- AIRCOM to provide voice and data links for Etihad -


Dubai – 06 June 2004 – Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has selected SITA Information Networking Computing (INC) to provide a comprehensive AIRCOM service, enhancing the aircraft communications capabilities for the airline as it expands over the next three years.
 
All Etihad Airways aircraft – both today’s fleet and the growing range of new aircraft – will utilizeutiliseAIRCOM services, enabling them to communicate via Very High Frequency (VHF) and Satellite Communications networks, providing clear air-to-ground communications, real-time engine and aircraft performance monitoring, etc, resulting in reduced turnaround and ground times.
 
AIRCOM supports communications for flight operations, aircraft maintenance and engineering, air traffic control and cabin administration, as well as passenger telephony and data services including Short Messaging Service (SMS) and e-mail. In addition, cockpit telephone systems can be programmed to give pilots easy access to information and in-flight assistance. Pilots can also use the satellite telephone service to ask air traffic controllers for a change of flight plan to avoid bad weather conditions ahead.
 
Etihad launched operations in November 2003 and expects to have between 8 and 10 aircraft in service by the end of 2004. By 2010, the airline plans to be operating as many as 50 aircraft to up to 70 destinations worldwide.
 
“We believe that SITA’s AIRCOM service is the most optimal solution to meet our needs now and into the future,” said Ahmad Noor, Communications Manager for Etihad Airways. “SITA has a proven track record in end-to-end solutions for the aviation industry.”
 
“SITA’s AIRCOM services will give Etihad the voice and data links it needs, providing excellent phone quality, even in remote areas, and clear data communications,” said Jamal El-Hoss, SITA INC’s Regional Vice President for Sales and Marketing Middle East, Africa and South Central Asia.
 
SITA is the world’s largest provider of air to ground communication systems and has operated services via VHF and Satellite since 1985. With a global network of over 750 VHF radio stations, the AIRCOM Datalink service already provides communications to 5,000 aircraft from more than 100 airlines around the world.
 
-Ends-
 
Notes to Editors:
About SITA INC
SITA INC (Information Networking Computing) is the world’s leading provider of air transport focused applications, communications and IT infrastructure, enabling its customers to realize greater operational efficiencies and enhanced profitability. Building on a heritage of innovation, the company provides services to air transport customers and to related industries, as well as government authorities, offering a unique portfolio of solutions. SITA INC is registered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and recorded revenues of US $ 697 million in 2002.
 
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the new national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was launched on November 12, 2003.  Positioned as the airline of the 21st Century, Etihad has moved away from traditional airline values in its goal of delivering a new and innovative airline that puts an emphasis on quality products and services, guest satisfaction and value.  From its base in Abu Dhabi, the airline has rapidly expanded to six destinations—Amman, Bangkok, Beirut, Columbo, Damascus and London, with routes to Geneva and Munich scheduled to open in June 2004 and Mumbai and New Delhi expected later in the summer and fall of 2004.  The airline has a long term plan to expand its fleet of aircraft to a total of 50 by 2010.    

 For further information (not for publication) contact:
Rafif Nsouli
SITA – Senior Marketing Manager
Tel: + 961 1 657200 – Ext 369
Email: rafif.nsouli@sita.aero 
 
Etihad Media Relations:
Bob Pearce/Heba Imam
Tel:   + 971 2 505 8086/8055/8092

© Press Release 2004