Nigeria - iPad 3 Available For In-Flight Entertainment On African Airline

The face of in-flight entertainment is changing as technology changes. Air Nigeria is going to include  Apple iPad 3's on their flights, becoming the first African airline to offer the service.

Air Nigeria turned to IFE Services to provide their in-flight entertainment on their fleet on A330's. Passengers sitting in business class will be provided with free iPad use to watch movies such as Nigerian features, classics, and new release Hollywood films. They can also watch comedy, lifestyle, drama and kids TV shows on the Apple device.

With this service, Air Nigeria is the first African carrier to offer the iPad 3 as in-flight entertainment. Air Nigeria operates domestic and regional flights across 10 countries in the West and Central African region.

"We are pleased to offer our passengers this unique product to ensure they are relaxed and enjoy first class entertainment on our flights, using state-of-the-art technology," said Kinfe Kahssaye, CEO of Air Nigeria said in a press release. "We have always been at the forefront of introducing innovative products for the comfort of our passengers and the content provided by IFE Services for the iPads is such that it will add style to our customers' travel pattern."

Those sitting in economy class will still use digital mainscreen systems. IFE Services will feature new Hollywood movies and several TV shows on these platforms. They are also introducing a new animated safety film for Air Nigeria.

"It's been a pleasure working with Air Nigeria on its fresh new IFE offering," said Andy McEwan, CEO of IFE Services said in a press release. "The iPad is a great portable solution that we know passengers will love to use whilst airborne. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with this innovative, growing airline to help provide them with the best possible passenger experience."

Singapore Airlines Scoot Pte also added iPads to their planes, replacing old entertainment systems, but their switch was done to save money on fuel. The airline took out their old entertainment systems, weighing 2,000 lbs and incorporated rentable iPads to take  7 percent off the weight of planes. The weight decrease helps bring down fuel costs for the airline and lighter planes use up less fuel.

Qantas Airways' budget airline JetStar will also offer passengers iPads.