MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- With the debut of Sky Games (TM), by Interactive Entertainment Limited (IEL), world travelers can now bet as they jet when flying Singapore Airlines.
The new in-flight gaming system is now offered as an integral feature of the carrier's KrisWorld in-flight in-seat entertainment system. Having now completed a series of successful flights, IEL will now implement the system in all classes of service onboard selected Boeing 747-400 aircraft, debuting on a number of the airline's international routes. Singapore Airlines will continue progressive installation on the carrier's long-haul fleet.
Sky Games(TM) initially features blackjack, poker, and three-reel slots. Passengers can purchase gaming tokens ranging from US$25 to US$350 per credit card, winning up to US$3,500. Individual range from a quarter to three bucks. Credit cards must be swiped through a handset for processing before the passenger can wager. In-flight gaming can be accessed through the new generation of interactive entertainment systems at each armrest or seatback. Credit cards accepted are MasterCard, VISA, American Express and JCB.
"IEL is pleased to be the first to install a multi-aircraft in-flight gaming system with an Asian-based leading international mega-carrier," said Gordon Stevenson, IEL's president and CEO. "Our Sky Games(TM) system has already undergone rigorous testing, and it meets the extremely high standards of the most sophisticated and discerning carrier in the industry, " he continued.
The introduction of Sky Games(TM) on a major international carrier like Singapore Airlines reflects the airline industry's constant pursuit to meet ever-increasing passenger expectations for an expanded range of entertainment options. Figures from the World Airline Entertainment Association show that airline expenditures on in-flight entertainment and on-board communications has more than tripled from US$0.4 billion in 1992 to US$1.3 billion in 1997. Research now indicates that the main factors in selecting an airline are comfort, space and entertainment as opposed to the traditional categories of food & beverage and service.
IEL has worked closely with Singapore Airlines since 1995 to ensure the efficient integration of the Sky Games(TM) system with the carrier's new-generation interactive in-flight entertainment hardware. The company has completed an intensive series of airborne and ground tests to ensure the system's performance and stability.
With the development and marketing resources in the USA, UK and Singapore, IEL is a global leader in in-flight games. It was founded to introduce onboard gaming entertainment through an airline's multi-channel, interactive in-seat system.