Emirates to boost inflight service

Dubai: Emirates Airline is investing more than $600 million in inflight products and services, reinforcing its dedication to providing the "best in air travel" experience.

Emirates on Monday entered into long-term agreements with B/E Aerospace, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, and Jamco Corporation, in a move indicative of its commitment to continuous product enhancements through innovation and cutting-edge technologies.

The contracts for custom-built cabin interior products and next generation inflight entertainment and communication systems were signed by Shaikh Ahmad bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and apply to the airline's new aircraft purchases as well as retrofits to its existing fleet. Shaikh Ahmad said: "Yesterday we placed orders for the latest and most modern passenger jets and today we have signed three back-to-back onboard product agreements, clearly signalling our resolve to provide passengers with a world-class product. In the fiercely-contested premium air travel segment, seat comfort and inflight entertainment are the key differentiators, and we intend to stay ahead of the game with our ground-breaking entertainment system, ice, and the corporate jet quality of our premium classes."

In a deal worth $120 million, Emirates has selected B/E Aerospace, the world's leading manufacturer of aircraft cabin interior products, to retrofit its existing B777-300ER and A340-500 fleet, and equip its new B777 aircraft with the airline's signature First Class private suites and lie-flat Business Class seats.

Emirates has also inked a $500 million deal for the eX2 inflight digital entertainment system, which includes interactive audio, video, games, communication and connectivity support, for the airline's existing fleet and new aircraft purchases.

Panasonic's eX2 system powers Emirates' signature ice (information, communication, entertainment) system.