CALGARY – Discount airliner WestJet has announced that its in-flight TV service is ready to fly in its newest planes.
Partnered with Bell ExpressVu and LiveTV, WestJet today announced that all 39 of its Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft are now equipped with live satellite television. WestJet is the first and only airline in Canada to offer an in-flight TV service that can be individually controlled by each guest from the comfort of their own seat.
WestJet’s complimentary satellite TV service offers a selection of up to 24 television channels from Bell ExpressVu in every seatback on all of WestJet’s 737-700 aircraft, including news, sports, music, children’s and leisure programming. The real-time in-flight experience features individual adjustable seatback screens, personal headphones and an armrest control to change TV channels, brightness and volume levels.
Broadcast channels currently on the service include:
CTV (Edmonton and Toronto), CTV NewsNet, CBC (Vancouver), SRC (Montreal), Citytv (Toronto), Global (Vancouver and Halifax), ABC (East), FOX (East), NBC (East), CBS (East).
Specialty services to be carried are:
The Score, TLC, A&E, SPACE, Animal Planet, Discovery Kids, Report on Business TV, Fox News, TSN, Discovery Channel, Star!, MuchMoreMusic.
"As Canada’s digital TV leader, we’re pleased to offer WestJet guests a taste of the 400+ channels we deliver across the country," said Gary Smith, president, Bell ExpressVu. "Bell is proud of its expanding national presence and the opportunity to demonstrate innovative services like live in-flight satellite television."
In July 2004, WestJet obtained Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States as well as STC approval from Transport Canada allowing it to fly its first live satellite television-equipped Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft. Since then, most of the installations of the live satellite television system were done in Abbotsford, B.C.
“We’re delighted to support WestJet’s initiative to provide real-time satellite television to their guests." said Glenn Latta, vice-president of LiveTV. "Our system will offer WestJet guests the opportunity to experience a choice of in-flight programming supported by advanced technology and proven reliability. We’re proud to be their supplier of choice for in-flight entertainment."
“As we continue to increase the length of our flights we recognize the importance of offering additional services for our guests who are travelling extensive distances," said WestJet CEO Clive Beddoe. "Feedback from guests who have used this product has been extremely positive and we are confident that the live satellite television product will be a major reason why air travellers will choose WestJet.”
