[Avionics Today July 1, 2014] Spanish carrier Iberia has added OnAir’s in-flight connectivity solution to its transatlantic routes. Passengers flying on Iberia aircraft between Europe and the Americas will have access to OnAir’s in-flight Wi-Fi and GSM solutions.
According to OnAir, Iberia provides the most flights between Europe and Latin America, and was looking to introduce in-flight connectivity to improve passenger experience. By 2015, the airline will add Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir to 25 of its A330s and A340s.
OnAir CEO Ian Dawkins believes Iberia’s introduction of connectivity is an indication that European carriers are finally starting to catch up to their counterparts in the Middle East and Asia, where the volume of connected aircraft is much higher.
“Other regions, particularly the Middle East and Asia, are moving ahead fast with satellite-based connectivity and European carriers are at risk of having to play catch-up. I’m sure this will be the wake-up call they need to start proving what passengers want, the ability to stay in touch during flights," said Dawkins.