Passengers on Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragonair can look forward to enjoying broadband connectivity on flights starting 2012.
Cathay Pacific and Panasonic Avionics signed yesterday a memorandum of agreement to install the technology.
“We believe that being connected is now an expected part of everyday life – not just for business purposes but also to stay in touch with family and friends,” said Alex McGowan, head of product for the airline. “This system will allow passengers to be ‘in touch’ as they wish to be while enjoying the great Cathay Pacific and Dragonair service.”
The Panasonic Avionics connectivity solution will include the eXConnect broadband service that will support Internet access, voice, data and run at speeds of up to 50Mbps; and a eXPhone GSM phone service that will enable passengers to use their mobile phones and allow the airline to restrict certain services when necessary.
A CX-branded free-of-charge entertainment portal will also be developed to include a range of content updated during the flight, access to airline and partner sites, e-commerce, airline-specific advertising and live television with pay-per-view access. This will be accessible on passenger devices and seatback screens.
The service roll out is still subject to regulatory approval.
For more, visit www.cathaypacific.com
Natasha Hong
