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On May 1, 1966, Air France helped to usher in a new era of air travel by introducing in-flight entertainment on its route between Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) and New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). What began as an ambitious experiment aboard a Boeing 707 would be part of the movement that would go on to redefine the passenger experience for decades to come.
Aeromarine Airways is credited as the first airline to show a film on a plane in 1921 when it screened Howdy Chicago!. TWA (Trans World Airlines) is credited with debuting the first regularly scheduled in-flight movies on July 19, 1961. A few years later, Air France transformed an aircraft cabin into a cinematic space, offering passengers a two-hour program described as a “Festival in the sky.” The experience blended film and music, turning a long-haul journey into a cultural event.
The inaugural screening featured Viva Maria, directed by Louis Malle and starring Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau. The film was presented in both French and English. This moment marked a turning point in aviation history. Air travel was no longer just about getting from one place to another (it became an experience designed for enjoyment, relaxation, and escape).
Sixty years later, that pioneering vision has evolved into a sophisticated entertainment ecosystem. Today, Air France offers passengers on long-haul flights access to more than 1,500 hours of on-demand content. Across its fleet, travelers can enjoy entertainment on approximately 38,000 individual screens, many featuring high-definition and 4K resolution. The content library includes:
- Feature films and television series
- Documentaries and curated programs
- Music and podcasts
- Wellness and relaxation content
These offerings are enhanced through partnerships with major entertainment providers to ensure a diverse and constantly updated selection. From shared movie screenings projected in a cabin to personalized, on-demand viewing at every seat, Air France (and now almost every airline) has consistently pushed the boundaries of onboard experience. What began as a bold experiment in 1966 has become a defining element of modern air travel and one that continues to shape how passengers experience time in the air.
Anthony’s Take: Air France’s introduction of in-flight entertainment 60 years ago transformed flying into more than transportation. Today, passengers expect thousands of hours of content and cutting-edge technology. I rarely use the in-flight entertainment on flights, but take away my Wi-Fi and I am quite cranky.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
