iTunes heads for a cruising altitude of 30,000ft?

Posted on 11 Apr 2006 at 12:28

Several manufacturers of aircraft in-flight entertainment systems have had talks with Apple about the possibility of licensing the iTunes Music Store.

Flight reports that Panasonic and Thales are among the companies interested in persuading passengers to part with their air miles in return for digital tunes. The proposal is among a number being considered in response to airline demands for a greater range of on-board diversions.

'We've had lots of discussions with Apple,' said Thales vice-president and in-flight systems general manager Brad Foreman last week at Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. 'The key is to get them to see the value of hosting iTunes on an aircraft. Is it a big enough market for them to be interested in? I'd try to do it tomorrow if they said yes.'

Panasonic Avionics strategic product marketing director David Bruner added that although it may only be a small potential market, it is very visible. He said that as well as music, other e-commerce options are being investigated.

Characteristically Apple declined to talk about the talks: 'Apple never talks about the future.'

Flight says that several airlines want iPod docks, or failing that USB ports, built into the back of seats that would then be connected to the iTunes store. However it notes that Apple would have to consider making changes to the iPod and iTunes software so that airborne downloads could later be transferred from the purchaser's iPod to their computer.

The airlines together with Apple would also need to overcome licensing and copyright issues surrounding media content sold in international airspace.

Author: Simon Aughton

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