American Airlines is seeking to improve the entertainment side of its service by making Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab 10.1 available to premium class travelers.

In a June 13 announcement Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer, announced that “through our agreement with Samsung, American is the first North American airline to offer a branded tablet onboard its aircraft.”

“We are working hard to revitalize our fleet and invest wisely in new products and services to modernize and enhance the travel experience”

“Working with Samsung to outfit our premium cabins with the Galaxy Tab will give our premium customers a modern and innovative in-flight entertainment experience.”

On Monday, Samsung Electronics signed a letter of intent to supply American Airlines with 6,000 “enhanced” Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets.

The tablets will be equipped with “various multimedia and games” and will replace the current in-flight entertainment system on selected flights from New York to Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and from Boston to Los Angeles. International flights to Europe and South America will also get tablet upgrades in first class.

Galaxy Tabs will start taking off with American Airlines tablet “later this year,” said Samsung.

A number of airlines have been investigating the use of tablets, WiFi and streaming technology on flights.

Australian airline Jetstar started trialing a rental-based iPad in-flight entertainment system in June.

The tablets are rented to passengers for AU$10 (US$10.65) on selected domestic routes across Australia and come equipped with movies, games, e-books and digital magazines.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will go on sale nationwide in the US on June 17. Its smaller, 7″ Galaxy Tab sibling has been available since November.

Source: AFPrelaxnews