BBC World going live on airlines with AirTV's Global S-Band Satellite Network

17 July 2002

BBC World, the BBC's 24-hour international news and information channel, will soon broadcast the channel live to air travellers through an agreement with the AirTV global satellite network. The new AirTV system will enable the delivery of live television broadcasts to airlines flying all major global routes, offering an alternative to the existing tape delivery on which airlines currently rely.

BBC World's news and programming line-up will be delivered live to airlines through the AirTV network of four geo-stationary S-Band satellites. Each of these platforms will offer 60 channels of satellite television, plus e-mail and Internet connectivity. AirTV plans to start its direct-to-aircraft (DTA) service in 30 months. 

Commenting on the project, William Mould, Head of Travel Distribution at BBC World, said, "We are delighted to be part of this new project which will change the way people are informed when they are flying. BBC World will be in a great position to offer travellers more up-to-date news and information than ever before, keeping them abreast of the issues that matter most wherever they are travelling."

BBC World is the BBC's global news and information channel, broadcasting 24 hours a day from its base at BBC Television Centre in London. BBC World provides news, business and weather 24 hours a day, plus the best of the BBC's award-winning current affairs, documentary and lifestyle programming. This is currently provided to airlines via tape delivery, while satellite and cable distribution is used to serve over 222 million homes, hotels and cruise liners around the world. BBC World is currently available on major airlines including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, KLM, SWISS, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines and Qantas.

BBC World will also be able to use the satellite network for expanded coverage to the maritime industry and remote global locations that are currently unable to receive the TV channel reliably. 

"We are pleased to have BBC World as part of AirTV's core team of content providers," said John Larkin, AirTV's Chairman and CEO. "BBC World is the global reference in international news and information programming, and AirTV's DTA platform will ensure that airline passengers worldwide will have real-time access to this trusted source."

Notes

BBC World is the BBC's 24-hour international news and information channel, broadcasting 24- hours a day to 221 million households around the world (94 million 24-hour homes) and is available in over 800,000 hotel rooms world-wide. More information on www.bbcworld.com.

The AirTV system is being developed by an industry team composed of world leaders in their fields: Alcatel, Arianespace, CMC Electronics and SITA. AirTV also has established strategic alliances with Tenzing Communications and Rockwell Collins, which will provide on board equipment and infrastructure to support the AirTV system. More information on www.AirTV.net.