Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Etihad Airways has launched in-flight internet and mobile connectivity services, powered by the Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite, the airline said in a statement.
The airline’s first aircraft equipped with the technology, an Airbus A330-200, took flight for Brussels on Thursday, offering high-speed broadband internet connectivity as well as data and mobile phone services.
The A330-200 will be used for long-haul destinations across Etihad Airways’ network, such as Brussels, Dublin, Manchester, Munich, Frankfurt and Milan.
By the end of the first quarter of 2013, Etihad will have 10 such aircraft. The service, known as Etihad Wi-Fly, will be available on all Etihad aircraft by the end of 2014.
All Etihad Airways narrow-body aircraft will be outfitted with data and mobile phone connectivity, while wide-body aircraft will be additionally equipped for broadband Internet services.
The “Wi-Fly” connectivity solution is offered to guests at a cost of $13.95 for one hour or $24.95 for 24 hours. The service will be complimentary for Etihad Airways’ Diamond First Class guests. Mobile telephone usage will be charged based on the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network providers.
BBN/SSR/AD-14Dec12-4:40 pm (BST)
