If you heard about the mayhem in the famous Bellagio fountain last week, the image of Sir Richard Branson riding, or dumping, a jet ski in the water in Las Vegas is probably permanently etched in your brain. The event honored the 10 year anniversary of Virgin Atlantic’s non-stop flight service to Mcarran airport from the UK. As he usually does, Virgin’s Sir Richard, prompted a stunt to mark the event and we will give you some coverage of that madness next issue. The Virgin investment of $2 Billion in new planes and new service from Manchester airport, as well as, the 10th anniversary of the service to Las Vegas, were reason enough for the celebration.
The IFE story belongs to Panasonic because of the $70 Million invested by Virgin in the Panasonic eX2 and eXPhone System (via AeroMobile) on 10 new A330′s. The aircraft begin delivery next February, and initially, the hardware will be installed via retrofit. However, Virgin is pressing both Boeing (B747) and Airbus (A330) for future line fit (TC’d) solutions. The news conference last week (shown above) brought together Virgin’s Sir Richard Branson – President, Steve Ridgeway – CEO, Greg Dawson – Director Communications together with Panasonic’s Charles Oglivie – Executive Director, and Rossi Ralenkotter – President Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority.
Obviously excited over the fact that the Las Vegas destination was fourth on VA’s revenue generation destination list, he was very enthusiastic about the Panasonic system. Said Sir Richard, “The possibilities now are unlimited. We want mobile phones to be on silent, but there will be light alerts at the passenger’s seat when a call comes in. We might eventually establish silent zones if need be but we’ll see how things go. This means the business men and women will never be out of touch. Our train riders can add four work hours to their work day when traveling with us by rail. It will be no different in the air.” IFExpress talked to the VA and Panasonic representatives and it was clear that the new non-stop A330′s that will fly from the UK to Las Vegas are an important part of both the Las Vegas growth plan and the future of Virgin Atlantic.
The “take-away” here is that Panasonic is actively engaged with Virgin Atlantic today to bring their whole suite of phone-TV-Internet services to the aircraft – initially via Inmarsat and eventually via their broadband network. Paul Margis told IFExpress that they presently have consigned Ku-Band transponders in their network that cover the world routes and planes are operating with the capability today. It is obvious that Sir Richard is a fan of technology as he noted passenger preference for using connected devices; “Passengers will be able to email, make phone calls, use their iPhones to talk and text message.” Virgin Atlantic’s existing fleet of of 33 wide-body aircraft have to look pretty good to Panasonic and we expect that the negotiations are underway to upgrade their whole fleet. Time will tell.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out the Aeromobile release in this issue of IFExpress and here is more about Panasonic and Virgin Atlantic as well as the latest release from Panasonic.
Earlier this week someone asked us if an 802.11N aircraft router was in existence. Yep, and VT Miltope has one newly developed, approved, and ready for service…it is called the nMAP. Contact Bob Guidetti if you need more information (rguidetti@miltope.com). Check out the PDF data sheet below.
Airbus told us that they are going to raise prices this year by an average of 5.8% and it applies to all new aircraft sales beginning in 2010. This is the first price rise in two years. The price increases were calculated according to the Airbus standard escalation formula over the January 2008 to January 2010 period. “We have tried to keep prices down for as long as we can,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “However, even with record aircraft deliveries and impressive orders in recent years, the continuing strength of the Euro against the US Dollar and the ongoing financial challenges ahead have forced us to take action.” An ongoing US Dollar weakness, an increased cost of materials as well as commodities are all factors in the decision.
Here are a couple more tasty bits: You probably remember the story we broke a couple weeks ago about AeroMobile filing under “administration”, well now it seems that AeroMobile has finalized a deal in which it will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telenor Group. The deal will enable AeroMobile to emerge from “administration”, where it has been since late last year. On the airborne Wi-Fi front, Southwest Airlines is to begin installing equipment in an agreement with Row 44. The Ku Band solution will be installed on the Southwest fleet beginning in the second quarter 2010. The airline plans to install at a rate of 15 aircraft per month, accelerating to 25 per month later, with all installations complete by 2012.
