Next Level Entertainment: Discover Airlines to test in-flight entertainment system of the future

• Refitted Airbus A320 to enter three-year test phase from April
• 14-inch touchscreen with 4K resolution for every seat
• Personalization of content and connection to own devices
• From 2025: free high-speed internet
• AERENA Inseat System is the latest development of the Lufthansa Technik & LG Electronics joint venture AERQ

Discover Airlines has equipped one of its short-haul aircraft with a new, worldwide unique digital entertainment system. Guests will experience state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment, with large screens at every seat, extensive and personalized content and, from 2025, high-speed internet for everyone. The entire offering is available to passengers free of charge.

The refitted Airbus A320 with the registration D-AIUQ will fly from the beginning of April 2024 for a test period of at least three years and can be recognized from the outside by the additional "next level entertainment on board" label.

Discover Airlines is the first airline in the world to install the AERENA Inseat system from the manufacturer AERQ. The Hamburg-based start-up is a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and LG Electronics. The cooperation between AERQ and Discover Airlines is supported by the Lufthansa Group Innovation Runway, an internal Group initiative that promotes innovative solutions within the Lufthansa Group and with external partners.

"We are proud to be the first airline to offer this special entertainment system. Discover Airlines guests experience one of the world's most modern in-flight entertainment systems on this aircraft. And we are working with our partner AERQ to improve it even further. Our goal is to test the new system in everyday life and to understand how the travel experience can be further improved and personalized through feedback from our customers," explains Maximilian Meintgens, Director Product & Marketing at Discover Airlines. "The insights we gather during the test phase will make an important contribution to the further development of the in-flight entertainment experience for the entire Lufthansa Group."

"We are delighted that AERENA is now taking off and that both an airline and passengers can experience what our platform has to offer. Agility and speed in updating content, customization for a personalized encounter with guests and the connection of a wide range of partners and their services. These are just a few of the benefits that AERENA can offer airlines and their passengers," explains Arnd Kikker, Co-Managing Director of AERQ.

"This joint project is a great example of how we can continuously improve the customer experience through innovation. We are delighted and proud that our investments in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment together with our partners AERQ and Discover Airlines can now be experienced on our first aircraft," says Xavier Lagardère, VP Innovation of Lufthansa Group & Managing Director of the Lufthansa Innovation Hub.

Latest hardware, personalized content, high-speed internet: What passengers can experience on board

The permanently installed screens have a diagonal of 14 inches and offer a maximum resolution of 4K (3840x2160 pixels). Control is user-friendly and intuitive via touchscreen. Travelers can also connect their own devices and headphones to the screen via Bluetooth. An optional query allows content to be personalized and tailored to individual preferences.

In addition to a large selection of films, series, podcasts, games and a moving map in 3D, the open cloud-based IT platform offers the option of integrating numerous apps and services. At the start of the test phase, there are already applications available that travelers can use to find out about their destination and book tours on the way to their holiday.

At the beginning of 2025, the aircraft will also be equipped with the latest internet technology, which will enable fast surfing, payment and booking functions, streaming and the integration of many other functions. "Order to Seat" is also planned as part of this, allowing guests to order and pay for food, drinks and products from the in-flight shop via the screen during the flight. The aim is to provide travelers with full connectivity during the flight.