Cathay Pacific Airways has firmed a schedule with Internet service provider Tenzing Communications to install the world's first in-flight e-mail and intranet product across its entire fleet. The announcement comes after Cathay last year signed a letter of intent with Tenzing to develop the service and in April with Primex Aerospace for its EMPORT in-seat power system.
EMPORT will allow passengers to power and use notebook computers to connect to the Tenzing in-flight transmission-based e-mail and intranet system providing select Internet access.
The Tenzing system allows e-mail information to be compressed and sent to the ground at approximately 15min intervals via SITA's Satellite Aircom air-to-ground communications network. The intranet operates by connecting to select Internet sites cached from an onboard mass-storage device.
Cathay says the new system is targeted to begin operation in the second quarter of next year.
Source: Flight Daily News
