The CEO of Qatar Airways has said he believes traditional in-flight entertainment (IFE) units found in the back of seats will be replaced by passengers using their own devices in the next few years.
Akbar Al Baker said removing seat-back systems would save weight and therefore costs for airlines.
In comments made at the IATA World Passenger Symposium in Hamburg this week, Al Baker said: «What is going to happen in next five, six, seven years is that people will bring their own devices, hook them behind the seat and get content relayed to them through the internet.»
Panasonic and Thales are the world’s two largest IFE companies.
When asked about possible orders being made at the Dubai Airshow next month, Al Baker said: «Wait and see»…
