Good news for airlines: Even if they're taking a bath on surging gas prices, in-flight video could provide a little financial relief.
Revenue from in-flight video broadcasts is expected to grow from just $87 million in 2007 to $913 million in 2012, according to MultiMedia Intelligence, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based research firm.
The research firm also expects in-flight broadband services -- which haven't gotten off the ground yet -- to generate $936 million in revenue by 2012.
Admittedly, the video numbers sound a little pie-in-the-sky to us -- especially since people can always bring their own in-flight entertainment on the plane (either on an iPod or a portable DVD player -- but NOT in a bottle of Jack Daniels).
Also, note to in-flight video providers: Nobody wants to pay $5 for a censored version of a movie they can rent at home for $4.
Photo: Flickr/YellowFilter