We have been expecting a YouTube video chronicling the Airbus/Boeing subsidy struggle. You will find it in a link called Launch Aid below.
A long-time reader sent us pictures of a new South African regional carrier…”if these folks have a sense of humor on their livery, I’m flying with them the next time I am in South Africa.” Check out the detail, it is hilarious. We need more of this stuff! See the link below.
Like the little boy digging enthusiastically in a large pile of manure and exclaiming, “There must be a pony in here somewhere…”, we faced a daunting task again this week (plainly visible) as bits and pieces of inflight entertainment and aviation news came dribbling in to our offices. Not necessarily news, recent events on the supply chain front also piqued our interest. Both Boeing and Toyota have brought some new focus to the supply chain, and from our perspective, some overreaching in the value side of the supply chain is at issue here. This focus will no doubt, come into play on the airline side as well, but are by their nature, a bit less immune. As you may know, the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg is May 18 thru 20, 2010, and it looks like the supply chain is an issue here as well. “For this reason an important theme at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo will be how the cabin interiors supply chain can prepare for the expected upturn, while recognizing that conditions are still challenging. ‘Airlines are looking for a changing mix in the cabin – some will look to change the cabin interior to be able to fine tune to meet both demand and current capacity,’ said Ian Crawford, Group Exhibition Director at Reed Exhibitions.” We found a good accounting of a real world Boeing fastener problem that has to be a classic in the fastener SC…it’s in the links below. Also included are a couple other supply chain finds that may help you in your next meeting. As Boeing will no doubt tell you, tackling supple chain value is not without attendant risk.
Links:
- VT Miltope nMap data sheet (readers should note that the reference to DO-160D should be DO-160E)
- Launch Aid
- Kulula Aircraft PDF
- Supply Chain Links
29th January, 2010 – AeroMobile has today finalised a long term investment in its future, with the formation of AeroMobile Communications Ltd as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telenor Group, the world’s seventh largest telecoms company.
The move comes as the business of AeroMobile emerges from a short, 5 week period of restructure via administration. During this time, the company was managed in conjunction with the highly acclaimed firm BDO who led a successful restructuring process, and secured the outright sale of the AeroMobile business to Telenor. AeroMobile says this will enable it to maintain its industry leadership and cater to the burgeoning in-flight connectivity market.
Bjarne Aamodt, Chairman of the Board of AeroMobile and Senior Vice President in Telenor Group, says: “We are delighted to seal an investment in AeroMobile that will develop its potential in the years ahead. This innovative, award-winning business already has a proven track record and, with our long-term vision and support, we are utterly confident that it will continue to grow successfully.”
In March 2008, the AeroMobile system made possible the first authorised in-flight calls on a commercial flight with launch customer Emirates Airline. It is currently the only system in commercial operation on wide-bodied airliners. It is in service today on 68 aircraft of Emirates and Malaysian Airlines, flying to over 90 destinations across the globe, and has also been ordered by Qantas.
AeroMobile is teamed with market-leading IFEC (In-flight Entertainment and Communications) giant, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, and is a key element of the world’s first fully integrated cellular-enabled IFEC platform. AeroMobile technology, under the eXPhone brand, is an integral part of Panasonic’s new IFEC offering. V Australia is the launch customer for eXPhone.
AeroMobile’s technology is also a major component of Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite, an advanced industry first package that offers in-flight cellular, broadband Wi-Fi services and live TV. Lufthansa is the launch customer for the Global Communications Suite.
Since its launch, the AeroMobile system has been used by over 1.4 million airline passengers making it the most popular in the skies today.
AeroMobile’s CEO, Bjorn-Taale Sandberg, says: “This is a significant moment in our company’s history and a major step forward. Becoming a subsidiary of a renowned billion dollar industry giant such as Telenor Group gives us the necessary confidence to further develop the company to the benefit of our customers”
“The recent restructuring was initiated to create a better platform from which we can realise our full long-term business potential, sustain product leadership and continually offer different ways for airlines to differentiate themselves.”
