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SCMP Reporter

CHINA Airlines (CAL) will become the first Asia carrier with a sophisticated in-flight interactive video system to handle duty-free shopping purchases and drink and meal orders.

  The airline said the ''computerised cabin management system'' would be introduced for first-class and business-class passengers on flights to the United States, Europe and South Africa.

   The units, combining a private command monitor and viewing system, will be installed in the arm-rests on 16 long-haul aircraft, beginning in June.

    Using a six-inch touch-screen system, passengers can order drinks, go credit card shopping, participate in opinion polls, and select video and movie entertainment.

   The system is linked to the cockpit mainframe computer for access to flight information, including altitude, speed, time of arrival and temperature.

   The airline said that within minutes of making a drink selection on the screen, a cabin attendant would bring the order.

   Instructions can be given in English or Chinese.

   Business-class passengers will have six movie choices and first class as many as 50.

   China Airlines said the movie selection was the most extensive of any first-class service.

    China Airlines said that within a year, all of its long-haul aircraft would be equipped with the system.

  ''If the system works well, CAL will consider installing the system in other middle-range aircraft in the near future,'' it said.

    According to a survey by London-based Business Traveller magazine, 21 of 53 airlines contacted will have individual video screens in business class by the end of the year.



Films and drinks via CAL video systems