Azerbaijan, Baku, Nov.25 / Trend /
First 3G provider of Azerbaijan Azerfon and Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) have agreed with OnAir, the world's leading inflight connectivity provider, to launch full range of mobile communication services on 15 aircrafts of AZAL, Azerfon press release says.
Azerfon and Azerbaijan Airlines have announced their plans to launch full range of mobile communications services for 11 Airbus and 4 Boeing carriers of AZAL.
The pilot project was presented for the first time in BakuTel2011 Expo being held in Baku. When commercially launched in 2012, the customers of Azerfon will be able to use full range of mobile and internet services (GSM/GPRS/3G). These include voice/text communications, data and internet allowing the passengers to communicate while on-board with their colleagues, friends and families in the same way they do on the ground.
"Azerfon being the most innovative and transparent mobile operator is extremely proud of partnering with OnAir to present the project for mobile connectivity services on aircrafts of AZAL. Azerfon keeps tradition of pioneering innovative telecom solutions in Azerbaijan. For the first time in the telecom history of not only Azerbaijan, but of CIS region as well, we will provide our customers with unique opportunity of staying connected even on air. Our valued customers will be able to call, text and surf on internet using our 3G services. This is another breakthrough in the telecom industry of Azerbaijan associated with Azerfon," CEO of Azerfon, Mr. Jurgen Peetz said.
"As the National Aviation Carrier AZAL is very pleased to announce the project for introducing mobile communication services on aircrafts of AZAL. We look forwarding to launching these services in partnership with national operator Azerfon and the only global inflight connectivity services provider OnAir. This will be first of its kind innovation in communication and aviation not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the region. Only passengers of AZAL will be able to use mobile and internet services on board. This new technology is absolutely secure and is certified by International Civil Aviation Organization," Mr. Jahangir Asgerov, the President of Azerbaijan Airlines Joint Stock Company said.
It should be noted that the technical solution for this project is provided by OnAir, inflight connectivity provider established and owned by Airbus (the leading aircraft manufacturer) and SITA (the leading IT solutions provider for air transport). Today, OnAir has over 35 announced customers worldwide, on five continents, including Aeroflot, AirAsia, Air New Zealand, British Airways, Egypt Air, Libyan Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Arabian Airlines and others.
Customers of Nar Mobile and Azerfon-Vodafone will be able to use these services as soon as the technical tests are completed by Azerfon and AZAL. Mobile communications services including 3G internet will be available during the entire flight except for landing and take-off. Roaming charges will apply for such services.