In-Flight Consoles to be Ad Supported

AdWeek reports the consoles will also allow for menu ordering, pay-per-view movies on demand, live satellite television and games. Wunderman designed the consoles. Disney, Echostar, Fox, Paramount and Warner Brothers will provide content for the platforms, which will have banner ads and in-game ads, according to reports.

Dan Olson, managing director of Wunderman and COO of Young & Rubicam Brands, said (via Marketing Vox) that the deal began to take shape nearly two years ago, "because of our digital strength and branding ability. They are focused on the creative class as a target audience. It needed to carry the Virgin brand in every way, shape and form."

The console, called "Red", is said to be a revenue center for both Virgin and the advertisers who will buy ads to be displayed on the platform. Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America's director of in-flight entertainment and partnerships said in a statement (via AdWeek), "It's designed as a place where viewers are active participants in their entertainment experience. They truly can create, discover and enjoy their own in-flight experiences."

Tags: banner ads, in-game advertising, mobile text messaging