Here's why:
* Copyright: Movies are copyrighted works, and showing them without permission is a copyright infringement.
* Licensing Fees: Airlines negotiate licensing agreements with film studios or distributors to obtain permission to show movies on their flights. These agreements involve fees based on various factors such as:
* The popularity of the movie: Blockbuster films will command higher fees.
* The number of flights the movie is shown on: More flights, more fees.
* The length of the agreement: Longer agreements often involve lower per-flight fees.
* Exclusivity: Some agreements may grant airlines exclusive rights to show a movie for a certain period, potentially limiting its availability on other platforms.
In addition to licensing fees, airlines might also have to pay for:
* Distribution costs: Getting the movies to the planes.
* Technical equipment: Special hardware and software required to play the movies on board.
Therefore, it's not just about showing the movie; airlines invest in a complex system to offer in-flight entertainment, and that includes obtaining the necessary rights and paying for it.