide:
• Content – A good quality CSP maintains exceptional relationships with a network of global suppliers, so that an innovative and diverse range of content is made available to the airline to show on-board.
• Research – The best in-flight entertainment is targeted to its audience, so an experienced CSP will be able to undertake extensive research into passenger demographics, seasonal changes, route networks and local content. This will ensure that the content package that the airline receives is well suited to its passengers.
• Quality control – An airline’s CSP will screen all content before making its recommendations. Films, TV shows, music and any other form of content needs to be suitable for its audience, of the highest levels of quality, and entertaining enough for passengers to enjoy.
• Scheduling – Strategic and creative experience is vital in a quality CSP. They need to be able to provide a customise schedule that ensures each airline gets the right updated content at the right time.
Among the different types of content provided by an in-flight entertainment CSP are:
• Movies – From the Hollywood studio blockbusters and independent titles to cinematic classics and regional titles, a great CSP will have access to a wide selection of great movies.
• TV – CSPs will be able to provide airlines with a wide selection of TV shows from which to choose from. Many CSPs will have a team dedicated to short programme buying, so that the best possible content can be provided.
• Audio – Passenger music tastes will vary widely. Some may want pop music, while others prefer easy listening or classical music. Others may even opt for business news, audio books or comedy shows. An airline’s CSP should be able to provide a wide selection of audio content.
• Sleep & Relaxation – Some passengers prefer to sleep rather than watch a movie or TV show, so it’s important that they’re catered for. One such solution is pzizz, a unique patented sleep and relaxation app used by over half a million people in 100 countries.
