How airlines choose movies for inflight entertainment: processes and partnerships

External feedback from surveys and social media also influences airlines' choices. For instance, United included "The Devil Wears Prada" due to renewed interest sparked by the sequel.

Airlines rely on third-party content providers to edit entertainment material according to airline requirements. This editing process addresses concerns related to passenger safety, cultural sensitivities, and explicit content such as violence or nudity. While some view this practice as respectful of diverse audiences, others see it as excessive censorship that could compromise artistic integrity.

Airlines must consider cultural taboos while meeting legal requirements across different countries. They avoid investing in films that might cause discomfort among passengers. Although films about plane crashes are permitted on IFE systems, airlines exercise caution in their selection. Some airlines like Delta may choose not to show such films due to potential passenger discomfort.

Partnerships play a crucial role in shaping IFE content quality. Many airlines work with suppliers like Anuvu to source multimedia content that aligns with the airline's image while offering suitable choices for passengers. Sponsorships also influence the type of unique content available onboard.

Spafax estimates that top carriers spend between $150-200 million annually on IFE content acquisition and distribution. Communications Service Providers (CSPs) help airlines navigate licensing and distribution rights complexities within regions.

In-flight entertainment has evolved significantly since its inception in 1921 when Aeromarine Airways showed a film called "Howdy Chicago." Innovations continued with personal LCD screens introduced by Northwest Airlines in the early 1980s leading up to modern LED screens featuring extensive portfolios of high-quality content.

Some airlines are transitioning towards streaming services where passengers download content via airplane WiFi—a potential next step for IFE technology evolution.

Emirates won the World's Best In-Flight Entertainment Award at the 2024 World Airline Awards by Skytrax thanks largely due its ice entertainment system offering over 5k channels across multiple languages including children's programming seasonal offerings Spotify connectivity improved moving maps exterior cameras exclusive behind-the-scenes programs onboard dining among other features