BBC Studios announced on May 31 it will introduce a curated version of its streaming platform, BBC Player, specifically for Panasonic Avionics’ seatback inflight entertainment (IFE) systems. The new partnership aims to bring a constantly updated library of BBC Studios content—including dramas, comedies, documentaries, lifestyle, and kids’ programming—to airline passengers later this year.
The arrangement could evolve to allow passengers to access their own streaming subscriptions over-the-top via connected seatback IFE screens if the appropriate licensing agreements are reached. Both companies confirmed that their current agreement sets the groundwork for such capabilities in the future.
Zina Neophytou, SVP Out of Home and BBC Commercial News at BBC Studios, said: “Down the road, and rights permitting, BBC Player could offer opportunities to inflight stream some live content over the Internet. We also plan to make the live BBC News channel available on the platform in due course.”
John Azmy, director of product management at Panasonic Avionics, said: “We have built BBC Player with flexibility in mind from the start. It can work in a disconnected environment as a fully cached model with fresher-than-ever content through breaking the industry’s traditional media supply chain — a connected environment takes this to the next level by enabling even faster media deployments or near real-time content to aircraft with LEO (Low Earth Orbit) connectivity networks.”
Panasonic’s cloud-enabled ZeroTouch system can be used for file transfers but is not required for adopting BBC Player. The partnership seeks to streamline historic bottlenecks by clearing rights in advance and allowing airlines more timely access to new content—even if delivered manually during aircraft turnaround.
Andy Masson, SVP at Panasonic Avionics, said: “For years our industry has talked about services like streaming and OTT, but, until now, there has not been a robust, reliable and true solution to deliver these kinds of services to aircraft. By delivering the world’s first fully rights-cleared streaming platform developed for airlines, Panasonic Avionics and BBC Studios are significantly enhancing the onboard entertainment experience by delivering timely, relevant, and exciting content that passengers demand.”
