The front-runners among the international carriers have recognised that passenger demand for onboard communications and the ability of the service providers to deliver are finally in harmony. Internet access in the cabin is a reality, and the cabin mobile phone is coming fast. At the same time, the advance of inflight entertainment into sectors outside its traditional long-haul domain means that low-cost, leisure and regional operators are now under serious competitive pressure to understand what’s on offer.

As this race to deliver new technology gathers momentum, the Inflight Online 2006 Awards casts a spotlight on this year’s leaders. 2005`s prestigious winners included: Alaska Airlines – Winner of the Airline Service provider of the Year, APS/Wencor digEplayer – winner of the IFE product of the year, Connexion by Boeing – winner of the Connectivity Provider of the Year.

The nominations have already been received for this year. The categories are as follows:

Best IFE Service Provider 2006

Best IFE Product 2006

Best Inflight Connectivity Provider 2006

Nominees for the awards will be published on Inflight Online over the next few weeks where you will have the opportunity to vote.

IFEC 2006 delegates are invited to attend the award ceremony taking place throughout lunch on conference day two. For more information on IFEC 2006 visit www.shephard.co.uk/ifec