Cathay Pacific Airways and leading global Internet Service Provider Tenzing Communications today announced the successful demonstration of inflight email and Internet technology on a Boeing 747 aircraft. This was the first demonstration of its kind and included sending a text message and a digital photograph. The demonstration was held to trial technologies which will be used when Cathay Pacific implements inflight email and Intranet service across its fleet next year.

The demonstration took place on one of Cathay Pacific`s Boeing 747-400s travelling from Seoul to Hong Kong. The first inflight email was send by Cathay Pacific staff on board to Director and Chief Operating Officer Philip Chen. It read: “We`re up here at 35,000 feet enjoying the best service in the world.” An inflight photograph was attached. From his office at Hong Kong International Airport, Mr Chen replied: “Congratulations to all on board! I look forward to the rollout next year when more of our passengers can use this new facility.”

When the service is introduced in the second quarter of 2001, Cathay Pacific will be the first airline in the world to offer passengers inflight email and Intranet services across its entire fleet. Tenzing will provide Cathay Pacific passengers with a suite of inflight services including sending and receiving emails and attachments, an onboard Intranet providing “Best of the Web” surfing, and e-Business services.

Cathay Pacific`s Manager, Product, Sarah Blomfield said: “The demonstration was a great success and showed both the technical team in the air and our staff on the ground just how well the new system works. Our research tells us passengers are looking for this type of service and we are working very hard to deliver it.”

Tenzing`s Chief Operating Officer Alan Pellegrini said: “Our successful relationship with Cathay Pacific has enabled us to become the leader in inflight email and Internet by demonstrating and implementing the system well ahead of our competitors. We know their passengers are going to love this and we will continue our commitment to keeping the traveller connected both in the air and on the ground worldwide.”

To host Tenzing`s email and Internet applications, Cathay Pacific will install the Primex EMPORTTM broadband high speed network on its aircraft. The EMPORT system will allow passengers to use their notebook computers to access the applications via a standard USB connection. The inseat power system EMPOWERTM will provide passengers with safe, reliable power outlets.
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