In-Flight
entertainment keeps the passengers happy and distracted, and it’s a great
timepass for the passengers especially who are traveling for more than 5 or 6
hours. But this is no more the case, as most of the planes have no seatback
screens available anymore.
Well,
yes you heard it right airplanes have been contracting their seats for quite a
while, expecting to diminish the planes' weight and crush in more travellers.
Be that as it may, recently, a few airlines have been going above and beyond in
updating their seats; They're taking the seatback
screens away.
No More In-Flight Entertainment? But Why?
Cost Cutting Being the Major Reason:
According
to the airlines, these screens are costly to install, typically averaging
around $10,000 per seat, which amounts to a substantial expense. Additionally,
they require regular updates and incur high maintenance costs. Some airlines
have started considering removing these screens to save on costs.
Overweight Of the Seats:
Airlines
contend that these screens contribute to the overall weight of the seats. In
order to reduce the aircraft's weight and make more room for passengers, some
carriers have chosen to remove these screens.
Customers Now Bring Their Own Devices:
According
to the airlines, a significant number of their customers now bring their own
devices for entertainment. With the prevalence of smartphones, which offer a
wide range of content, passengers prefer to listen to their playlists or watch
TV series of their choice, rendering in-flight entertainment less essential. As
a result, airlines have made the decision to remove seat screens.
Whenever
we are travelling for a short duration, we always make a choice of our seat at
the time of collecting the boarding pass, because we always look for a comfort
zone. So, same is the case for passengers who are travelling in long flights
that they always look for a seat with screens to watch movies, TV shows or to
listen music.
Another
reason passengers may hesitate to use their smartphones, despite airlines
assuming everyone carries one, is the fear of draining their phone's battery
before reaching their destination. Not all flights, especially domestic ones,
offer phone charging options, further discouraging personal device usage for
entertainment. Without screens for entertainment, passengers may end up simply
gazing at fellow travelers, which might not align with the airlines'
intentions.
Environmental Considerations:
As
airlines strive to become more environmentally responsible and sustainable,
reducing the weight and complexity of in-flight entertainment systems becomes a
priority. The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its
carbon footprint and minimize its impact on the environment. Thus, eliminating
seatback screens is one way to align with these sustainability goals. It
directly reduces the weight of the aircraft, which, as discussed earlier, has a
positive effect on fuel efficiency and emissions. This aligns with broader
industry efforts to make air travel more eco-friendly and reduce the
environmental impact of aviation.
Reduced Technical Failures:
Seatback
screens are electronic devices that can experience technical issues and
failures. When a screen malfunctions, it can lead to passenger dissatisfaction
and discomfort. By removing these screens, airlines can reduce the frequency of
technical problems that might otherwise disrupt the passenger experience. This
also translates into fewer in-flight entertainment-related complaints and
maintenance calls.
Simplified In-Flight Service:
For
cabin crew, dealing with seatback screens and the associated systems can add
complexity to their duties. By eliminating these screens, cabin crew can
simplify their in-flight service routines, making it easier to attend to
passengers' needs, particularly during meal services and safety demonstrations.
This streamlining of service can lead to more efficient operations and improved
passenger service.
Seamless Internet Connectivity:
As
airlines invest in improved in-flight Wi-Fi services, passengers can connect to
the internet and stream content even without seatback screens. This can lead to
greater passenger satisfaction, as they have access to their favorite online
services, social media, and communication tools during the flight. Airlines can
market their Wi-Fi connectivity as a premium service, generating additional
revenue.
According
to TechSci Research Report “Aircraft
Seating Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends,
Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028, Segmented By Aircraft Type (Narrow-Body
Aircraft, Wide-body Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, Business Aircraft), By Class
(Economy, Premium Economy Class, Business Class, First Class), By Seat Type
(Pilot /Co-pilot Seats, Cabin Crew Seats, Passenger Seats), By Gravity (9G
& 16G), By End Use (OEM, Replacement) and By Region”, global aircraft
seating market stood at USD1,877.27 million in 2022 and it is expected to
register a CAGR of 7.25%, in value terms, over the next five years, on the back
of growing passenger air travel, need for lightweight and durable seats, and
the increasing rate of replacement of existing aircraft fleets across the
world. Furthermore, the market is projected to be valued at USD2,821.85 million
in 2028.
