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First 3G operator Azerfon and Azerbaijan
Airlines are to launch a full range of mobile communications
services on 15 AZAL aircraft, 11 Airbus and 4 Boeing.
The plan has been made possible as a result of
an exclusive agreement with OnAir, one of the world’s leading
inflight connectivity solution providers.
The pilot project was announced for the first
time in BakuTel2011 Expo. When commercially launched later this
year, Azerfon customers will be able to use mobile and data
services during flights. These include voice, text and data
communications allowing passengers to communicate while on-board
with their colleagues, friends and families in the same way they
do on the ground.
The CEO of Azerfon, Mr. Jurgen Peetz, said, “For the first time in the telecom
history of not only Azerbaijan, but of CIS region as well, we will
provide our customers with the unique opportunity of staying connected
even in the air. Our valued customers will be able to call, text and
surf the internet using our services. This is another breakthrough
for Azerbaijan’s telecom industry.”
Mr. Jahangir Asgerov, the President of Azerbaijan Airlines Joint Stock Company,
said, “We look forward to
launching these services in partnership with national operator Azerfon and the leading global inflight connectivity services
provider OnAir. This will be the first innovation of its kind in
communication and aviation not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the
region. Only AZAL’s passengers will be able to use mobile services
on board. This new technology is absolutely secure and is approved
by the appropriate regulatory authorities.”
It should be noted that the technical solution for this
project is provided by OnAir, the inflight connectivity provider
established and owned by SITA (a leading IT solutions provider
for air transport) and Airbus (the leading aircraft manufacturer).
Today, OnAir has over 35 announced customers worldwide, on five
continents, including Aeroflot, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore
Airlines, TAM among others.
Customers of Nar Mobile and Azerfon-Vodafone will be able to
use these services as soon as the technical tests are completed by Azerfon and AZAL. Mobile communications services including 2.5G
internet will be available during the entire flight except for
landing and take-off. Roaming charges will apply for such
services, terms and conditions apply.
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