Cathay Pacific Airways today announced it is now offering wireless Internet access in The Wing, its First and Business Class lounges at Hong Kong International Airport. Passengers now have the freedom to access the Internet from laptop computers or WAP mobile phones anywhere in The Wing without the need for a cable connection. The new services are part of Cathay Pacific`s aim to become the leading e-Business airline in Asia.

Passengers can take advantage of the service by using one of the four notebook computers with wireless network cards available in The Wing. They can also install a network card in their own laptop computers to access the Internet. Desktop personal computers with fast broadband Internet access are also available.

Cathay Pacific`s e-Business Manager Mary Chan, who helped oversee the project, said: “Our new wireless Internet service means passengers can now stay connected while enjoying all the fantastic services at The Wing. In the Long Bar they can stay online while enjoying delicious hot snacks, or they can settle down with a coffee and browse the web in The Short Bar. Our research shows passengers value the ability to get online at any time, which is why we have worked hard to deliver this service.”

First Class Lounge passengers can also now stay connected in The Haven, The Wing`s fine-dining restaurant offering an international dinner buffet, and a mouth-watering variety of carving specialties. In The Reading Room, the latest IBM Net Vista x40i desktop computers are also available with Internet access and a range of popular office applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

The new wireless Internet features further enhance the many attractions of The Wing. The two lounges represent a major advance in the world of airport lounges, stretching over 4,500 square metres and offering unparalleled comfort and convenience. The Wing was created by renowned British designer John Pawson to represent the ultimate in spaciousness, tranquillity, and uncluttered design. All the elements in the lounges are crafted from the finest natural materials. The Wing has won numerous awards from travel and architectural magazines.

Cathay Pacific plans to invest more than HK$2 billion over the next three years in a range of e-Business projects. A Morgan Stanley Dean Witter report recently described Cathay Pacific as the “best e-Commerce play among Asian airlines”, praising its leadership in the use of Internet Technology.

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