Cathay Pacific Airways today announced that it will expand its agreement with Tenzing Communications, Inc. and Primex Technologies, Inc. to include the installation of high-speed in-flight email services and in-seat power systems in all the airline`s newly acquired aircraft, as well as the existing fleet.

The new systems are scheduled to be deployed in the first quarter of 2001 and will expand the total number of aircraft to be fitted to 62. Cathay Pacific will take delivery of nine new aircraft from December 2000 to September 2001 - one Boeing 777-200, seven Airbus Industrie A330-300s, and an Airbus Industrie A340-300.

Tenzing will provide Cathay Pacific with a suite of services targeting the frequent business traveller. These will include inflight transmission and receipt of emails and attachments, and an Intranet providing web content and e-commerce.

To support the Tenzing technology, Cathay Pacific will install new in-seat data and power systems. The new high-speed 1.5 Mbps Primex EMPORTTM data system will operate the inflight system at 30 times the speed of existing 56 kbps use their notebook computers using a standard USB connection. In addition, Cathay Pacific Airways will install Primex EMPOWERTM in-seat power systems, which telephone-basedaircraft networks; and the in-seat data system will provide safe, reliable DC-power outlets allowing all passengers to plug in and recharge their computers.

“Our passenger research indicates that email and in-seat power are high on our business traveller`s list of priorities,” said Sarah Blomfield, Cathay Pacific`s Manager, Product. “We are delighted to expand our working relationship with both Tenzing and Primex to provide this inflight connectivity and high-speed access to data on all aircraft, including new deliveries.”

Alan Pellegrini, Chief Operating Officer of Tenzing Communications, Inc., said: “The full deployment of the Tenzing OnBoard system on Cathay Pacific Airways` fleet is an indication of our commitment to solve airborne connectivity issues on any platform to bring email and Internet access to airline passengers.”

Rob Walzer, Senior Director of Cabin Electronics at Primex Aerospace Company, said: “The expansion of our co-operation to provide in-seat power on all Cathay Pacific`s fleet across the board will certainly enhance passengers` travel experience, and it shows that Cathay Pacific is one step ahead in the industry.”

Cathay Pacific is one of Asia`s leading airlines in the introduction of new technology to enhance the total flying experience. It recently launched a new service giving passengers flight information and the ability to check frequent flyer miles through mobile phones using new WAP technology. The airline also provides real-time flight information through its Internet site. Cathay Pacific passengers are provided with a wide variety of inflight entertainment programmes.

Tenzing Communications, Inc. is the premier provider of connectivity solutions for the frequent business traveller. Services include inflight email, terrestrial global roaming capabilities, extensive Web content, a business-focused Web portal - both on the ground and in the air, targeted e-commerce services, and frequent content updates throughout the traveller`s experience. Headquartered in downtown Seattle, Tenzing Communications, Inc. is located in Seattle. More information is available at http://www.tenzing.com.

Primex Technologies has been at the leading edge of research and product development in the defence, electronics, and aerospace industries for over 100 years. The company is a unit of Primex Aerospace Corporation, based in Florida. For more information about EMPORTTM or EMPOWERTM, For more information on Primex Technologies, visit the company`s website at http://www.primextech.com.
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