May 16, 2006 – LONDON-based Mezzo Movies is aiming to launch a handheld-based turnkey IFE service with at least one airline this summer.

Set up in 2003 by two former executives of Tesco, the multi-billion-pound British supermarket chain, Mezzo plans to support low-fare, regional and leisure carriers who are new to IFE by applying proven best practice from the retail industry to the supply of equipment, content and supporting services and the generation of revenues.

“We know that simply choosing a particular system and playing films will not guarantee the sort of returns that are possible,” says CEO Dave Sampson. “By bringing the best retail practice to onboard entertainment we can turn what has traditionally been a cost for airlines into a substantial revenue and profit stream.”

The company completed a trial of its concept with UK low-fare carrier easyJet last year (Inflight Online, February 28, 2005) and has just announced that Rolls-Royce is to supply it with IFE system performance and content management software. The British powerplant giant has also taken a shareholding in Mezzo, according to Sampson.

“Following our successful proof-of-concept trial with easyJet last year, we’re now working with a number of airlines to provide handheld solutions in time for this summer season,” he says. Mezzo hopes to announce over the next couple of months further details of its offering – the handheld device, system architecture, content suppliers – and the name of the first airline customer.