Malcolm Cohen, Restructuring Partner at BDO and joint administrator, said: “It is a great result to have sold the AeroMobile business to Telenor, preserving jobs and reputation. The sale will ensure the ongoing success of the business and we wish Telenor and AeroMobile Communications the very best for the future.”
Following today’s announcement (Monday, October 12) of Lufthansa’s adoption of AeroMobile’s in-flight mobile phone technology, AeroMobile chief executive Bjorn-Taale Sandberg said:
“This is an industry transformational deal spelling out that major airlines are recognising the need to keep their passengers connected with broadband and cellular connectivity, covering mobile phones and Blackberries.
“As the only in-flight cellular provider operating commercially in the wide-body market today we clearly recognise the demands of the long haul business traveller – this commitment reaffirms AeroMobile’s position as the industry leader.
“AeroMobile is unique in providing airlines with flexibility and a future-proofed connectivity vision. We have customer commitments from airlines operating Inmarsat Classic Aero, Swift64, SwiftBroadband and now Ku band. Lufthansa’s commitment to Panasonic’s multi megabyte Ku band solution, eXConnect, will allow AeroMobile to deliver a much richer user experience, provide more comprehensive value-added cellular services and a growth path to 3G.”
AeroMobile, which was the first company to offer in-flight mobile phone services in full commercial service when it launched with Emirates in March 2008, is currently installed on over 50 wide-bodied aircraft across six aircraft types with Emirates and Malaysian Airlines. This figure will rise into three figures in 2010 as AeroMobile’s equipment is installed across with its customer base of primarily long haul flag-carriers.
The Lufthansa announcement, which sees AeroMobile’s equipment installed through Panasonic’s eXPhone system, means AeroMobile now has commitments spanning all wide-bodied aircraft variants including B747 and A380.
Mr Sandberg added: “Having taken in-flight connectivity to the next level with Panasonic back in 2007 when we carried out the world’s first commercial trail with Qantas, we’re delighted to be associated in another step-change in the airline industry’s connectivity story.
“This new development with Ku-band recognises the huge potential growth in mobile technology, which we are already seeing on a day-to-day basis with products like the iPhone. Soon the ability to use this technology will be second nature in the air as well.”
5th October, 2009 – AeroMobile, the award-winning provider of in-flight mobile communications, is continuing its tradition of innovation with the unveiling of an in-flight cellular portal. The solution will bring a wide range of applications and value to passengers, drive greater ancillary revenues and allow airlines to differentiate themselves.
The onboard portal, which is compatible with Inmarsat Classic Aero, SwiftBroadband and Ku band aircraft communication technologies, will enable airlines to broaden their in-flight passenger offering whilst providing them with additional revenue streams.
Content such as MP3s, games, and sports and music video clips can be downloaded from the portal, which would be branded in an airline’s colours. The portal can also be used to display specific advertisements, for networked gaming, and to provide enhanced customer relationship management services such as connecting gate information and access to frequent flyer data.
AeroMobile CEO Bjorn-Taale Sandberg said: “In this challenging environment, it’s essential for airlines to differentiate themselves and be able to offer value-added services, enabling them to increase their revenue streams.
“Our service-proven AeroMobile network has now been accessed by over 800,000 passengers during flights across the globe, and is in operation on over 50 wide bodied aircraft.”
AeroMobile will be demonstrating the Portal on its stand (no. 801) at the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) annual conference and exhibition which takes place in Palm Springs, California from 5th-8th October.
The AeroMobile system, which allows passengers to safely make and receive calls, is certified for use and installed on six wide bodied aircraft types – Boeing 777-300ER, 777-300, 777-200, Airbus A330-200, A340-300 and A340-500. It is now in use on flights to 93 destinations across four continents.
For more information, visit www.aeromobile.net
About AeroMobile
AeroMobile Limited is a UK-based company which is majority owned by Telenor ASA, the world’s 7th largest telecommunications company. Since 2003, it has been pursuing the objective of developing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs in response to market demands.
As market leader, AeroMobile achieved a world first in April 2007 when Qantas commercially launched in-flight mobile technology. The AeroMobile system was successfully trialled with Qantas on over 1,000 domestic Australian flights, when GSM text messaging and GPRS data services were offered to its passengers. It subsequently committed to installing the system across its domestic fleet.
