United Kingdom

BBC Studios revolutionises in-flight entertainment with first streaming service developed for the aviation industry

BBC Studios has introduced a bespoke version of BBC Player, a streaming platform specifically designed for the aviation industry.

Developed with Panasonic Avionics for in-flight entertainment seatback systems, this pioneering service will launch later this year and is the first fully rights-cleared streaming platform developed for airlines. It brings together world-class BBC Studios content, an intuitive passenger experience, and a modern, continuously refreshed programming slate - all fully optimised for airlines and passengers.

BBC Player will bring passengers closer than ever to broadcast premieres with a constantly updated library of BBC Studios’ finest factual, entertainment, documentaries, lifestyle, drama, comedy, and children’s content. This means that highly anticipated shows like Blue Planet III will be available on BBC Player soon after they are broadcast in the UK. Using decades of experience, programming has been expertly curated by BBC Studios to give passengers an exciting and diverse range of stories to immerse themselves in.

Available across Panasonic’s in-flight entertainment systems, BBC Player gives passengers a familiar streaming experience at 35,000 feet as they have in the comfort of their home.

Travellers will discover new favourites on BBC Player, featuring instantly recognisable iconic BBC Studios brands including BBC Earth, BBC News, BritBox, BBC Kids and CBeebies. In addition, programmes can be discovered by genre so passengers can easily access premium content, all in one place.

Zina Neophytou, SVP Out of Home and BBC Commercial News at BBC Studios said: “Launching BBC Player with Panasonic later this year will be transformative for the inflight entertainment industry. BBC Studios continues to drive innovation and is the first studio to bring air travellers a state-of-the-art, fully rights cleared streaming platform, whenever and wherever they fly. Passengers will enjoy a continuously evolving library of the best stories from the BBC, enhancing their inflight experience with a service they will instantly recognise, trust and love.”

Andy Masson, Senior Vice President, 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.”