Batelco: New In-Flight Roaming Services

Manama, Bahrain: Batelco, recognised as Bahrain’s largest telecom, is now establishing a name for itself in the air, thanks to its provision of in-flight Voice & Data services for its customers who are on the move for business or leisure.

Batelco is very pleased to offer such in-demand services in cooperation with the leading providers of in-flight communications. This service continues to grow in popularity fuelled by the advancements in technology and also driven by customers’ demands to be connected to their head office, family and friends 24/7.

“We live in a rapidly changing world due to the evolution of technologies that enable always-on telecommunication with each other,” said Batelco Group General Manager Media Relations Ahmed Al Janahi. “At Batelco we continuously develop new services to meet customers’ expectations for the newest emerging products and services,” he added.

Now all passengers are able to use their own portable electronic devices including laptops, mobile phones, smartphones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) as well as the airlines’ in-seat equipment, to communicate in flight, just as they do on the ground.

Currently the international roaming for voice and data covers the following list of participating airlines: Emirates: Services available on 95 aircraft. Qatar Airways: Currently 20+ Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircrafts deployed – operating routes between Qatar and to/from Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Saudi Arabian Airlines: Currently eight Airbus A330 aircrafts deployed – operating routes from/to Saudi Arabia to Europe and Middle East. BA (British Airways): Currently two Airbus A318 aircrafts deployed – operating a business class only route between London City Airport and New York JFK. EgyptAir: Currently one Airbus A330 aircraft deployed – operating routes between Cairo Europe and North Africa. Oman Air: Six Airbus A330 aircrafts deployed – operating routes between Muscat International and to/from Europe, Middle East and Asia. Royal Jordanian Airlines: Currently two Airbus A319 aircrafts deployed – operating routes between Jordan and to/from Europe, Middle East, North Africa and India. AirAsia: Currently six Airbus A320 aircrafts deployed – operating routes from Malaysia across Asia. TAP (of Portugal): Commercial trial with one Airbus A319 aircraft. Routes to/from Europe including Cape Verde and Azores. Malaysian Air: Commercial operation onboard one Malaysian aircraft. TAM (Brazil): Currently one Airbus A321 aircraft deployed – operating domestic Brazilian routes (GRU-FOR-POA-NAT). An additional 26 aircraft are expected by end 2011. Air New Zealand: Currently two Airbus A320 aircrafts deployed – operating domestic routes. As more in-flight communications services become available internationally, Batelco will enhance its delivery accordingly.

Customers may refer to Batelco’s website www.batelco.com for more information.

This press release has been issued by Batelco Corporate Affairs department. For further information, please contact Batelco Public Relations Office Public.Relations@btc.com.bh / Fax +973 17611898