Oman Air leads the way with internet and phone in-flight connectivity

The move will give passengers in First, Business and Economy classes the opportunity to make and receive mobile phone calls and SMS messages, use email and the internet and keep up to date with social networking media, such as Facebook and Twitter.
 
Launching the new service, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, said:  “We are delighted to be leading the field by bringing the digital age to in-flight passenger communications. From mid-February we will be unrolling full connectivity across our Airbus A330 fleet, completing the task in the summer. This great new service will enrich the passenger experience and complement the stunning new interiors we are offering in all three classes of travel.
 
“For many travellers, the ability to communicate via phone, SMS, email or internet is a vital part of everyday life and staying in contact with friends, family or colleagues will constitute huge benefits for Oman Air’s customers. People are increasingly expecting internet and mobile connectivity ‘anywhere, anytime’ and what better place is there than on an Oman Air A330, when you have a few quiet hours to catch up on your email, browse the internet or return that quick phone call.”
Availability of the service will be controlled by the crew to ensure a minimum of disturbance to passengers during, for example, the quietest periods of overnight flights.

Oman Air’s A330 fleet has been fitted with the Airbus ALNA V2 system, using Honeywell’s SwiftBroadband (SBB) solution. This supports both mobile phone and internet in-flight communication, ensuring that whatever devices passengers choose to use, they will receive a swift and effective service.
 
“In today’s wired world, the distinction between phones and computers has been greyed and many devices perform more than one function. iPhones, Blackberries and a host of other devices require both phone and internet connectivity and our SBB platform offers just that. Oman Air’s new A330s have already been described by independent commentators as the most highly connected commercial widebody aircraft currently flying and we will continue to seek out new opportunities to offer our customers the very latest technology,” Hill said.
 
Oman Air’s SBB connectivity follows the introduction to its A330 fleet of new in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems which offer four channels of live TV, as well as audio video on demand, iPod connection and USB ports for different usage. The IFE systems are installed within superb new First, Business and Economy class cabins, each of which offers new levels of comfort, space and luxury.
 
With six mini-suites - each offering a lie-flat bed, a 23-inch monitor and direct aisle access – together with an elegant and relaxing lounge area, Oman Air’s First Class experience evokes that of exclusive private jet travel. Oman Air’s Business Class cabin offers 20 seats, each with aisle access, a lie-flat bed and a 17-inch screen, whilst Economy Class seats offer fully adjustable head and leg rests, surprising amounts of leg and elbow room and individual, seatback-mounted video monitors.