United and Singapore airlines offering iPod connectivity

U.S.-based United Airlines and Singapore Airlines are both adding in-flight iPod connectivity to the entertainment systems they provide for passenger use.

United has started the process of upgrading its 97 long-haul aircraft, with the addition of new personal suites in the first class cabin and new seats in business class. A USB port will be available to all premium-class passengers, for connecting an iPod or iPhone via the standard synchronization cable, APC magazine has reported.

This new connectivity will allow passengers to listen to music of their choice, using active noise-cancellation headphones provided by the airlines, and also to watch videos that they’ve stored on their iPod or iPhone - on their personal 15.4 inch LCD screen.

The upgrades on United will be completed by the end of 2009.

Singapore Airlines has also introduced iPod and iPhone connectivity on its KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system on the new all-business class service that it operates between Singapore and New York.

The new service will be available on Singapore Los Angeles flights beginning next month. The only jack available on aircraft servicing this route is the nine-pin KrisWorld connector, flight attendants will provide a special adaptor for 30-pin iPod and iPhone connector, by request.

www.united.com