United Airlines has placed an order for 270 new Airbus and Boeing planes with wi-fi and Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment systems.
The American carrier will fly the Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 10, and Airbus A321neo aircraft, which come with an overhauled seatback entertainment system that features both wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
This means passengers, instead of having to use the provided earbuds or bring a Bluetooth to airline adaptor, will be able to connect their own Bluetooth devices such as headphones to the system and access streaming services like Spotify mid-flight.
The main attraction of @united's new interior is the new @PanasonicAero seatback IFE system. It finally offers one of the overall most requested passenger items: BLUETOOTH AUDIO. Narrowbody aircraft with these screens will finally make it a reality. #PaxEx pic.twitter.com/tD004G4x7c
— Jason Rabinowitz (@AirlineFlyer) June 29, 2021
Andrew Nocella, United’s EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, said the systems would enhance passengers’ in-flight experience.
“Our new, signature interior creates a more consistent product across our mainline fleet – with a focus on the amenities that customers value most like seat back screens, fast wi-fi and extra storage – to further set ourselves apart,” he said.
Air New Zealand already has A321neo aircraft with Bluetooth-enabled entertainment systems, while Australian carriers Qantas and Virgin are set to order the Boeing and Airbus planes.