May 27, 2005 – DELTA Air Lines low-cost operator Song has taken another stride ahead of the pack with a plan to offer passengers music downloads via the aircraft’s in-seat IFE system.

The scheme is part of a package of services to be offered by newly launched Song Records. A collaboration by Song, entertainment company Creative Branding Group, Artemis Records and others, Song Records is described as a “brand venture” designed to provide a commercial platform for a diverse collection of recording artists.

As well as being able to buy CDs on selected Song flights, in traditional retail stores in the USA and through the airline’s Website, passengers will be offered the chance to make digital download purchases through the Panasonic eFX AVOD system being installed in the carrier’s fleet of 36 Boeing 757s.

The Ethernet-based eFX and its seatback touchscreens are designed to give all passengers on-demand access to pay-per-view films, MP3 music and video games. A selection of 10 films will cost $5 each, as will unlimited play on 11 games. A list of more than 1,600 songs will be available free of charge. The eFX network, claimed to be the first example of the system to be installed by a US air carrier, will also deliver 24 free channels of live DISH Network television programming and a popular interactive trivia game.

The launch artists for Song Records reflect the image of knowing hipness that the airline is working to create for itself. They are Better Than Ezra with their Before The Robots album, scheduled for release next Tuesday, and Jaguar Wright with Divorcing Neo 2 Marry Soul, due out on July 12.

New Orleans-based Better Than Ezra began their career by playing the alternative rock club circuit in the south-eastern USA. Philadelphia’s Jaguar Wright won early recognition as part of The Roots collective and released her debut album, Denials, Delusions and Decisions, in January 2002.