Etihad Airways and Etisalat showcase first in-flight Internet service in the region

The world's leading new airline held a special press briefing where journalists were able to see a live video link-up between an Etihad aircraft and a personal computer on the ground thanks to Etihad's new "Wi-Fli" service in partnership with Connexion by Boeing and Etisalat.

"Etihad Airways is offering our Guests the latest in technology and customer service. The wi-fli capabilities are another milestone in in-flight technology and to be the first and only airline in the region to offer this is a great achievement. Our Guests can now connect to colleagues, friends, and family anywhere at anytime when flying on our new fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft,"

said Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman, Etihad Airways.

The Wi-Fli service is an enjoyable alternative for travellers to be connected to their homes even on board a flight by accessing and responding to personal e-mail, engaging their friends and family via instant messaging or live chat applications apart from browsing the Internet or playing online games.

Business travellers will also be attracted to the convenience of the Wi-Fli service which allows them to remain connected to their offices through a secure encrypted VPN.

Once that is set-up users can access company files, e-mail and business applications, thereby greatly enhancing their productivity.

Flying 35,000 feet in the air, an Etisalat employee seamlessly connected to a colleague at Etihad's ATM stand and chatted with him live through a webcam.

"Etisalat has always been at the forefront in terms of providing our customers in the UAE with innovative services aimed at enhancing their lives personally and professionally and this in-flight broadband internet service is a case in point. The service extends the reach and convenience of broadband to our subscribers by allowing them to access the Internet and payment through Etisalat while they travel on flights anywhere in the world," said Ahmad Abdul Karim Julfar, COO, Etisalat.

While travelling with Etihad Airways, Etisalat's Internet subscribers can simply log on to the internet with their existing Etisalat Dial Up/Al Shamil username and password. Moreover, they get the added convenience of getting billed in their regular monthly Etisalat Internet bill.

Passengers can access the internet anywhere in the aircraft with their laptop and web camera for video conversations.