APEX: Qatar selects OnAir for linefit connectivity on A350XWB fleet

Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir, said, “OnAir's services are the first to be selected as linefit by an A350 operator. It marks a continuation of our strategy to have our services available as a linefit option across Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as well as other aircraft types.”

OnAir's connectivity services will be deployed throughout Qatar Airways’ full 80-strong A350XWB fleet, adding to the installation of the services on Qatar Airways’ Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 fleets.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We always seek to provide our passengers with service levels that exceed their expectations. As a Five Star airline, we invest in the latest technologies to further enhance our passengers’ experience. Onboard passenger communications means both mobile phone and the Internet should be available, everywhere in the world and the OnAir solution goes a long step towards ensuring we maintain consistency on our different aircraft.”

OnAir's satellite-based service allow passengers to use their mobile devices for calls, text messaging, email and mobile data, as well as providing inflight Internet access. It works in exactly the same way as international roaming, with usage costs being billed by the passenger’s home network operator in the regular bill. Access to inflight Internet is as through a hotspot: the passengers simply enter their credit card details and start surfing.

Dawkins continued: “Mobile phones play an integral part in our lives and we want the choice to stay in touch all the time. Soon, using our phones on the plane will be as normal as having a cup of coffee and this deal with Qatar Airways demonstrates how close that day is.”

OnAir's inflight telecoms services are already used by 12 airlines, operating over five continents, as well as by VIP and business jet operators, and shipping lines.