Geneva, Switzerland, 17 November 2008 - Just a few months after launching its services for VIP and Governmental customers, OnAir, the global leader in providing inflight passenger communications, today announced that it has signed its first VIP contract with a government in the Middle East
OnAir will equip the A319 Airbus corporate jet with the Mobile OnAir solution providing full voice and data connectivity services. Passengers will be able to connect throughout their flight-via text messages, emails and voice calls.
The VIP customer will be the first in the region to benefit from global coverage and high-speed connectivity delivered through OnAir's advanced mobile communications technology. Mobile OnAir uses GPRS and GSM networks, the world's most robust and extensive infrastructure for mobile communications along with Inmarsat SwiftBroadband - next generation, high capacity services from Inmarsat 4th generation satellites.
"This contract marks increasing momentum for OnAir in the fast-growing VIP, Corporate and Government segment. VIP-level passengers are demanding customers and we are pleased to see that they have selected the same solution as the one we provide to commercial airlines," said Benoit Debains, CEO of OnAir.
Leading manufacturers delivered more than 1,000 high-end jets in 2007 - an all-time high - and delivery in this segment is forecast to increase by between 10 and 15% per year over the next 10 years.
A growing number of commercial airlines either currently offer OnAir inflight communications services or plan to offer them in the near future. This includes Ryanair, Air Asia, bmi, Jazeera Airways, Shenzhen, TAP, Kingfisher, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian and TAM. OnAir also serves private VIP and Governmental customers through partnerships with Jet Aviation, Airbus Corporate Jets and Aviation Centre Cologne.
Since December 2007, Mobile OnAir services have been used on flights to more than 46 cities in 24 countries in Europe and North Africa.
The agreement was announced at the annual Middle East Business Aviation trade show in Dubai.
www.onair.aero