Linux Entertainment in Airbus A380
When the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 takes off for its maiden flight October 25, it will have a complete Linux client/server system on board.
The in-flight entertainment system, "KrisWorld", on board of the new Airbus A380 jumbo is based on Red Hat Linux, at least for Singapore Airlines machines. The core of the entertainment system is a server with several terabytes of storage capacity. Every seat, no matter what class, will have a network client with a VIA processor and an additional 40GB of local storage. This doesn't mean that there are no "class distinctions": business class passengers can look forward to 15.4" screens, whereas economy class passengers have to make do with 10.4". First class passengers will have 23" displays.
The system offers various entertainment components, such as video and music on demand, 22 radio streams and 65 different games. To allow passengers to make meaningful use of the time they spend above the clouds, passengers have access to the Staroffice office suite by Sun Microsystems. Users can access their own documents via a USB port. The ports also allow passengers to attach their own input devices, meaning that business passengers can leave their laptops behind.
The system will also be deployed in the upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline is currently updating previous systems in its planes.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.
-
Firefox 134 Offers Improvements for Linux Version
Fans of Linux and Firefox rejoice, as there's a new version available that includes some handy updates.
-
Serpent OS Arrives with a New Alpha Release
After months of silence, Ikey Doherty has released a new alpha for his Serpent OS.