Etihad Airways Selects Connexion by Boeing for In-Flight Internet Service
One of the first airlines to offer Connexion by Boeing service via in-flight entertainment system
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 global TV service. The agreement calls for both in-line and retrofit installation of the Connexion by Boeing SM service on the airline's fleet of 25 aircraft, including Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, and Airbus A330, A340 and A380 aircraft. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"We are very pleased to be the first airline in our 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 give our guests the most rewarding experience of any airline."
"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 Etihad address a frequently requested passenger amenity, while also helping to further differentiate their brand in the marketplace."
Etihad Airways is expected initially to offer the Connexion by Boeing service on routes between the Gulf region and Europe and North America . Once installations are complete, 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, national airline of the United Arab Emirates , although a new arrival established in 2003, 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 is, for the second year running, the recipient of the World Travel Award for World's Leading High-Speed In-flight Internet Services Provider. It was recently named one of the wireless companies to watch in 2005 by IDC wireless services analysts, and is the recipient of Network Magazine's Innovation Awards 2005 honor for "Product Breakthrough." Through a broadband connection to an equipped aircraft, high-speed Internet, data and entertainment connectivity is delivered directly to travelers in flight. The Connexion by Boeing service is available today on flights offered by Lufthansa, SAS, Japan Airlines, ANA and Singapore Airlines. In addition, China Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana and El Al will begin offering the high-speed service on their long-range aircraft in the very near future. Connexion by Boeing also offers a high-speed connectivity solution for the business aviation and maritime markets.
Connexion by Boeing has agreements in place with more than 500 corporations worldwide and also has established wireless roaming agreements with 15 associate service providers. Through these agreements business and leisure travelers are able to connect to the Worldwide Web through an established account with Connexion by Boeing, or use the roaming platforms of their existing wireless providers (if they have a agreement with Connexion by Boeing) to further simplify their methods of payment. For more information, please visit www.connexionbyboeing.com.
Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty
Some of the statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside our control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include known and unknown risks. Because actual results could differ materially from our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about the future, you are urged to view all forward-looking statements contained in this news release with caution.
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For further information:
Terrance Scott
Connexion by Boeing Communications
mobile: +1 206-571-8070
Connexion by Boeing Communications
mobile: +1 206-571-8070
Sami Lahoud
Boeing World Headquarters Communications
+971 50 559 4426
Boeing World Headquarters Communications
+971 50 559 4426
Heba el Imam
Etihad Airways
+971 2 505 8055
Etihad Airways
+971 2 505 8055