Southwest Airlines has entered into a deal with Turner Broadcasting System to add Cartoon Network to its IFE portal, which streams free live TV programming to passenger devices via a DISH system. Content from Cartoon Network’s programming such as Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Ben 10 Omniverse is now available for inflight viewing. Cartoon Network is the airline’s first complete child-centric programming being offered onboard all Southwest wi-fi-equipped aircraft, representing nearly 80% of the airline’s fleet. The streaming TV service is provided through inflight content and connectivity partner Global Eagle Entertainment. The Cartoon Network programming is being provided by Turner Private Networks, a subsidiary of Turner Broadcasting which creates and distributes content for out-of-home networks.
“The addition of Cartoon Network to our breadth of programming is a big win for Southwest and our customers,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines’ chief marketing officer. “This partnership with Turner and GEE continues to drive customer value for our brand and even more choices for entertainment onboard.”
“As Southwest’s partner to drive an enhanced and engaging passenger flight experience, we’re excited to continue to add new services and content for passengers of all ages,” added Walé Adepoju, EVP of customer solutions for Global Eagle Entertainment. “We’re seeing a rapidly growing trend among airlines to increase the content available to passengers. The addition of the Cartoon Network to Southwest’s already broad live television offering is an excellent example of this.”
