Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, was recently announced as the winner of the ‘Technology Implementation of the Year’ category at the prestigious 4th Annual Aviation Business Awards 2010.
The award recognised Oman Air’s pioneering introduction of in-flight mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity, which utilises the Airbus ALNA V2 system and Honeywell’s SwiftBroadband (SBB) solution, via OnAir and Inmarsat.
The award was accepted by Oman Air’s Chief Officer, Management Affairs, Abdulaziz Al Raisi, at a spectacular ceremony held at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, attracting many international leaders of the aerospace industry alongside a host of other VIPS.
Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hill, said:
“Oman Air is extremely proud to have won this important award and to be recognised as the first airline in the world to offer both full mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity onboard our widebody fleet.
“The introduction of this cutting-edge technology offers passengers the convenience of connecting to the Internet and any one of a range of hand-held devices from the comfort of their seat. With the ability to make phone calls, send text messages, use instant messaging, check emails, surf the web or update social media, passengers onboard Oman Air’s A330 flights need never be out of touch with the world, even as they fly.”
Organised by publisher ITP Business, the award has established itself as the ultimate celebration of achievements within the Middle East aerospace industry over the past 12 months.
The 4th Annual Aviation Business Awards included 15 categories in total, covering the airline, airport and cargo sectors, and entries were assessed by a prestigious panel of experts, selected from within the Middle East aerospace industry.
Oman Air’s award win follows a year in which the airline has been at the forefront of technological innovation. In addition to in-flight connectivity, the airline has introduced a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, featuring audio and video on demand and live satellite TV, as well as launching a new fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft and expanding its network to include a range of exciting new destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Chief Officer, Management Affairs Abdulaziz Al Raisi, of Oman Air, added:
“I am extremely pleased to have received this award on behalf of Oman Air. We are honoured to have won the award in this highly competitive category, and against such worthy competitors, and we look forward to announcing further innovations and initiatives which will offer even more choice and value for our customers.”