Kingfisher picks OnAir for Web access on long-haul service

Kingfisher Airlines passengers on long-haul service will be able to use wireless communication facilities by next year when the company hopes to provide Web access in 2008 and Internet the following year.

The airline has chosen OnAir, a company owned by Airbus, which also provides communications and IT infrastructure, to provide a full range of passenger communication services.

Starting in 2008, Kingfisher Airlines’ long-haul passengers will be able to use Webmail OnAir, Webchat OnAir followed in 2009 by Internet and Mobile OnAir to access the Internet during flights, as well as send and receive emails and make and receive phone calls.

The OnAir service portfolio addresses passenger voice and data communications needs on both long- and short-haul flights, on commercial Airbus and Boeing aircraft, while focusing on passengers’ needs, offering choice, and ensuring an economically viable business model for airlines.

OnAir is a member of the GSM Association and an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for SwiftBroadband services. OnAir services will initially be installed on five new Airbus A330s and five new Airbus A340s with plans in place to install the system across its entire long range fleet.

Kingfisher Airlines will use its A330s on trans-India routes to Europe, while the A340s will service longer non-stop flights to the US. The airline hopes to fly international routes from next year.

Fees will be based on data download for Internet usage, and per flight for Webmail and instant messaging, and for Mobile OnAir the cost will be similar to international roaming rates, with passengers being billed by their operator on their regular bill.