In March 2008, the AeroMobile system made possible the first authorised in-flight calls on a commercial flight with launch customer Emirates. The service is now being rapidly rolled out across Emirates in service fleet.
Continuing the theme of firsts, Malaysia Airlines was the first Asian carrier to introduce in-flight cellular services through partnership with AeroMobile. V Australia’s Boeing 777 fleet will also be equipped with AeroMobile technology later this year.
AeroMobile is teamed with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, the market-leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems provider. Panasonic offers the AeroMobile aircraft technology under the eXPhone brand as an
integral part of Panasonic’s IFE systems. eXPhone is also an integral part of Panasonic’s Ku band based Global Communications Suite.
The AeroMobile system is uniquely flexible in being able to operate over current and next-generation Inmarsat satellite communications systems including Classic Aero and SwiftBroadband services.
In September 2008, AeroMobile won the “Best Achievement in Technology 2008″ award from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).
1st July, 2009 – AeroMobile, the market leading in-flight mobile communications provider, has completed the certification of its system on the Boeing 777-300ER, its sixth aircraft type.
The AeroMobile system, which allows passengers to safely make and receive calls, text messages & GPRS data services whilst on board, in-flight, is now certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for use on six widebodied aircraft types.
In addition to the Boeing 777-300ER, it is certified for use and installed on Airbus A330s, A340-300s and Airbus A340-500s, together with Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 variant aircraft.
Launched only in March 2008, AeroMobile’s Avion award-winning system is already in full operation on 45 aircraft belonging both to launch customer Emirates Airline and Malaysian Airlines. During this time, AeroMobile has been used by more than 400,000 passengers.
The system is currently installed at each airline’s engineering facility, overseen by AeroMobile’s certification partner AeroConseil.
AeroMobile CEO Bjorn-Taale Sandberg said: “In the fifteen months since we launched, the AeroMobile system has been installed on 45 aircraft and today remains the only commercially operational cellular technology on wide-bodied aircraft of both Airbus and Boeing.
We continue to lead the field with the breadth of our service experience, which is growing rapidly as we consistently meet customer delivery targets.
The range of installation options we offer, coupled with the continual growth in our network of roaming partners and AeroMobile’s compatibility with different aircraft communications systems, is making it increasingly attractive to airlines around the world. We are currently in active discussions with a number of carriers, and will be announcing further commitments shortly.”
About AeroMobile
AeroMobile Limited is a UK-based company which is majority owned by Telenor ASA, the world’s 7th largest telecommunications company. Since 2003, it has been pursuing the objective of developing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs in response to market demands.
As market leader, AeroMobile achieved a world first in April 2007 when Qantas commercially launched in-flight mobile technology. The AeroMobile system was successfully trialled with Qantas on over 1,000 domestic Australian flights, when GSM text messaging and GPRS data services were offered to its passengers. It subsequently committed to installing the system across its domestic fleet.
In March 2008, the AeroMobile system made possible the first authorised in-flight calls on a commercial flight with launch customer Emirates. The service is now being rapidly rolled out across Emirates in service fleet.
01 April 2009 – Aeromobile, the award-winning provider of in-flight mobile phone services, is demonstrating the benefits of its partnership with Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFE) systems, at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo.
Work by the two companies has led to the integration of the AeroMobile system with Panasonic’s X Series IFE platform. Known as the eXPhone, the system allows airlines to incorporate in-flight mobile technology within the Panasonic IFE system, saving investment costs and aircraft weight.
Panasonic is offering eXPhone as part of their Global Communications Suite, or as a stand-alone product.
Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “Our objective has been to offer a flexible, scalable product that integrates in-flight mobile technology into our IFE systems. Airlines are starting to see the benefits of this, both in terms of cost and convenience.”
AeroMobile’s relationship with Panasonic has been forged in successful in-service operations with Qantas, Emirates and Malaysia Airlines. Later this year, V Australia will roll out the eXPhone service on its trans-Pacific routes.
