NEWS IFE AND CONNECTIVITY
Etihad completes connectivity, mobile and broadband on 777s Etihad Airways announced in October that it deployed mobile and Internet connectivity on its entire fleet of 777 passenger aircraft. The airline has a fleet of 24 777s and is on the way to outfitting all 89 passenger aircraft with the features. The passenger fleet includes 28, A320s, 26 A330s, 11 A340s and the 24 Boeing 777. The full suite of inflight connectivity services on the fleet includes Wi-Fi, mobile services and Live TV. The services combine the “Etihad Wi-Fly” solution, powered by the Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite, and OnAir’s inflight connectivity solution. “The roll out of our state-of-the-art connectivity solution will give our modern connected guests a seamless, robust experience at 35,000 feet, similar to what they expect at home or work,” said Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer in the announcement. The airline offers high-speed broadband services on Wi-Fi enabled passenger-owned devices. Guests using their mobile phones can access the mobile connectivity service and smart-
phones to make and receive phone-calls, send and receive text messages and e-mails, and use mobile data services. The Live TV onboard service allows guests to watch live news and major sporting events from BBC World News, CNBC, CNN, euronews, Japan’s NHK World Premium, Sky News Arabia, and Sport 24. Cabin crew and flight deck operations also utilize Wi-Fi connections to handle medical emergencies. The crew is empowered to manage inflight guest issues by phone or email in real-time with the airline’s ground teams based in Abu Dhabi. Connectivity is also paving the way for the airline to enhance the guest experience through increased onboard retail opportunities, with the added benefit of real-time credit card transactions. Packages to access the Internet start at US$5 and can be purchased using credit cards, PayPal and a range of other convenient payment methods. Mobile telephone usage will be billed by the guest’s mobile service providers based on the international roaming rates levied by the service providers. Etihad has a fleet of 24 777-300s now all outfitted with broadband connectivity
Popular reality show now on Emirates
Fans of Arab Idol can view season three in the air on the ice Digital Widescreen on Emirates’ A380 and 777s. A special team will update ice the day after the live show so that the latest episodes will always available on board. Arab Idol, the reality show watched by Arab audiences all around the world, is Emirates’ latest sponsorship. The show is aired on TV stations MBC1 and MBC MASR every Friday and Saturday. To watch the latest episodes of Arab Idol, season three, fans should tune into channel 1360 on ice Digital Widescreen. “By offering compelling and current content on our ice system, Emirates connects fans with their passion for music. We work hard to provide a wide variety of entertainment choices and the best viewing experience for our passengers,” said Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, 10 | PAX INTERNATIONAL | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014
Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Centre. “Our aim is to let our customers get the very most out of their Emirates journey, and that is why we invest so heavily in our on board experience, which includes inflight entertainment. The fact that we have won Skytrax’s best inflight entertainment award for the last 10 consecutive years speaks to our success in this regard, and we will not rest on our laurels.” Emirates offers more than 1,800 channels of entertainment and information. The entertainment system is packed with music channels and carries a wide selection of classical Arabic music as well as the latest songs from the most popular Arab singers including three of the judging panel of Arab Idol—Wael Kfoury, Nancy Ajram and Ahlam.