Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates today announced it has selected Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), as its provider of high-speed in-flight Internet and live TV service. The agreement calls for both in-line and retrofit installation of the Connexion by BoeingSM service on the airline’s fleet of 25 new aircraft, including five new Boeing 777-300ER, 20 Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, with options for its A380 orders. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We are very pleased to be the first airline in the region to offer the Connexion by BoeingSM service. Introducing such an innovative and sophisticated service showcases our commitment to ensure our guests have the most seamless and rewarding travel experience,“ said H.E. Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department in Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Etihad Airways. He continued, “With the introduction of this award-winning, high-speed mobile Internet and entertainment connection on board our new aircraft we are confident that it will raise hospitality standards to a revolutionary new level of service.”
“Etihad Airways, one of the world’s newest and fastest-growing airlines, has charted a clear path toward a position of leadership within the Gulf region and we are pleased that Connexion by Boeing has been selected to be a part of that strategy,” said Connexion by Boeing President Laurette Koellner. “The opportunity to provide the added benefits of connectivity in flight is a unique way of helping them address a frequently requested passenger amenity, while also helping to further differentiate their brand in the marketplace.”
Etihad Airways is expected to initially offer the Connexion by Boeing service on routes between the Gulf region and Europe and North America. Once installations are completed, passengers will have additional choices for how to spend their time in-flight, including access to the Worldwide Web; e-mail; corporate intranets, including virtual private network capability; live TV and the ability to stay in touch with friends, family and the office. In mid 2006, Etihad Airways will become the first airline in the world to offer live television and Internet access at every seat delivered through its in-flight entertainment system.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, although a new arrival, now flies to 17 destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The growing network now serves Amman, Bahrain, Bangkok, Beirut, Cairo, Colombo, Damascus, Dammam, Geneva, Frankfurt, Karachi, London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), Mumbai, Munich, New Delhi and Riyadh.
Etihad’s focus is on doing things differently – reinventing the way an airline works, with the emphasis very much on creating new standards in hospitality. Etihad refers to passengers as ‘guests’ and has three ‘guest zones’ – Diamond, Pearl and Coral - rather than classes. Each zone provides a premium service, with quality and undivided attention emphasized.
About Connexion by Boeing
Connexion by Boeing, recipient of the 2003 and 2004 World Travel Award for World's Leading High-Speed In-flight Internet Services Provider, brings high speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity to travelers via a broadband connection to the aircraft. Connexion by Boeing service is available today on flights operated by Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA and Singapore Airlines. In addition, China Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana have announced their intent to install the Connexion by Boeing system on their long-range aircraft. Connexion by Boeing also offers a high-speed connectivity solution for the business aviation and maritime markets. For additional information please visit www.connexionbyboeing.com.
