DW is not only available on TV and the web. Travelers are getting to see great DW content on a growing number of airlines. We caught up on the latest about in-flight entertainment (IFE) with DW’s Head of Distribution Ulrich Wartmann.

What in-flight entertainment does DW offer to airlines, and what are some of the most popular programs?
We select content from DW’s magazines like Kino and Made in Germany. IFE also features documentaries from the DW Transtel catalog on topics from the environment to the automotive world and from fashion to technology.

The most popular content from our IFE line-up comes from the lifestyle shows like Euromaxx and PopXport.

How long has DW offered IFE?
Compared to some of our other services, we have actually been offering IFE for a relatively short period. We have had a few partnerships in place for years now, but we started concentrating more on our IFE efforts in 2008.

What kind of programming are airlines looking for, and how can DW help meet their needs?
Airlines are looking for all kinds of programs. When it comes to documentaries, they want nature, travel and lifestyle programs. Science is a popular topic, too.

Something we pride ourselves on is our multilingual capability. We can provide quality programming in several different languages and make it available in numerous markets. Our IFE programming is currently available in German, English, Spanish and Arabic. And a number of our shows have different subtitle options.

How do you see IFE developing in the future? Will DW expand its offerings?
We especially want to increase our emphasis on lifestyle programs by creating new formats and expanding the Euromaxx series.

Who are some of DW’s newest partners for IFE?
Just this year, the following airlines have gotten on board with us: Aeroflot, Air Namibia, Eva Air, Iberia, Korean Air, LAN Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines and Somon Air.

We are always looking forward to seeing more carriers take advantage of our IFE.

DW regularly takes part in IFE conferences from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and will do so in the coming year. Aleksandra Jovanic is the Distribution Representative who has been taking care of IFE at DW for the last few years.