Story ID: 415 OnAir
Middle East Flyers Love to Stay Connected
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: OnAir is displaying full suite of inflight connectivity technology at MEBA.
Word Count: 301
The Middle East business aviation market “is the most sophisticated user of in-flight connectivity,” according to Steven Egli, chief commercial officer at OnAir, the in-flight mobile phone and Wi-Fi service provider. Geneva-based OnAir (Stand 565) provides mobile connectivity solutions to more than 60 customers on five continents including airlines, governments, and operators of large cabin business jets and executive configured airliners. Its systems can be installed during aircraft completions or as a retrofit.
  
“The business jet market typically leads the way with any technology innovation, and connectivity is no exception,” Egli said. He noted that corporate jets and executive airliners depend on connectivity in both the cabin and cockpit, the former keeping aircraft owners and passengers working as seamlessly “as if they were in their offices,” while enhancing the efficiency of flight operations from the flight deck. 
  
OnAir is an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for both SwiftBroadband and GX Aviation services. Its more than 375 roaming agreements position it as the only provider to offer consistent global coverage specifically designed for mobility for both in-flight cellular and Wi-Fi services, according to the company. Here at the show, OnAir is displaying its branded products including Internet OnAir, a Wi-Fi hot spot; OnAir Play, for streaming on-demand entertainment content; and Mobile OnAir, a cellular network solution.
  
“One of the key differentiators of Mobile OnAir is that it gives any passenger the ability to use their mobile phone exactly as they do on the ground,” Egli said. “That includes the same simplicity and privacy, without anyone needing to know where you are, which can be extremely important. Confidentiality is preserved.”
  
OnAir has also been developing an e-Aircraft concept with parent company SITA, which in addition to its other services, aims to incorporate maintenance and aircraft health monitoring capabilities.