African Aerospace Update - RwandAir Providing Passengers With Internet And Mobile Phone Services

RwandAir will become the fourth African airline to choose SITAONAIR as its connectivity provider.

RwandAir has two A330s, both of which will be line fitted with mobile phone and Wi-Fi services. The first A330 will be delivered in October 2016.

SITAONAIR is the leading inflight connectivity provider in Africa, with more airline customers in the region than any other provider.

RwandAir is an international airline flying to all parts of Africa and the Middle East. It needs to offer passengers with consistent inflight connectivity coverage wherever it flies. SITAONAIR connectivity uses Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband, which provides consistent global coverage, along with an option to upgrade to GX Aviation when it comes to market, in 2016. Combined with SITAONAIR’s worldwide network of regulatory authorizations, this means SITAONAIR can provide RwandAir’s passengers exactly the same level of service on both African and Middle Eastern routes.

“With connectivity expanding in the African aviation market and RwandAir continuously trailing blazes in customer services automation, it is imperative for RwandAir  to be among the first airlines to offer mobile phone and Wi-Fi services to passengers travelling in the Central- Eastern part of Africa,” said Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy CEO & COO of RwandAir. “With SITAONAIR, we can provide our esteemed customers with the connectivity they expect from us, as well as formulate a plan for the easy upgrade to GX Aviation when it becomes available."

“African carriers are choosing SITAONAIR because of our proven credentials in the region and around the globe,” said Stephan Egli, Regional Commercial VP, ME&A of SITAONAIR. “Only we can deliver the consistent global coverage that passengers want, so they can stay in touch with the family, friends and colleagues throughout their journey.”

SITAONAIR’s SwiftBroadband solution has a clear upgradable path to GX Aviation, Inmarsat’s imminent high speed network. SITAONAIR’s service is ready for the next major step in inflight connectivity.

Source - African Aerospace