Qantas Airways slammed for Slashing in Flight Audio Options
Australia’s peak music body has slammed Qantas for slashing music from its in-flight entertainment system.
APRA AMCOS described the move as a devastating blow to the Aussie music industry as customers took to social media to express their dismay.
Flyers aboard Qantas’ Boeing 737 aircraft that operate domestically and to international destinations including Denpasar, Noumea, Port Moresby and New Zealand will no longer be able to tune in to radio stations, music playlists and CD library collections, according to Australian Frequent Flyer.
The airline claims just a small number of passengers make use of the audio system during their flight, and that many people brought their own portable music devices when taking to the sky. “Our research showed on average less than ten per cent of customers per flight were tuning into the radio and music channels,” a Qantas spokesperson said in a statement, according to The Music.
“On domestic flights, the large majority of customers are tuning into premiere movies and TV box sets, so that is where we are investing and continuing to grow our film and TV library.
“We will continue to offer our full library of radio programs and on-demand music albums on international services. Podcasts and audiobooks are still available on domestic flights.”
Displeasure
But APRA AMCOS chief executive officer Dean Ormstron suggested it was Qantas’ poor content choices that turned customers off.
“Qantas says no-one listens to their music channels/selections. The lacklustre curation of music focused audio/video could be the cause!,” Mr Ormstron tweeted. His displeasure was echoed by frustrated Twitter users. “I’ve had times where during stressful landings, the albums available have made a huge difference! Axing it is a real shame,” Clancy Bennett tweeted. Mr Ormstrong told The Musicthe move inhibited the opportunity to take Australian voices to the world.
“In their role as the national carrier, Qantas have the opportunity to literally carry Australian stories in Australian voices to the world via their customers, and tell those stories to music loving Aussies as well,” he said. “Australia is a music nation, and our year on year revenue stats show there is an increasing appetite for local music both here and abroad.”
Pop star Troye Sivan told the publication’s podcast just a few weeks ago his collaboration with fellow Australian Gordi on his new album Bloom was born after he heard the artist’s music on a Qantas flight.