Think of it as a personal home entertainment center. Except this system will allow you to enjoy its variety of features while flying.

Yesterday, Hawaiian Airlines unveiled its new state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, which will be available next year with the delivery of the company's first Airbus A330-200 jets to be used for long-haul flights.

At a cost of $2 million per plane, Hawaiian will equip the backs of each passenger seat of their new jets with a high-definition, LCD touchscreen monitor that will allow passengers to select their own television shows, movies, music and video games.

"We hope to provide a level of service unmatched by our competitors," said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's CEO.

The new system represents the next generation of in-flight entertainment by leading provider Panasonic Avionics Corp.

Known as the eX2 entertainment systems, passengers will eventually be able to order drinks using the touchscreen monitor or send text messages. They also can access an extensive library of newspaper articles and music. The programming will include a combination of free and pay-for-view content.

Only a handful of airlines have this type of entertainment system, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates airlines, Dunkerley said.

"Hawaiian Airlines is widely recognized for the high quality of their service, and the introduction of our eX2 system in their new jets is going to deepen that reputation," said Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics.

Hawaiian, the state's largest airline, is in the process of upgrading its fleet.

The first of two leased Airbus A330 jets will be delivered next year and a third leased plane will be added in 2011.

Additionally, Hawaiian has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus to acquire six A330-200 aircraft and six extra wide-body A350XWB-800 aircraft direct from the manufacturer.

The company also has the purchase rights for an additional six A330-200s and six A350XWB-800s.

The new planes and upgraded in-flight entertainment system underscore Hawaiian's plans to add new long-haul routes in the future.

"It really shows that while the economic news may be dreadful today, it's important to invest in the future," Dunkerley said.