Emirates has launched in-flight Web capabilities on its A380s with service from OnAir, the company announced Monday.
OnAir, a joint venture between SITA and Airbus, said the launch follows a trial period for the service, which was installed and activated on the first few A380s last year. Wi-Fi services will initially launch on 11 of Emirates 19 Emirates A380s currently in-service, with the system due to be installed both now and in the future across the entire fleet of 71 Emirates A380s on order. In addition to Wi-Fi, from mid-2012 all new Emirates A380s will be delivered with a full range of Wi-Fi, mobile phone and mobile data services. Emirates has 91 aircraft currently allowing the service.
“Emirates recognizes that being connected in flight is increasingly important especially on our longer flights. Adding internet access is going to be a vital and ubiquitous part of any inflight experience, just as it is in everyday life on the ground,” said Patrick Brannelly, Emirates vice president corporate communications. “As a result of our testing, we were able to learn a lot about what people like to do with the internet inflight and are pleased to be able to launch with very affordable pricing options.”