Low-cost carrier JetBlue Airways Corp. said on Wednesday it will add XM satellite radio, Fox TV programs such as “The Simpsons” and pay movies to its in-flight entertainment.
The move comes as Delta Air Lines’ rival lower-cost unit Song outlined plans in November to roll out live television --which JetBlue already has -- as well as interactive video games and music programming in its airplanes.
UAL Corp.’s United Airlines also said in November that its low-fare fleet, Ted, will offer programming called “Tedtv,” featuring music videos, stand-up comedy and sitcoms, when it starts flying next month.
New York-based JetBlue, which already offers 24 channels on seat-back video systems, including DirectTV programming, said the agreements with News Corp.’s Fox and XM Satellite Radio will add up to 100 channels of digital satellite radio, as well as movie channels.
The airline said it plans to begin testing the Fox in-flight service in the spring, with a rollout across its fleet expected in the fall.
During the testing period, passengers will be able to use the service for free. After the testing period, it said it will charge a nominal fee to access first-run movies and episodes of Fox’s popular show, “The Simpsons.”
The XM satellite radio system, to be offered free of charge, will also be installed fleet-wide on its aircraft this year, JetBlue said.
