Emirates Airlines selects OnAir for in-flight communication services in A380 aircraft

Emirates Airlines and OnAir have announced an agreement to install full Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir in-flight passenger communications services on their A380 aircraft fleet. All 90 of the flagship, double-decker aircraft operating on long-haul intercontinental routes will be equipped with the system. This will allow passengers to use their mobile phones, smart phones and BlackBerry devices onboard Emirates A380 aircraft to make voice calls, send SMS text messages or utilise data services wirelessly to their iPod, iPhone, iPad and laptops equipped with GPRS modems. The first OnAir-equipped Emirates Airbus 380 will come into service in June 2012.

Emirates Airlines will commence installation of the OnAir connectivity features on its A380 aircraft at the beginning of 2011, allowing passengers to access the Internet via Wi-Fi on personal portable devices such as laptops, smartphones and mobile telephones. Mobile OnAir along with Inmarsat uses the industry’s most advanced and extensive infrastructure for mobile communications, providing Emirates Airlines passengers global connectivity.

OnAir has operated more than 120,000 fully connected flights to date to over 300 cities operating to 75 countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa and has signed agreements with more than 25 customers worldwide. OnAir also serves corporate jets, private VIP and Governmental customers.

Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airlines said, "Emirates Airlines in-flight entertainment system is a consistent global award winner and we are constantly looking to enhance the services we provide to our passengers. Our decision to install a full set of in-flight connectivity services is part of our on-going effort to provide customers with real-time access to information that they demand."

Ian Dawkins, CEO, OnAir said, "Emirates have established themselves as pioneers of in-flight connectivity. We are proud that after rigorous evaluation, they have chosen OnAir technology for their flagship aircraft fleet. In choosing SwiftBroadband technology, Emirates Airlines benefit from a powerful platform combining cockpit and cabin communications-and one that offers further evolution into the future, should market demand require."

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