Cathay Pacific
Airways and leading global Internet Service Provider Tenzing
Communications today announced the successful demonstration of inflight
email and Internet technology on a Boeing 747 aircraft. This was the
first demonstration of its kind and included sending a text message and
a digital photograph. The demonstration was held to trial technologies
which will be used when Cathay Pacific implements inflight email and
Intranet service across its fleet next year.
The demonstration took place on one of Cathay Pacific's Boeing 747-400s
travelling from Seoul to Hong Kong. The first inflight email was send by
Cathay Pacific staff on board to Director and Chief Operating Officer
Philip Chen. It read: "We're up here at 35,000 feet enjoying the best
service in the world." An inflight photograph was attached. >From his
office at Hong Kong International Airport, Mr Chen replied:
"Congratulations to all on board! I look forward to the rollout next
year when more of our passengers can use this new facility."
When the service is introduced in the second quarter of 2001, Cathay
Pacific will be the first airline in the world to offer passengers
inflight email and Intranet services across its entire fleet. Tenzing
will provide Cathay Pacific passengers with a suite of inflight services
including sending and receiving emails and attachments, an onboard
Intranet providing "Best of the Web" surfing, and e-Business services.
Cathay Pacific's Manager, Product, Sarah Blomfield said: "The
demonstration was a great sccess and showed both the technical team in
the air and our staff on the ground just how well the new system works.
Our research tells us passengers are looking for this type of service
and we are working very hard to deliver it."
Tenzing's Chief Operating Officer Alan Pellegrini said: "Our successful
relationship with Cathay Pacific has enabled us to become the leader in
inflight email and Internet by demonstrating and implementing the system
well ahead of our competitors. We know their passengers are going to
love this and we will continue our commitment to keeping the traveller
connected both in the air and on the ground worldwide."
To host Tenzing's email and Internet applications, Cathay Pacific will
install the Primex EMPORTTM broadband high speed network on its
aircraft. The EMPORT system will allow passengers to use their notebook
computers to access the applications via a standard USB connection. The
inseat power system EMPOWERTM will provide passengers with safe,
reliable power outlets. |