News
Pace Communications and Delta Air Lines Sign Multi-Year In-Flight Entertainment Contract
Greensboro, N.C. (January 28, 2010)—Delta Air Lines and Pace Communications have signed a multi-year agreement for the management of all in-flight entertainment strategy development, content selection, production and logistics management services. The agreement includes programming services for all entertainment offered on former Northwest Airlines aircraft.
Delta Air Lines is the world’s largest airline with over 400 in-flight entertainment equipped aircraft. Through the merger with Northwest Airlines, Delta will operate seven different IFE system distribution platforms including three next generation, digital in-flight entertainment systems. As the first airline to broadcast live television and introduce video and audio on-demand products on domestic U.S. flights, Delta has always been at the forefront of providing customers with a wide array of entertainment options. Under the new agreement, Pace Communications and Delta will continue to develop innovative in-flight entertainment options for all Delta and Northwest customers. The services Pace will continue to provide include the review, selection, production and monthly management of over 230 feature films, 220 television programs, 39 broadcast audio channels and 900 individual audio tracks.
All custom-produced programs will be edited and encoded at Pace’s digital production facility in Greensboro, N.C. The introduction of electronic media file delivery services such as Smartjog along with the lower operating costs of North Carolina has enabled Pace to provide Delta with significant reductions in operating costs.
“As airlines compete for business and Americans travel more frequently, it’s absolutely essential to offer customers more than just peanuts and a beverage on their next flight,” said Daniel Callahan, Managing Director – Business Development for Pace Communications. “Delta Air Lines is smart to find new and creative ways to engage its customers through high-quality in-flight entertainment and connectivity options. We’re excited that they chose Pace to keep on top what travelers are watching and listening to.”
Chris Babb, Senior Product Manager, Inflight Entertainment at Delta Air Lines commented: “Over the past three years working closely with the Pace team has been a very positive experience. The attention to detail and the service level we receive is outstanding. They provided significant support during the successful merger between Delta and Northwest – which was a huge undertaking. Most importantly, the large role they play in our product strategy development has resulted in a great product along with significant savings and efficiencies for the airline.”
A long-time leader in in-flight media, Pace Communications publishes Southwest Airlines Spirit, US Airways Magazine (formerly Attaché) and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts Four Seasons Magazine — three of the most award-winning travel magazines in the nation. The publications reach more than six million readers a month. In addition to magazines and electronic in-flight media, Pace’s multimedia offerings include VIP Clubs, Meal Tray Cards and other integrated marketing products. Pace provides video entertainment programming for United Airlines, Air Force One and all Air Force special missions’ aircraft.