YouTube, Virgin America partner for in-air content deal
updated 09:16 pm EST, Fri December 7, 2012
Virgin to show five YouTube channels, with more to follow
Google's YouTube is taking to the air in its latest bid to supplant traditional television, as content from the Google-owned streaming service will now be featured as in-flight entertainment on Virgin America's flights in the US and Mexico. The partnership will see Virgin making five YouTube channels available on its in-flight entertainment system starting December 15. The deal is part of Virgin America's ongoing effort to quadruple the number of videos it would offer on its in-flight entertainment systems.
Beginning on December 15, the seatback screens on Virgin America flights will have access to Warner Bros.' "H+ The Digital Series," WIGS' "Blue," Geek & Sundry's "Written by a Kid," and Barely Political's "The Key of Awesome," as part of its new deal with YouTube. It is expected that Virgin and YouTube will be adding even more content and channels in the future.
According to Variety Virgin has been aggressively pursuing content deals with online producers such as Will Ferrel, Seth Green, Relativity Media, and more. These partners have their content displayed on Channel 11, home also to Virgin-produced programs for the airline and other Virgin brands.
