10 Airlines With Live Tail Cameras for the Ultimate Pilot’s View
Takeoff already feels dramatic from the passenger seat, but watching it from outside the aircraft takes it to the next level. A handful of airlines stream live exterior camera feeds to cabin screens so travelers can watch the runway shrink beneath the wings or the horizon tilt during climb. It started as a practical tool for pilots, and has become one of aviation’s most unexpectedly fun in-flight features. Here’s how different carriers handle those live sky-high views.
Emirates
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On Emirates flights, the seatback screen can double as a window. The airline’s ICE entertainment system lets passengers switch between several live exterior camera angles on the Airbus A380. Emirates introduced the superjumbo in 2008 and now operates one of the largest A380 fleets, with some aircraft carrying more than 500 passengers.
Qatar Airways
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Ever wondered what takeoff looks like from behind the aircraft? Qatar Airways passengers can sometimes see that perspective through external cameras linked to the Oryx One entertainment system on the Airbus A380. The airline added the double-deck jet in 2014 to serve busy long-haul routes connecting Doha with major global hubs.
Cathay Pacific
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When Cathay Pacific introduced the Airbus A350 in 2016, the aircraft arrived with quieter engines and improved cabins. There’s also the modern seatback entertainment screen. On select flights, those displays can show exterior camera footage while the aircraft connects Hong Kong with destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia.
British Airways
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Not every aircraft camera is meant for passengers, though. British Airways installs tail cameras on its Airbus A350, but the footage is only available to pilots in the cockpit. These aircraft entered service in 2019 and debuted the airline’s Club Suite business-class layout on long-haul routes.
Air France
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Before retiring its Airbus A380 fleet, Air France gave travelers a glimpse of the outside world through live camera feeds on the in-flight entertainment system. The airline introduced the giant jet in 2009 to serve routes linking Paris to major cities worldwide, with each aircraft carrying more than 500 passengers.
Lufthansa
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Lufthansa became the first European airline to operate the Airbus A380 in 2010, with the aircraft immediately transforming its long-haul network. On certain flights, passengers could watch live exterior camera views through the entertainment system. These enormous double-deck jets regularly connect Frankfurt or Munich with some of the world’s busiest international hubs.
Singapore Airlines
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In 2007, Singapore Airlines launched the world’s first commercial Airbus A380 flight between Singapore and Sydney. Beyond spacious premium cabins, the aircraft features the airline’s KrisWorld entertainment platform. Among the options are live exterior camera feeds that show the aircraft’s perspective during takeoff, cruising, and landing.
Etihad Airways
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Luxury headlines often surround Etihad Airways’ Airbus A380, especially the Residence suite located on the upper deck. They also feature external camera feeds available through the entertainment system. The airline introduced the aircraft in 2014 while expanding long-haul routes from its Abu Dhabi hub.
All Nippon Airways
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Modern aircraft often arrive with smarter cabin technology, so when All Nippon Airways added the Airbus A350 in 2019, the jet brought high-definition seatback screens and upgraded entertainment options. On some flights, passengers can watch exterior camera views of the aircraft’s wings, runway activity, and the sky.
Korean Air
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The passenger jets on the Boeing 747-8 are distinctive, and Korean Air was the first airline in Asia to introduce the aircraft in 2015. These widebody jets connect Seoul with cities across North America and Europe. Passengers can also access exterior camera views through the aircraft’s onboard entertainment system.