FAQs
About OnAir
OnAir's SwiftBroadband-based services are flying with 16 airlines across the world. Our products enable passengers to use their mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and laptopsfor calls, text messages, emails and Internet browsing in planes and on ships.
Company
Q1 Who is behind OnAir?
A1 OnAir is a company formed in 2005, owned by SITA and Airbus, drawing on the strengths of the world's leading provider of IT and telecoms solutions for the air transport industry, and the aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market. OnAirprovides services for commercial aircraft as well as for VIP and business jets, and cruise ships.
Q2 What is OnAir's vision?
A2 By 2015, OnAir will be the benchmark for global inflight connectivity solutions.
Q3 Where is the company located?
A3 OnAir is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with operations in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, London and Seattle.
Q4 What role does Airbus play in the joint venture?
A4 Besides bringing its wealth of industry expertise, Airbus manages the certification of OnAir solutions with aviation authorities. Airbus installs the equipment during the production of the aircraft (linefit) as Seller-Furnished Equipment (SFE), and offers a Service Bulletin (SB) for retrofit installation on in-service aircraft.
The market
Q5 Do passengers want to use their phones on the plane and how do they use it?
A5 We are becoming increasingly dependent on our mobile devices in every facet of our lives, with recent research even showing 35% of US smartphone users look at their phones before getting out of bed in the morning. As the use of dedicated apps and portals proliferates, people are using apps for a wide range of everyday activities, and that is particularly true of traveling. For example, more and more airlines are providing mobile check-in and boarding passes. And booking travel, hotels and restaurants using smartphones is becoming much easier, with around six in ten smartphone users having downloaded travel related apps. People use their phones to find restaurants and check their flight status, as well as to book hotel rooms and flights.
OnAir enables passenger to remain connected throughout their journey. Our experience show that, when inflight connectivity is available, people use it in the same way as when they are on the move. There is a seamless transition between a taxi, the airport and the plane.
Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir have been flying for over four years, including two years of both products combined. Our products have been selected by more than 46 customers, of which 21 are currently in service on six continents.
Using OnAir products is simple. Mobile OnAir works in the same way as international roaming: passengers simply turn on their phone and start using it. All costs are included in their regular bill, as with roaming.
Internet OnAir is an inflight Wi-Fi hotspot, which passengers access as they do a terredtrial hotspot.
Q6 What is the future for the inflight connectivity market?
A6 As the inflight connectivity market matures, a central focus will be on ensuring passengers can use inflight connectivity wherever and whenever they are flying. OnAis is therefore focused on providing consistent global coverage.
That means we need to provide these services across all aircraft types: our recent A380 announcements show the progress we are making on that front. OnAir connectivity is already available on all aircraft in the A320 family, the A330 and the Boeing 737. We will soon be deploying on the Boeing 777 and 787, with the A350 to follow.
It also means we need to have regulatory approvals and roaming agreements in place worldwide. We are constantly adding more and more countries to our list: Azerbaijan is the latest example. With authorisations from 80 countries and 340 roaming agreements covering 2.2 billion GSM subscribers, OnAir has the widest geographical reach of any inflight connectivity provider.
The third piece of the jigsaw is global connectivity, which is why OnAir uses Inmarsat's SwitBroadband, as well as developing a deployment path to Global Xpress, Inmarsat's Ka-band solution, which will be launched in 2013.
Portfolio
Q7 What products does OnAir offer?
A7 OnAir offers Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir for passenger use. OnAir aso offers Link OnAir, a managed satellite connectivity service which enables customers to deploy other value-added applications such as live text news, telemedicine, and Electronic Flight Bags.
Q8 What is Mobile OnAir?
A8 Mobile OnAir is a service which allows people to use their mobile devices onboard an aircraft in the same way as they do in foreign countries (international roaming).
Q9 What is Internet OnAir?
A9 Internet OnAir allows passengers to logon to a Wi-Fi hotspot in the aircraft.
Q10 Are your products available independently?
A10 Yes, aircraft and ship operators can choose to deploy either Mobile OnAir, Internet OnAir, or a combined service. Operators using Mobile OnAir can also choose to turn off the voice element of the Mobile OnAir service, for example during the plane's local night.
Passenger experience
Q11 How do users access the services?
A11 Passengers using mobile phone devices simply switch them on and start using them, in exactly the same way as international roaming. Likewise, using the Internet is the same as logging on to a hotspot on the ground. Passengers turn on their Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smartphone, tablet or leptop, and open up their device's wireless connections and log on to the OnAir network. They then follow the simple steps to access the Internet. As with a terrestrial network, they simply enter their credit card details and start surfing.
