KLM and Air France parachute out of iPod deal

Looks like Apple may have spoken a wee bit too soon in announcing their six airline deal for in-flight iPod connections. Two of the six, KLM and Air France, have issued a statement saying that they believe Apple was a little trigger happy with the news.

“It’s way too early to confirm any such details,” said an Air France spokeswoman, referring to the iPod seat connectivity and a mid-2007 availability date.

“It’s very premature what Apple are saying,” said a KLM spokesman, noting that there have been “informal contacts” between Apple and the airline.

Wait a second, Air France? I’m surprised Apple even offered a deal to a country that “sponsors piracy.” Meanwhile, Apple did a quick dosie-do:

Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr said: “Clearly we have had a miscommunication with AirFrance-KLM, but we are excited about announcing iPod integration with in-flight entertainment systems on Continental, Delta, Emirates and United today.”

Smooth, Apple. Smooth. If the deal’s a success, I’d hardly be surprised to see Air France and KLM shuffle back over with a “What? Oh, we’ve been here all along.”

[via Infinite Loop]