Inflight connectivity takes to the skies with Etihad Airways

Guests of Etihad Airways, considered the World’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards are now better connected than ever before.

The airline’s first aircraft to offer inflight connectivity for passengers have officially taken to the skies.

The aircraft - three Airbus A330-300 and one Airbus A320 aircraft - are equipped with inflight passenger connectivity services. Another connectivity-enabled Airbus A320 will be delivered in March 2012.

On the A320, guests of the airline will have full mobile connectivity, enabling them to use their own mobile phones and Smartphones to make and receive phone-calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access mobile data services. The A320 is used primarily for short-haul routes throughout the Middle East, and some mid-length routes such as Istanbul, Athens, Minsk, Cochin, Bangalore and Mahé in the Seychelles.

Onboard Etihad Airways’ A330-300 aircraft, guests will have the same mobile connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi internet capability for personal laptop and tablet use. The A330-300 is used for long-haul destinations across the network, such as London, Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, Casablanca and Seoul.
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The modern traveller is increasingly reliant on mobile devices and the internet, not only to plan travel, but also to stay in touch throughout their journey. The introduction of these connectivity-enabled aircraft is an exciting first step in Etihad Airways’ long-term strategy to offer inflight connectivity solutions across our entire fleet of passenger aircraft.”

During the launch phase, Etihad Airways will offer inflight mobile and tablet connectivity from USD 10 and laptop Wi-Fi internet connectivity from USD 20. Mobile telephone calls will be charged according to the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network provider.

Airberlin and Etihad Airways combine frequent flyer programs

airberlin and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will integrate their frequent flyer programs from January 15, 2012, as they roll out their recent partnership.

airberlin topbonus and Etihad Guest frequent flyer program members will earn award and status miles on both airberlin and Etihad Airways flights.

topbonus Silver and Gold Card holders will enjoy additional status benefits such as use of Etihad Airways’ priority check-in and increased baggage allowances.

topbonus Gold Card holders will also be able to access exclusive Etihad Airways lounges in Abu Dhabi, Dublin, Frankfurt, London and Manchester. Etihad Guest Silver, Gold and Gold Elite members travelling with airberlin will also be able to enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to airberlin’s Exclusive Waiting Areas.

Paul Gregorowitsch, Chief Commercial Officer airberlin, said: “Extending our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways to include our topbonus frequent flyer program is a further key step towards making airberlin topbonus even more attractive. Status benefits such as using our new partner’s exclusive lounges and the option of earning topbonus miles on Etihad Airways’ flights are ways of adding real value.”

Etihad Airways Chief Commercial Officer Peter Baumgartner said: “This is another tangible step in the roll-out and integration of our extensive partnership with airberlin. Across our combined network of 239 destinations, this frequent flyer deal amounts to a fantastic proposition for airberlin’s topbonus frequent flyer members and our own Etihad Guest members.”

To celebrate airberlin’s partnership with Etihad Airways and the new non-stop flight from Berlin to Abu Dhabi, airberlin is giving double award miles to all topbonus members on flights marketed and operated by Etihad Airways.

Over the same period, airberlin is also giving away double award miles on tickets booked for their new connection from Berlin to Abu Dhabi.

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