20 September 2010

SV passengers on A330 flights can use cell phones and Internet

Passengers traveling on Saudi Arabian Airlines' Airbus 330 flights can now use cell phones and the Internet. The new service comes in line with the national airline's efforts to bring about remarkable improvement in its services to clients by adopting modern technology.

 

Saudia has received four A330 aircraft with advanced facilities from the French manufacturer and is scheduled to get two more by the end of this year. A330s were obtained as part of a major deal to purchase 70 Airbus (including A320s and A321s) and Boeing (B-777s) planes to modernize the airline’s fleet.


Earlier this year, Saudi Arabian switched to the advanced Amadeus passenger management system, allowing clients to make reservation, purchase tickets, select seats and pay for tickets through (Sadad) and issue boarding passes by themselves, using the airline’s website and automatic systems.


Passengers will be able to use cell phones and the Internet aboard the aircraft following certain rules and regulations, without affecting the aircraft’s systems and without causing any harassment to fellow passengers. This service helps passengers continue their business activities sitting aboard the airline.


Saudi Arabian had earlier signed an agreement with (OnAir) to install full Swift Broadband Mobile OnAir and WiFi Internet OnAir inflight passenger communications services on its A330 fleet. As a result SV passengers will be able to stay connected using their own mobile phones or BlackBerrys to make and receive phone-calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access the Internet.


Using the Internet OnAir service, passengers will be able to access the Internet and VPN networks, just as they do on the ground by connecting their laptops either wirelessly or via a wired connection. Through OnAir's provision both of GSM/GPRS and WiFi Internet, SV passengers flying on the A330 fleet will enjoy the broadest range of inflight connectivity options available anywhere in the world.


In order to use the service, passengers should obtain international roaming from their service providers before boarding the plane. The mobile phone and Internet service would stop automatically at times of take-off and landing. A330 aircraft has a prayer area in addition to the facility to operate two medical beds and a number of services for passengers of special needs.