Airline iPod connectors run into turbulence

KLM and Air France have denied a statement by Apple claiming that the two airlines will offer iPod integration in their aircrafts.

Hugo Baas, a spokesperson for KLM, told vnunet.com that the airline so far has had just "exploratory conversations" with Apple and denied that the two companies had any agreement.

Air France sent out a press release contradicting the Apple release.

"Air France refutes the announcement that a specific connection system to the digital iPod will shortly be installed on Air France planes. Apple is a partner of Air France, but it is far too early to talk about a project such as this," the company stated.

The KLM and Air France mishap was the result of a "miscommunication", Apple spokesperson Tom Neumayer told vnunet.com.

"But we are excited about announcing iPod integration with in-flight entertainment systems on Continental, Delta, Emirates and United today, and other airlines in the future."

Apple on said that a group of six airlines will offer iPod integration that would allow passengers to recharge their portable media players and play its video content on seat-back displays.

The offerings however won't be widely available. United will limit iPod connectors to First and Business class seats on international flights.

Delta will offer the connectors to all passengers on flights within the US that take more than four hours, a spokesperson told vnunet.com. She added that the company may expand the offering to business class on international flights in the future.

Continental expects the connectors to be availalble for all passengers on its transatlantic routes by the end of 2007.