Etihad introduces first A380 with in-flight mobile phone network

Etihad Airways has become the first carrier to introduce AeroMobile technology to the Airbus A380. AeroMobile is a mobile network operator that enables airline passengers to roam inflight, with technology that makes it safe for passengers to use their own phones while on board. The first Etihad A380-800 (A6-APA) fitted with the upgrade made its inaugural flight with AeroMobile services from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, paving the way for future A380s to be fitted with the service.

The newly-connected aircraft accommodates 498 guests in total – 417 in Economy Class, 70 in Business Class, nine in First Class and two in The Residence cabin.

The airline now has AeroMobile connectivity on 59 aircraft serving worldwide destinations from the Middle East, with AeroMobile also fitted to Etihad A330-200, A330-300, A340-500 and A340-600 aircraft.

AeroMobile’s in-flight mobile services have proved incredibly popular with passengers since it made its first flight back in March 2008. Since its launch over 23.6 million passengers have successfully connected to the network and 2014 saw a strong increase in the uptake of AeroMobile services from airlines and passengers, which reflects the needs of the modern traveller to always be connected.