Interview with Philip McCarthy: 40 years of Inflight Dublin
Inflight Dublin's 40th Anniversary celebration
This year, Inflight Dublin is celebrating four decades of delivering inflight entertainment (IFE) content to the aviation industry. To mark the official anniversary, in June, the company hosted events both at the office and at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
“We hosted a vibrant and memorable event that brought together our entire team, including former staff and our founder,” Philip McCarthy, Commercial Director, Inflight Dublin, tells PAX Tech. The celebration included a party with activities, games, food, drink and a commemorative cake.
Cutting the cake at Inflight Dublin's 40th Anniversary Celebration
At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in May, the company marked the milestone occasion with a special reception, showcasing Inflight Dublin’s journey and achievements over 40 years.
Inflight Dublin's booth at AIX 2024
“It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our successes, appreciate our dedicated team and look forward to an exciting future in the inflight entertainment industry,” McCarthy says.
Evolving with the times
IFE has evolved significantly in the last 40 years, with Inflight Dublin staying ahead of the curve through its flexibility and innovation. As McCarthy puts it, one of the biggest challenges that the company has overcome during its tenure is keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology that airlines must select when ordering aircraft.
He explains that aircraft may not come into service for three to five years after placement of the order, which means there have already been significant technological advancements by the time the aircraft is ready to take flight.
Inflight Dublin received a PAX Readership Award for its Everhub iPad Solution in Hamburg
McCarthy notes that this delay was something Inflight Dublin identified as a key driver when developing its wireless IFE solution Everhub. Everhub provides airlines with a modular platform to tailor its own eco-system of services using the latest technology, that can be introduced or updated instantly.
“This flexible approach enables our airline partners to pivot as the landscape continues to evolve, without being restricted by high cost and legacy technology,” he explains.
This flexibility has also led the company to many partnerships, including recent agreements with Soft Space, South African Airways and LiFE in the Air. McCarthy says these collaborations demonstrate significant growth and innovation for Inflight Dublin, reinforcing its status as a premier IFE provider.
“By partnering with Inflight Dublin, airlines benefit from comprehensive and customizable IFE solutions that incorporate the latest technology, offer unique content tailored to passenger preferences, and ensure a seamless and engaging inflight experience,” he says.
The journey continues
Following its milestone anniversary, Inflight Dublin has several initiatives aimed at elevating the passenger experience lined up for the next six months.
McCarthy says the company is investing in cutting-edge technology to improve content delivery and integrate advanced features for a more personalized and interactive experience. Inflight Dublin’s content library will further expand to include a wider offering of entertainment that caters to diverse passenger preferences.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we want the industry to know that Inflight Dublin is not just an inflight entertainment provider but a pioneer in transforming the passenger experience. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology ensures passengers enjoy the latest innovations, from seamless payment solutions to high-definition streaming. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including content, management, and technical support, guaranteeing a smooth and engaging inflight experience,” he concludes.