AeroMobile CEO, Bjorn-Taale Sandberg, said: “Our relationship with Panasonic unites the world’s largest IFE provider with one of the world’s largest telecom providers – our majority shareholder Telenor – enabling us to provide a genuine enhancement to airline IFE solutions.
“A number of airlines have already expressed strong interest in eXPhone, and we hope to be able to announce further details shortly.”
About AeroMobile
AeroMobile Limited is a UK-based company which is majority owned by Telenor ASA. Since 2003, it has been pursuing the objective of developing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs in response to market demands.
AeroMobile is the first in-flight mobile technology to be commercially available and first flew in June 2005 on Boeing’s 777-200LR ‘Worldliner’ demonstrator aircraft. It was subsequently trialled with Qantas on over 1,000 domestic Australian flights in 2007, when GSM text messaging and GPRS data services were offered to its passengers.
In March 2008, the AeroMobile system made possible the first authorised in-flight calls on a commercial flight with launch customer Emirates. Since that time, over 160,000 Emirates passengers have used AeroMobile, and it is now available on 32 aircraft – a quarter of the airline’s fleet.
AeroMobile is also in service with Malaysian Airlines, and will be rolled out on V Australia aircraft later this year.
AeroMobile is teamed with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, the Panasonic’s market-leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems provider, to offer the AeroMobile aircraft technology under the eXPhone brand as an integral part of Panasonic’s IFE systems. The AeroMobile system uses existing Inmarsat satellite communications systems installed on commercial aircraft, and these will be upgraded at the earliest opportunity to Inmarsat’s latest SwiftBroadband service providing further features and capabilities such as GPRS mobile data services
In September 2008, AeroMobile won the “Best Achievement in Technology 2008” award from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).
More information may be found at www.aeromobile.net
31 March, 2009 – Passengers on Malaysia Airlines are proving some of the world’s most enthusiastic users of in-flight mobiles as they embrace the award-winning AeroMobile service.
The rapid take-up has taken place since Malaysia Airlines launched the service last November, with customers taking advantage of keenly-priced calls, text messages and data services. The in-flight service is available to many destinations across Europe, Australia and the Asian region, including China and Japan. On some flights, passenger adoption has exceeded 40%.
Data devices such as Blackberry are proving popular, with data traffic on some flights exceeding 2MB, the equivalent of 40 Blackberry users sending and receiving email.
The service has benefited from collaborative marketing initiatives with leading telecoms providers in Malaysia, many launching with highly competitive pricing. As an introductory rate, a leading Malaysian Telco is charging just 0.99RM (circa. 19p) per text message. Receiving text messages is free of charge. These rates are comparable to global terrestrial cellular roaming rates.
Malaysia Airlines’ Commercial Director Dato’ Rashid Khan said: “We are delighted with passenger feedback from AeroMobile’s ongoing marketing initiatives. In line with our aim to become the World’s Five Star Value Carrier we are committed to delivering unrivalled levels of service to our passengers.
“Our cabin crew is trained to provide guidance to passengers on the usage of inflight mobile devices while maintaining privacy and comfort for all other passengers. This includes ensuring mobile phones are switched to silent mode during flights.
“I believe this has contributed to the overall positive customer experience on this service,” he said.
Bjorn-Taale Sandberg, Chief Executive Officer of AeroMobile, said: “High awareness amongst passengers, competitive pricing and a reliable platform has seen our service with Malaysia Airlines reach new heights.
“Customer feedback has been very positive. The imaginative pricing, with texts for as little as 0.99RM as an introductory offer, has really driven up usage. As we expected, data and SMS usage has been prolific, demonstrating clear passenger demand.
“We are also very well placed to upgrade our capability with Malaysia Airlines as, uniquely, the Honeywell avionics are already in place on their fleet to enable future Inmarsat SwiftBroadband upgrades later this year”.
The first Malaysia Airlines B777-200 was installed with the light weight AeroMobile system during a routine maintenance check.
About AeroMobile
AeroMobile Limited is a UK-based company which is majority owned by Telenor ASA. Since 2003, it has been pursuing the objective of developing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs in response to market demands.
