Jetstar Asia handhelds: we jumped the gun

December 29, 2004 – IT seems that reports of an APS digEplayer win in the competition to supply new Singapore-based low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia with handheld IFE were a trifle premature (Inflight Online, December 20).

Impeccable industry sources indicate that all three potential suppliers – IMS Consultants (with PEA) and General Dynamics (YES!), as well as APS – are still in the running, with a decision due in February.

The clarification also reveals that the selection process is in fact being driven by Australian-based Jetstar, sister company of Jetstar Asia, member of the Qantas Group and nose-to-nose rival to Virgin Blue. Jetstar’s use of handheld IFE has been approved at high level, and other Qantas-related companies such as Jetstar Asia and Australian Airlines are being encouraged to look at the technology.

A Jetstar request for proposals was to have been issued to all three suppliers by the end of this month, with responses due in the second half of January. The airline expects to conclude negotiations with the preferred supplier in February before proceeding to an in-service trial.

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