Q12 Are users able to access services during all phases of the flight?
A12 Yes, apart from citical phases of take-off and landing. Airlines, however, can choose to turn off the voice element of the Mobile OnAir service, for example during the plane's local night.
Q13 Are airline passengers disturbed by other passengers' voice calls?
A13 OnAir's services have been in operation for over four years and no problems have been reported. We should not forget that an aircraft cabin is already a noisy environment so people talking on the phone doesn't make much difference. And phone calls tend to be short. Airlines always have the option of turning off the voice element of the service, for example during the plane's local night.
Jim Eagles of the New Zealand Herald, who has often raised concerns about the potential of disturbance caused by mobile phone use on planes, recently wrote about OnAir's services on Air New Zealand and said, "No actual passengers have got in touch to say they had been outraged by neighbours shouting into their mobiles."
Q14 What service agreements do passengers need?
A14 To use Mobile OnAir, passengers just need a standard international roaming service with their home mobile network operator (MNO). For Internet OnAir, passengers pay using a credit card just like any hotspot.
Q15 Are all mobile phones able to access the Mobile OnAir service?
A15 All GSM capable devices can use the service, which accounts for around 80% of the world's mobile phones.
Q16 Is Mobile OnAir available regardless of the passenger's home operator?
A16 Yes, provided the passenger's operator has a roaming agreement with OnAir. OnAir has established roaming agreements with the majority of the world's mobile network operators, covering more than 2.2 billion GSM subscribers worldwide.
Q16 Do you support prepaid GSM?
A16 Yes, provided the subscriber service subscription allows international roaming and the passenger's operator has enabled prepaid roaming with OnAir.
Q17 Do you support 3G phones?
A17 3G phones revert to their 2.5G functionality (GSM and mobile data) when connected to Mobile OnAir.
Q18 Is internet browsing available through mobile phones?
A18 Yes. Smartphones can be used for limited browsing over Mobile OnAir data service. Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones can also be used to access Internet OnAir.
Q19 What security measures are included in the Internet OnAir service?
A19 OnAir uses Secured Socket Layer (SSLv3.0) to protect any and all personally identifiable information (PII) submitted via a browser. In addition, personal registration information is protected by the passenger's user ID and password, so that others cannot access it.
Q20 What device operating systems are currently compatible with Internet OnAir?
A20 The Internet OnAir service is not OS-specific, and works with any operating systems.
Q21 What Web browsers are supported by Internet OnAir?
A21 On laptops, OnAir supports modern versions of : MS Internet Explorer; Firefox; Safari; Opera. On Wi-Fi enabled handheld devices, OnAir supports modern versions of: Internet Explorer Mobile; Opera Mobile; Safari browser and BlackBerry®
Billing and pricing
Q22 What are the end user charges and are they listed onboard?
A22 Mobile phone end user rates are determined by the passenger's home mobile operator and are in line withstandard roaming charges and specific national MNO rate plan. That means prices can vary and passengers should ask their local operator for pricing.
Prices for Internet access are set by the airline and are available onboard.
Technical solution
Q23 What system is required on board the aircraft?
A23 A connectivity system is required, which is typically made of the following component:
For Mobile OnAir only:
- A picocell, which is a miniature GSM cell
- An onboard control equipment which ensure passengers' GMS phones can only connect to the onboard picocell and non GSM phones do not connect with terrestrial networks
For Internet OnAir only:
- a wireless access point
For either service:
- A server to manage communications centrally, establishing calls with the ground segment over the air-to-ground link, and interfacing with aircraft systems
- An air-to-ground modem to allocate air-to-ground resources according to the demands of the server.
Q24 What system is required on board the ship?
A24 Requirements related to the integration of the GSM system onboard a ship are very variable and depend on a number of factors, for example the type of ship, the expected coverage onboard, the required capacity the need to "hide" the installation from passengers.
In general, the system will require the following:
- Space
The system is composed of a main server to be installed onboard as wel as one or several GSM BTSs. Physical server size can vary betweem a 1U to a 4U server, depending on specificities of the installation. GSM BTSs which can be distributed acorss the ship have the following dimensions: 222mm x 291mm x 63mm. GSM BTS can be either installed visible in areas to be covered, or hidden in closed cabinets, only leaving an antenna visible to passengers/crew members.