AeroMobile is the first in-flight mobile technology to be commercially available and first flew in June 2005 on Boeing’s 777-200LR ‘Worldliner’ demonstrator aircraft. It was subsequently trialled with Qantas on over 1,000 domestic Australian flights in 2007, when GSM text messaging and GPRS data services were offered to its passengers.
In March 2008, the AeroMobile system made possible the first authorised in-flight calls on a commercial flight with launch customer Emirates. Since that time, over 160,000 Emirates passengers have used AeroMobile, and it is now available on 32 aircraft – a quarter of the airline’s fleet.
AeroMobile is also in service with Malaysian Airlines, and will be rolled out on V Australia aircraft later this year.
AeroMobile is teamed with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, the Panasonic’s market-leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems provider, to offer the AeroMobile aircraft technology under the eXPhone brand as an integral part of Panasonic’s IFE systems. The AeroMobile system uses existing Inmarsat satellite communications systems installed on commercial aircraft, and these will be upgraded at the earliest opportunity to Inmarsat’s latest SwiftBroadband service providing further features and capabilities such as GPRS mobile data services
In September 2008, AeroMobile won the “Best Achievement in Technology 2008” award from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).
More information may be found at www.aeromobile.net
Hamburg – Tuesday, March 31, 2009: AeroMobile, the award-winning in-flight mobile communications provider, is to revolutionise credit card payments for airlines and passengers by bringing “chip-and-pin” to the sky.
Airlines are currently restricted to using old-fashioned swipe machines to process credit card payments for duty-free goods bought in-flight. With existing systems it is not possible to access the ground-based retailers to verify payments.
But now the AeroMobile system can be used to securely conduct credit checks in-flight, transforming in-flight transactions for both retailers and customers.
AeroMobile is currently best known for leading the way with in-flight passenger communications, the world’s first to provide technology and services that allow mobile phone use onboard.
The UK-based company is rolling out a new suite of value added services to both airlines and passengers.
Peter Tuggey, AeroMobile’s chief commercial officer, said: “Credit card fraud is notoriously high for onboard duty-free sales as airlines aren’t able to access payment networks to authorise the transactions.
“However, AeroMobile can now offer a solution by allowing airlines to make secure transactions through its system. Cabin crew will simply be able to use the same sort of hand-held credit card machines so often used in restaurants on the ground.
“We will be trialling this system with our existing customers and talking to duty free providers, as this is a benefit that brings real value to both airlines and passengers.”
Another innovation being unveiled by AeroMobile at this week’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg is the introduction of a mobile friendly internet portal, giving passengers access to key information on their destination.
The service will allow passengers to click through a WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) web page from their phone, giving them instant access to information on weather forecasts, currency exchange rates and other destination information.
Peter Tuggey said: “The introduction of our WAP page is another value-added service we can provide to airlines and their passengers as the take-up of our service grows around the world.”
About AeroMobile
AeroMobile Limited is a UK-based company which is majority owned by Telenor ASA. Since 2003, it has been pursuing the objective of developing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs in response to market demands.
AeroMobile is the first in-flight mobile technology to be commercially available and first flew in June 2005 on Boeing’s 777-200LR ‘Worldliner’ demonstrator aircraft. It was subsequently trialled with Qantas on over 1,000 domestic Australian flights in 2007, when GSM text messaging and GPRS data services were offered to its passengers.
In March 2008, the AeroMobile system made possible the first authorised in-flight calls on a commercial flight with launch customer Emirates. Since that time, over 160,000 Emirates passengers have used AeroMobile, and it is now available on 32 aircraft – a quarter of the airline’s fleet.
AeroMobile is also in service with Malaysia Airlines, and will be rolled out on V Australia aircraft later this year.
AeroMobile is teamed with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, the Panasonic’s market-leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems provider, to offer the AeroMobile aircraft technology under the eXPhone brand as an integral part of Panasonic’s IFE systems. The AeroMobile system uses existing Inmarsat satellite communications systems installed on commercial aircraft, and these will be upgraded at the earliest opportunity to Inmarsat’s latest SwiftBroadband service providing further features and capabilities such as GPRS mobile data services
In September 2008, AeroMobile won the “Best Achievement in Technology 2008” award from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).
