OnAir announced three major deals with MENA-based airlines for Inmarsat SwiftBroadband inflight connectivity at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
Qatar, Saudia and Libyan airlines have signed contracts for both inflight GSM connectivity and Wi-Fi internet access.
Qatar Airways has extended its use of SwiftBroadband to its upcoming A350 and A380 fleets. These are to be line-fitted with both Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir.
In total, more than 150 Qatar Airways' aircraft will have OnAir connectivity.
Saudia's new A330s, which will be delivered throughout this year and next, will be equipped with Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir. They will join the A330s already flying with OnAir connectivity, bringing the total to 12.
Libyan Airlines will take delivery of its first Airbus A330 next month, equipped with OnAir.
“There are three truths about inflight connectivity”, said Ian Dawkins, OnAir's Chief Executive Officer.
“The first is that any airline wanting to attract and keep customers must provide connectivity.
“The second is the connectivity has to be consistent all over the world.
“Finally, passengers want to use their phones, tablets and laptops in the same way they do on the ground, so they must have access to both a mobile phone network and Wi-Fi.”
