Etisalat, the UAE-based telecom services provider, has announced that more than 56,000 of its customers have used its in-flight mobile service since it was launched a year ago through the Aeromobile system.

According to Aeromobile, this represents 27 per cent of the total users across the world on the Aeromobile network, making Etisalat a leader in the in-flight mobile service, with maximum number of customers for this service.

The service enables passengers to safely make and receive calls and SMS text messages while in-flight. The service was first operated by Etisalat in the UAE on an Emirates flight between Dubai and Casablanca, a year ago.

The system has since been installed on 32 of the Emirates airline’s fleet, and is available on around 25 per cent of its aircraft. Emirates presently operates more than 60 Aeromobile-equipped flights in a day to various global destinations.

“Etisalat's In-flight mobile services target a niche audience who prefer to be virtually connected all the time,” said Essa Al Haddad. Etisalat’s chief marketing officer.

“Since its launch last year, Etisalat's in-flight mobile services have been a huge success and have received tremendous positive appreciation from its customers. We are proud to be leaders in this niche market, providing connectivity even in the sky.'

“Being a leading service provider in the region, Etisalat can relate to the necessity of the customer to remain connected with their business, family, and colleagues whilst they’re travelling” added Al Haddad.

“We’re delighted to make this possible for them through our association with Emirates Airlines and Aeromobile, while they are in the air.

“GPRS data services are also available for our customers in air, enabling them to surf the internet, download their emails, or enjoy multimedia services, while flying.”

Etisalat customers can benefit from the in-flight mobile services while traveling on the Emirates airlines to 60 selected routes including London, Casablanca, Cairo, Sydney, Damascus, Khartoum, Karachi, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Perth, Melbourne, Paris, Rome, Milan, Munich, Nice, Bombay and Kuala Lumpur.

Standard international roaming charge applies for both Wasel and GSM customers, while calling on board. – TradeArabia News Service