- Cabling
Cabling between the server and the GSM BTSs is performed using standard Ethernet cabling. Installation can either reuse an existing Ethernet network onboard the ship or add dedicated network elements. When using external antennas, dedicated Radio Frequency cables are required between the BTS and the antenna.
- Power
- GPS feed
The server has to receive ship's geographical position. This information can either be received from an existing standard NMEA feed or via the installation of a new and dedicated GPS receiver and antenna.
- Environmental
All equipment (Server and GSM BTSs) should be installed in areas with temperature ranging from 5°C to +45°C ambient and with humidity ranging from 5% to 90%, non condensing.
Q25 How does Mobile OnAir work?
A25 Passengers' phones connect to the onboard picocell. This GSM cell is connected to the OnAir ground GSM infrastructure via the satellite link. The OnAir ground GSM infrastructure is connected to the public networks, both mobile and fixed.
Q26 How does the airborne system prevent mobile phones in use on the aircraft from detecting ground mobile networks?
A26 The airborne system includes two main components which serve to do this. The first, called a picocell, provides mobile services to phones that operate in a supported standard and have a roaming subscription - at a very low power level that prevents interference with the aircraft systems and terrestrial networks. The second component, the onboard channel selector, controls all mobile phones by creating a radio frequency environment, isolating them from outside the cabin - and, therefore, from mobile networks on the ground.
Q27 Are OnAir services limited to Airbus aircraft?
A27 No. Connectivity systems compatible with OnAir services have been certified for use on many types of aircraft - both private and commercial jets including Boeing and Airbus - for short and long haul as well as on smaller jets.
Q28 Who are the suppliers of the OnAir connectivity systems?
A28 They are three different suppliers of airborne connectivity hardware and software systems that can be installed on the aircraft to enable one or several OnAir products:
- Airbus Standalone GSM System
- Airbus ALNA System
- Thales TopConnect System
- TriaGnosys GSMConneX
Q29 How does the installation work?
A29 OnAirdelivers proposals for products and services related to the supply and provision of connectivity. OnAir's turnkey solutions take into account installation design and hardware, as well as the certification package under EASA regulations through the TC (Type Certificate) of the aircraft or an STC (Supplemental Type Certificate).
The process of installing OnAir systems in an aircraft is relatively straightforward from a technical standpoint. However, the challenge of securing the many necessary approvals and requisite certification is complex and demanding - not least because the process involves avionics certification and regulatory licensing both highly specialised domains. This is where OnAir's air transport industry credentials help.
- Type Certificate (linefit)
Platforms supporting OnAir services are available as linefit options on all Airbus aircraft (A320 family, A330/"340, A380 and the future A350). A relevant system can be selected at the 'Definition Freeze' stage and the aircraft is delivered fully equipped. The system is activated after delivery depending on a number of criteria, including regulatory clearances in the country where the aircraft is registered. - Supplemental Type Certificate (retrofit)
A supplemental type certificate (STC) is a certificate issued when an applicant has received approval from EASA or FAA to modify an aircraft from its original design. The STC, which incorporates by reference the related Type Certificate, approves not only the modification but also how that modification affects the original design.
Air-to-ground link
Q30 What air-to-ground links are being used?
A30 For aeronautical services, OnAir uses SwiftBroadband, based on Inmarsat's 4th generation satellite constellation, which provides global coverage. There is also a clear deployment path, if required to increase capacity, both by increasing the number of channels available with SwitfBroadband and by installing Ka-band. OnAir is an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for both SwiftBroadband and Global Xpress, the Ka-band solution that will be launched in 2013.
For maritime services, OnAir typically makes use of the pre-existing satellite communications equipment installed on the ship.
Q31 What is the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband coverage area?
A31 SwiftBroadband covers the whole world, with the exception of the extreme poles.
Q32 Does Inmarsat SwiftBroadband provide sufficient bandwidth?
A32 Mobile OnAir requires very limited bandwidth from the air-to-ground link. For Internet OnAir, the available bandwidth for each pasenger depends on a number of factors, such as the avionics installed on the aircraft.
The fact that six OnAir customers either have or will have connectivity on A380s clearly shows SwiftBroadband works for the biggest aircraft. After more than 100 flights on the A380, we've seen that SBB is more than capable of absorbing the capacity. The average usage per passenger is below 20MB, which is actually in line with what we have seen on other OnAir-equipped long range aircraft, such as the A330.
Q33 Is SwiftBroadband scalable?
