Cathay Pacific and Dragonair will be offering in-flight broadband connectivity on flights from 2012 following an agreement signed by Cathay Pacific and Panasonic Avionics yesterday. The eXConnect broadband service will provide broadband speeds of up to 50Mbps and the eXPhone service will offer GSM phone services allowing passengers to use their mobile phones in flight. The service will also offer a CX-branded free entertainment portal including a range of content and live TV channels which will be available and updated during the flight.
"Connectivity will form an important part of our overall customer proposition. Having that connectivity integrated closely with our video on demand entertainment system is especially valuable as it means that all passengers will be able to use the service. 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. This system will allow passengers to be as 'in touch' as they wish to be while enjoying the great Cathay Pacific and Dragonair service."
Alex McGowan, (Head of Product) Cathay Pacific
The system also offers other functionality to the airline such as being able to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time from the aircraft. The system will be deployed across the full Cathay Pacific fleet, subject to regulatory approval.
Great in-flight entertainment but the world's most uncomfortable seats -- at least, in economy class...