Nar Mobile launches full range in-flight communication services

On April 2, Azerfon, the telecommunication Company, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and OnAir Company of Switzerland announced the launch of the joint project implemented with the support of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan. In the framework of the project, Azerfon (Nar Mobile) will offer a full range communication services to passengers aboard of AZAL aircrafts. The implementation of the project has already started and envisages providing services on boards of 12 AZAL aircrafts in 2012, as the initial stage.

İt should be mentioned that this project is in line with the National Strategy for Information and Communication technologies carried out under the leadership of Mr. Ilham Aliyev the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

"As you know, OnAir Company is the only company in the world that organizes the work to extend in-flight mobile communication services. For the time being, the mobile communication on aircrafts is managed via the only on-ground station located in Amsterdam.

Taking into account the regional development trends among CIS countries and vision for future, we plan in the nearest future, with the support of Azerfon, to install second land based station in Baku, which will transmit traffic received from satellites enabling in-flight mobile communication services to other CIS countries. With a view to the fact that Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries of the region in the level of ICT development and Azerfon’s intention to apply innovative technologies in Azerbaijan, we have indeed started to co-operate with the Azerfon and AZAL.

I am pleased to note that the project will yield its results in the shortest run and Azerbaijani citizens will soon start to benefit from communication services while being on board" – said Ian Dawkins, Chief Executive Office of OnAir.

Speaking at this event, AZAL Vice President Eldar Hajiyev expressed his delight over the mobile communication service that start on board of aircrafts and this co-operation run with the Azerfon (Nar Mobile). "This day will be remembered by several important events in the air carrier history and ICT sector of Azerbaijan.

First of all, according to the deal, AZAL will bring another innovation by providing a full range of in-flight communication services for the first time among CIS countries," - noted AZAL Vice President.
"This is an indicator of a high profile service extended by us to our subscribers, and a tremendous step forward in the field of Information and Communication Technologies for the entire Azerbaijan.

From now on, while being on-board of AZAL aircrafts, passengers will use mobile services and the right to provide such services will lie with the Azerfon (Nar Mobile). Our subscribers will be provided with full mobile services being in flight.

These services will include voice calls and messaging, data transmission, internet and other functions. The use of in-flight mobile communication will be permitted for all flight duration except take off and landing." -Commented Jurgen Peetz, Chief Executive Officer of Azerfon.

Known by its Nar Mobile trademark, Azerfon has started its activities in 2007 and currently, is considered as the most affordable and innovative mobile operator of the country. For the time being, the network of Azerfon Company covers 80% of Azerbaijani territory and offers the best 3G technology based services to ensure high quality communication services in the country.

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is the part of the Azerbaijan Airlines Closed Joint-Stock Company which is the large air company of Azerbaijan and the national air carrier. It handles air transportation to Europe, CIS, Middle East and Asia. Azerbaijan Airlines is considered as one of leaders by the number of its new aircrafts both in the region and the CIS.

OnAir is worldwide only company founded to extend in-flight mobile services on board of aircrafts. The Company provides an opportunity of communication for people being even on travel in aircrafts. Currently, it has over 35 customers across the world and continues to offer such services for VIP and ordinary passenger carriers.