Azerbaijan Airlines to Offer Inflight Connectivity

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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