Linux Entertainment in Airbus A380
When the Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 takes off for its maiden flight October 25, it will have a complete Linux client/server system on board.
The in-flight entertainment system, "KrisWorld", on board of the new Airbus A380 jumbo is based on Red Hat Linux, at least for Singapore Airlines machines. The core of the entertainment system is a server with several terabytes of storage capacity. Every seat, no matter what class, will have a network client with a VIA processor and an additional 40GB of local storage. This doesn't mean that there are no "class distinctions": business class passengers can look forward to 15.4" screens, whereas economy class passengers have to make do with 10.4". First class passengers will have 23" displays.
The system offers various entertainment components, such as video and music on demand, 22 radio streams and 65 different games. To allow passengers to make meaningful use of the time they spend above the clouds, passengers have access to the Staroffice office suite by Sun Microsystems. Users can access their own documents via a USB port. The ports also allow passengers to attach their own input devices, meaning that business passengers can leave their laptops behind.
The system will also be deployed in the upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The airline is currently updating previous systems in its planes.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.