Oman Air, the national airline of Oman, has won the Best In-flight Connectivity and Communications award for its in-flight mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity at the recent Passenger Choice Awards.

The awards highlight the aviation industry’s innovation, products and services and are organised by Apex, the Airline Passenger Experience Association. Each award is determined solely by the votes of the travelling public and voting is tracked by the Neilson Company.

“Oman Air is committed to being at the forefront of technological innovation within the civil aviation industry and we are delighted that our pioneering in-flight mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity has been recognised with this prestigious award,” said Abdulaziz Al Raisi, chief officer, Management Affairs.

“The Passenger Choice Awards are especially notable because they are voted for by the judges whose decisions matter most, air travellers.”

Linda Celestino, general manager Onboard Services at Oman Air, said: “Since Oman Air became the first airline in the world to offer both mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity aboard our widebody Airbus A330 fleet, we have received consistently positive feedback from our customers.”

“It is clear that they value the opportunity to make voice calls, send text messages, check emails, update social media and surf the Internet.”

“With connectivity being available throughout Oman Air’s A330 aircraft, the ability to catch up with work or make arrangements to meet up with friends or family on arrival is enormously helpful for many people, and is a major contribution to having a relaxing and enjoyable flight,” she added.

Oman Air’s connectivity system utilises the Airbus ALNA V2 system, using Honeywell’s SwiftBroadband (SBB) solution, via OnAir and Inmarsat.

The connectivity services are available to passengers throughout their flight, from shortly after take-off until the aircraft is preparing to land. Mobile phone connectivity is charged at roaming rates, in just the same way as other mobile phone calls made from overseas.

Wi-Fi connectivity is currently charged per flight at $29.95 for 26MB of data for Internet usage, $9.95 for webmail-only usage or $4.95 for instant messaging. Additional charges are made for usage over 26MB and for webmail attachments.

“Oman Air’s in-flight connectivity service is just one of a number of sweeping changes we have introduced in the last two years,” Al Raisi said.

“Our new fleet of Airbus A330s has been joined by brand-new Embraer E175 regional jets, we have expanded our network to more than 40 exciting destinations and we have opened superb new Business Class and First Class lounges at Muscat International Airport.”

“Furthermore, our online booking, e-ticketing and web check-in facilities are complemented by door-to-door First Class and Business Class limousine services, a lounge-to-aircraft limousine service at Muscat and stunning onboard products and services,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service