‘Etihad Wi-Fly’ connectivity launched

Etihad Airways has launched its new ‘Etihad Wi-Fly’ inflight Internet and mobile connectivity service, powered by the Panasonic Avionics Global Communications Suite.  

The airline’s first aircraft equipped with the technology, an A330-200, flew to Brussels on December 4, offering high-speed broadband Internet connectivity as well as data and mobile phone services.

The A330-200 will be used for long-haul destinations across Etihad’s network, such as Brussels, Dublin, Manchester, Munich, Frankfurt and Milan. By the end of the first quarter of 2013, the airline will have 10 ‘Wi-Fly’-equipped aircraft and by 2014 its entire fleet will be equipped for inflight connectivity.

All Etihad’s narrow-body aircraft will be fitted with data and mobile phone connectivity and wide-body aircraft will be additionally equipped for broadband Internet services.

The ‘Wi-Fly’ connectivity solution costs US$13,95 (R123) for one hour or US$24,95 (R220) for 24 hours. The service is complimentary for Diamond First-class guests. Mobile telephone usage will be charged based on the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network providers.

Etihad Airways also currently operates six connectivity-enabled aircraft under an agreement with OnAir – three A320s and three A330-300s.