Oman Air in airborne internet and mobile first

Oman Air claims to have made aviation history by becoming the first airline to offer both mobile and broadband internet on board its flights.

The landmark development means that passengers travelling on the airline's Airbus A330 aircraft need never be out of touch with the world, as they will be able to access the internet and use mobile phones from the comfort of their seats.

Mobiles may be used throughout the flight, except during take-off and landing phases, to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, check voicemail, and access emails and websites. Onboard communications are charged at international roaming rates by the home mobile service provider.

Passengers will be able to access the internet, webmail and webchat using their smartphone, laptop or PDA via a Wi-Fi network. The airline has indicated that charges will start from US$29.95 per flight for internet access (26 MB), US$9.95 per flight for webmail and US$4.95 per flight for webchat.

The move is part of Oman Air's commitment to continuously enhance the travel experience and to offer innovative in-flight services reflecting the latest technological advances.

The airline operates the Airbus A330 on flights from London, Frankfurt, Munich and Paris to Muscat, as well as from the Omani capital to Bangkok, Colombo and Male.

Posted by Dave, 28 March 2010 14:52

News tags

• Muscat
• Bangkok