Etihad Airways is introducing eight live television channels to its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, allowing passengers to watch news and major sports events.
From tomorrow, 21 Etihad widebody aircraft will screen live broadcasts of BBC World News, BBC Arabic, Euronews and Sport 24.
CNBC, Japan's NHK World Premium and CNN will be introduced during November, and Sky News Arabia will follow in the coming months.
The move means passengers will, for instance, be able to watch live Premier League football games and, over the next few weeks, the final three races of the Formula 1 season — as they happen.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad's chief commercial officer, said: "In-flight entertainment is a key part of the guest travel experience and the introduction of the eight live channels, from brands such as Sky News Arabia, CNN and the BBC, as well as top global action on Sport 24, will be a fantastic addition to Etihad Airways' flights."
All eight live channels will be available on 37 of Etihad's widebody aircraft by the end of 2014.
Graham Smith
