Podcast listening has taken flight during the past several years, and now it will literally be the case. Auble and American Airlines are partnering to offer an in-flight streaming catalogue of Audible Original titles on all of the carrier’s routes worldwide. American Airlines passengers will have access to over 240 hours of content, including podcasts, audiobooks, and premium audio dramas. It is the first time a US airline has featured Audible content for in-flight streaming.
“Audible stories inspire imagination, transporting our listeners from wherever they are to new and exciting worlds beyond their everyday experience,” said Derek Murphy, Head of Business Development at Audible. “We couldn’t think of a better fit for this library of titles than American Airlines, one of travel’s most beloved names with the largest aircraft fleet in the world,” he said in the joint announcement.
Audible Original content spans across categories, voices and backgrounds, elevating a range of creators and talent from across the spectrum. It includes many podcasts that are exclusive to the app. As part of the alliance, the companies say U.S.-based listeners who are new to Audible will also get a chance to redeem a two-month free Audible trial after landing at their destination.
“Creating an enjoyable inflight experience for all customers, especially through the free entertainment offerings onboard, is a key piece of the customer journey,” said Raphael Girardoni, Managing Director of Customer Experience, Product and Design at American Airlines. “With over 1,500 free content pieces already, the new Audible library will give customers even more entertainment options to choose from, creating a unique experience for each journey.”
American Airlines is not the first to embrace podcasts as part of its in-flight entertainment package. Delta Airlines also offers podcasts to its fliers. In 2023, Air Canada was the first airline to offer Canadian Audible Original titles to its in-flight entertainment system. Also last year, Anuvu, a provider of high-speed connectivity and entertainment solutions, formed a partnership with the Arabic podcast platform Podeo. Among the airlines Anuvu works with are Turkish Airlines, Saudia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Norwegian, among others.
