Mobily users can roam onboard Saudia
Published: Jul 6, 2010 23:34 Updated: Jul 6, 2010 23:34
RIYADH: Subscribers to the mobile phone services of Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) can now use their phones normally on Saudi Airlines' new Airbus A330 airliners, the Middle East's fastest-growing mobile and broadband provider has announced.
Saudi Airlines announced earlier that it had signed a deal with On-Air, in which the latter would facilitate mobile and Internet connectivity on Saudi Airlines' 70 A330s.
Engineer Abdulaziz Altamami, Mobily's chief operation officer, said that the Saudi Airlines' move will mean high levels of luxury for travelers on A330 airliners.
"We are happy to be one of the first providers in the region to be part of the On-Air deal," he said. "This goes to show how keen we are on providing our subscribers with the best technologies and keep them in the loop on the latest in the mobile world."
For safety and security reasons, the perk comes with a few caveats: Phones can only be used after the airliners reach appropriate altitudes. Additionally, the crew have full control of the system, including the authority to switch off communications and call reception at certain times, such as night flights when most passengers are asleep.
Mobily urged its customers to adhere to the same mobile phone usage rules as in non-On-Air airliners. It also asked its customers to switch off their phones during flights as per international commercial air travel rules, and to always follow the instructions of the crew for usage of mobile phones and other mobile devices.