More information may be found at www.aeromobile.net
Friday, March 20, 2009 – Cutting-edge communications for Emirates passengers reached a new milestone today with the first birthday of its world-beating in-flight mobile service with AeroMobile.
History was made a year ago today when the first authorised call on a commercial flight was made on flight EK751, flying from Dubai to Casablanca on March 20th 2008.
Since then, 160,170 passengers have switched on their mobile phone on an Emirates flight to take advantage of the ability to make and receive calls and text messages – more than 50,000 in the last three months alone as the service becomes more widely available and increasingly popular.
The AeroMobile system, which allows passengers to safely make and receive calls during flights, has now been fitted on a total of 32 Emirates aircraft, making it available on one-in-four of Emirates’ services. Emirates Engineering are installing the AeroMobile system on the rest of the fleet, with one aircraft being equipped every ten days or so.
Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Vice President, Passenger Communications and Visual Services, said: “Using this innovative service has now become second nature to our passengers who love the convenience of being able to stay in touch when they choose to.
“It has proved as popular with passengers on all flights to all destinations, not just businessmen and women but also leisure travellers. It’s ideal for just wanting to call home or make contact with family on birthdays or anniversaries.
“Typically about a third of our passengers are switching on their phones onboard AeroMobile-equipped aircraft, so it’s clearly a popular service. We do see many though, that switch on their phone but don’t necessarily use it, showing that they like the idea of being contactable. It’s clear that passengers prefer using their own phone which they are familiar with, rather than the seatback phone.
“The early concerns about potential impact on other passengers have proved, as expected, to be unfounded. We very rarely see multiple calls at the same time, and most calls are shorter than a couple of minutes. Texting using sms has been very popular. The feedback from our customers has been full of enthusiasm.”
The AeroMobile service is being rolled out across the Emirates fleet and is currently operating on five aircraft types, the Boeing 777-200s and 777-300s, plus the Airbus A340-300, A340-500 and A330-200. It is due to be installed on the Boeing 777-300ER from May.
AeroMobile CEO Bjorn-Taale Sandberg said: “With our service firmly established on an increasing number of Emirates’ aircraft, the usage level amongst passengers has increased at a faster pace.
“We’re particularly proud of the quality of the voice service and overall reliability. The comment we most often hear is that people receiving calls from our customers in-flight can’t believe they are calling from 35,000 feet.
“We are looking forward to more growth and rising user numbers throughout 2009 to cement a great first year.”
About AeroMobile
AeroMobile Limited is a UK-based company owned by Telenor ASA and Arinc. It has been pursuing the objective of allowing the safe use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs since 2003 in response to market demands.
In September 2008, AeroMobile won the “Best Achievement in Technology 2008” award from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).
Prior to the launch of the Emirates service, mobile phone use in aircraft has only been allowed in limited, short-term trials which did not support voice calls.
AeroMobile is the first in-flight mobile technology to be commercially available and first flew in June 2005 on Boeing’s 777-200LR ‘Worldliner’ demonstrator aircraft. In April 2007, AeroMobile implemented a trial service on domestic flights within Australia. This evaluation project, supporting GSM text messaging and GPRS data services, continued until January 2008 having operated on over 1,000 flights.
AeroMobile is teamed with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, the Panasonic’s market-leading in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems provider, to offer the AeroMobile aircraft technology under the eXPhone brand as an integral part of Panasonic’s IFE systems. The AeroMobile system uses the existing Inmarsat satellite communications systems installed on all Emirates aircraft. These systems will be upgraded at the earliest opportunity to Inmarsat’s latest SwiftBroadband service providing further features and capabilities such as GPRS mobile data services.
More information may be found at www.aeromobile.net
'Future–proofing' the IFE installation means providing an onboard network with sufficient bandwidth that the airline will never have to tear apart their airplane to re-wire to install upgrades. Fiber-to-the-Seat™ provides a fiber optics network running at a gigabit per second – High-definition video is only the beginning – who knows what the hot, killer apps will be 10-20 years from now?!”
