BA to introduce text and internet services on new route
British Airways plans to launch text and mobile services for customers on its new all business class route from London City Airport to New York's JFK airport later this year. This means customers will be able to stay in touch via their own mobile...
British Airways plans to launch text and mobile services for customers on its new all business class route from London City Airport to New York's JFK airport later this year.
This means customers will be able to stay in touch via their own mobile phones or PDAs.
They will also be able to access the internet and send e-mails from laptops fitted with GSM data cards. Voice calls may be allowed in the future subject to customer demand and feedback.
BA is the first UK airline to announce the introduction of a live communications service on transatlantic flights. Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive officer, said: "This is a great service for our customers whom we know want to do business in the air or simply stay in touch via e-mail or text.
"It's a perfect fit for our new business class-only services from London City airport to JFK which we will launch later this year."
The service will be provided by Mobile OnAir using the GSM/GPRS network, the world's most widely used and extensive network for international mobile communications.
Benoit Debains, chief executive of OnAir, said: "We're delighted to have been selected by British Airways, one of the world's flagship carriers, to provide the highest standard of in-flight communications for their premium customers."
British Airways is launching the twice daily business class-only service, which will operate Sunday to Friday, between London City Airport and New York's JFK airport in autumn.
Eastbound flights will be non-stop.
Customers will be able to clear US customs and immigration at Ireland's Shannon Airport, where it will refuel on the westbound flight before arriving in the US.
This means customers will be able to stay in touch via their own mobile phones or PDAs.
They will also be able to access the internet and send e-mails from laptops fitted with GSM data cards. Voice calls may be allowed in the future subject to customer demand and feedback.
BA is the first UK airline to announce the introduction of a live communications service on transatlantic flights. Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive officer, said: "This is a great service for our customers whom we know want to do business in the air or simply stay in touch via e-mail or text.
"It's a perfect fit for our new business class-only services from London City airport to JFK which we will launch later this year."
The service will be provided by Mobile OnAir using the GSM/GPRS network, the world's most widely used and extensive network for international mobile communications.
Benoit Debains, chief executive of OnAir, said: "We're delighted to have been selected by British Airways, one of the world's flagship carriers, to provide the highest standard of in-flight communications for their premium customers."
British Airways is launching the twice daily business class-only service, which will operate Sunday to Friday, between London City Airport and New York's JFK airport in autumn.
Eastbound flights will be non-stop.
Customers will be able to clear US customs and immigration at Ireland's Shannon Airport, where it will refuel on the westbound flight before arriving in the US.