Qantas Super Jumbo Goes With Linux

Qantas has decided to go with the Linux operating system for its in-flight entertainment systems for its new Airbus A380’s, according to a report in Computerworld.

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Qantas will be using the Panasonic eX2 Inflight Entertainment system, which runs on Linux, and the company has also decided to go with the Panasonic/Linux combination when it acquires its B737-800 aeroplanes early next year.

Business- and economy-class customers will be able to enjoy the new system, which will feature noise-cancelling headsets, video-on-demand and 17-inch touch screens. According to Neil James of Panasonic’s Avionics division, the A380 uses a 1GB backbone system, which is able to deliver 5Mbs of data to the seat.

Other airlines that have got the technology, or are about to install it, are Singapore Airlines and Emirates.