AirAsia will be the first airline in Asia to deploy OnAir mobile communications services as announced at the Paris Air Show. The service, to be deployed across the entire AirAsia fleet, will enable…
AirAsia will be the first airline in Asia to deploy OnAir mobile communications services as announced at the Paris Air Show. The service, to be deployed across the entire AirAsia fleet, will enable passengers to use their mobile phones and BlackBerry-type devices to send and receive SMS text messages, emails, and to make and receive mobile phone calls during flight. The OnAir services will be introduced by Air Asia in early 2009.
AirAsia’s entire fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft will be fitted with the OnAir equipment, including aircraft currently flying and those on order from Airbus. A total of 150 aircraft will be equipped by 2013. AirAsia X, the latest long haul low cost airline have also signed on similar agreement for a minimum of 15 firm order of Airbus A300-300.
Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia, said, “We have worked very hard to strengthen our network and enhanced connectivity in the ASEAN region, and we are now working equally hard to improve the services we offer our guests. We firmly believe that offering them the ability to communicate during flight is vital in this era of information technology.”
Benoit Debains, Chief Executive Officer of OnAir, said, “This deal validates the benefit of OnAir’s service to low cost carriers, in providing both enhanced service and an ancillary revenue stream. It also demonstrates that we are gaining a foothold in the Asian market, currently the most dynamic and exciting region for aviation. We are particularly pleased to be working with AirAsia, which is taking such a leading role in this region.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
