Next generation of in-flight mapping brings the journey alive
Hidden Journeys content provides passengers with real-time information about the fascinating parts of the world they are flying over.
Points of interest along the journey are illustrated with eye-catching images, including historic ones from the Society’s rich collections, and explained with expert text.
On the flight path from London to Singapore, passengers will learn, for example, about Agra and the fascinating history of the Taj Mahal, the beautiful Andaman Islands, the mountainous Caucasus and – closer to home – how the English Channel came to exist.
The content is integrated into the moving-map feature of the latest version of Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system, across First, Business and Economy classes.
Dr Rita Gardner, the Society’s Director says: “It is a joy to share geographical knowledge and the wonders of our modern world to bring the moving map, and indeed the journey, alive for passengers. Between take-off and landing we often forget just how many different places, cultures and landscapes that we cross. I am delighted that we have the opportunity to work in partnership with Singapore Airlines to realise this ambition.”
Michael Palin, Immediate Past President of the Society, says: “Hidden Journeys is, literally, about seeing the world. And you’ll never want an aisle seat again.”
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) has also been instrumental in establishing geo-entertainment as an important trend in the in-flight entertainment industry, and Singapore Airlines is the first airline to include this service to benefit their customers.
The Society has developed the Hidden Journeys service with Airborne Interactive, an in-flight entertainment software company and leading geo-entertainment provider.
The Hidden Journeys content is currently being trialled and feedback is welcomed.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. For further information, including biographical details, please contact the Ben Parfitt on 020 7591 3019 or email director@rgs.org / press@rgs.org. For out of hours 07719 712978.
2. The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the developing, supporting and promoting geography through research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, and public engagement, while also providing geographical input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer' www.rgs.org
3. The Hidden Journeys Project is a public engagement programme run by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). The project aims to enliven the flying experience and transform it into a fascinating exploration of the people, places and environments thousands of metres below.
About Singapore Airlines
When Singapore Airlines was formed in 1972, it operated a modest fleet of 10 aircraft to just 22 cities in 18 countries. With a commitment to fleet modernisation, product and service innovation and market leadership, the Airline quickly distinguished itself as a world-class carrier.
Today, Singapore Airlines operates a modern passenger fleet of more than 100 aircraft and its network, including Singapore Airlines Cargo and SilkAir destinations, covers a total of 107 destinations in 39 countries. Singapore Airlines currently serves London with 4 daily flights.
In October 2007, Singapore Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, made aviation history again as the first to fly the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.
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About KrisWorld
KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, is powered by technology from Panasonic Avionics and is fitted across the entire SIA fleet, in all cabin classes.
The latest versions of KrisWorld offer more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment and information options including more than 240 movies and stage performances, 350 TV programmes and nearly 800 CDs. The extensive selection also consists of over 80 interactive games, audio books, hosted radio programming and a variety of learning applications.
All programmes are presented on high-resolution wide-screen LCD monitors with crystal-clear audio. On B777-300ERs that feature the Airline's newest cabin products, customers can navigate the graphical user interface using touch-screen handsets in all classes and touch-screen monitors in Economy Class. Customers can play, pause, rewind and resume at their convenience at any point of a video or audio programme