A33 Yes. Additional channels can be made available to cater for increased demand. Should future demand justofy it, there is also a clear deployment patch to Global Xpress, Inmarsat's Ka-band solution, which will provide greater bandwidth.
Regulatory
Q34 Why were mobile phones been banned during flight?
A34 There was a concern that the use of mobile phones during flights could have a negative impact on the plane's avionics. However, the airborne equipment used to enable the OnAir services ensures mobile phones emit very low power signals, as well as preventing any signals leaving the cabin. Approval from aviation safety bodies, such as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), requires very rigorous testing and as with any new technology for any aircraft, the necessary permissions are only granted when there is demonstrably no risk to safety.
To date, we have regulatory approvals from 80 countries as well as regional bodies such as EASA. The approvals we have, mean our service can operate over five continents and the world's oceans.
Q35 What regulatory issues needed to be solved for onboard mobile phone use?
A35 It is completely safe to use your mobile phone on an equipped aircraft as ONAir ensures that mobile phoes onboard cannot attempt to log onto terrestrial networks, nor interfere with the aircraft. The Mobile OnAir system emulates a local GSM network inside the aircraft, thus requiring much lower transmission power from mobile phones, and staying comfortably within the power limits for safe operation of the aircraft. In consequence there is no risk of interference with cellular networks on the ground.
OnAir's solutions are completyl safe, having been rigorously tested and certified for use by the aviation airworthiness authorities.
Users access services during most of the flight. However, in line with regulatory requirements, use is not allowed during take-off and landing, as for any other electronic devices.
Concerning the potential health hazard from electromagnetic radiation to passengers and cabin crew, OnAir takes this issue seriously and conducted a series of test on two commercial flights in April 2008. The conclusion of these test was that the Mobile OnAir service complies with WHO (World Health Organisation) standards and is therefore considered safe.
ONAIR - CUSTOMERS
Past, current and future customers are:
Airlines:
• Air France - Trial in an A318 - 2007-2008
• TAP Portugal - Trial in an A319 - 2008 + A330 and A350 (announced at Aircraft Interiors 2012)
• Qantas - A380 (late 2008)
• British Midland Airways - Trial in an A320 - 2009
• Ryanair - Boeing 737 - Service started Feb-2009, ended March 2010
• Shenzhen Airlines - Boeing 737 and A320 - Mid-2009
• Wataniya Airways - A320 - Service started Jan. 2009
• Air Blue - A320 - Mid-2009
• Kingfisher Airlines - A330 and A340 - Mid-2009
• Royal Jordanian - A320 (2008) and A340 (2009)
• Jazeera Airways - A320 - 2009
• Oman Air - A330 - 2009 -Oman Air was the first to take OnAir’s integrated GSM and inflight wifi service
• TAM Airlines - A320 (2008) First aircraft launched in October 2010 and second in June 2011. Expansion to another 29 short-haul aircraft, 12 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, 10 A330s and 27 A350s all to be operational over the next coming few years.
• British Airways - A318 (only from City Airport to JFK) - Mid 2009
• Air Asia - A320 - Mid 2009
• Hong Kong Airlines - A330 - Mid 2009
• Qatar Airways - A320 (End 2009) - Boeing 787 (May 2010)
• Saudi Arabian Airlines - A330 - Mid 2010
• Emirates - Across its fleet of 90 A380 airliners. Announced at 2010 Farnborough airshow.
• Egypt Air - A330 (2010)
• Libyan Airlines - A320 & A330 (2010)
• Afriqiyah Airways - A319, A320 & A330 (2010)
• Singapore Airlines - A340-500, A380 & B777 (2010) - Across its fleet of A380, B777, A340-500. Announced in Oct. 2010
• Aeroflot – A320, A330 (2010)
• Air New Zealand – A320 (2011)
• AZAL Airlines – A320 and Boeing (2011)
• Etihad – A320 and A330 (2012)
• Thai Airways – A330 and A380 (2012)
Cruise ship operators:
• Hapag-Lloyd - MS EUROPA (2010)
• Hapag-Lloyd – MS Hanseatic & MS Bremen (2011)
Private jet operators:
• Comlux the Aviation Group – A320 Prestige (2010), A319 CJ (2011)
• Dasnair – Falcon 7X (2011)
In addition, OnAir is part of the Solar Impulse team
ANNEXES
Below are all news releases relating to OnAir developments since the beginning of the year. You can also view all our releases in the press centre on our website: www.onair.aero
2 April 2012
TAM and Oi Promote Low Rates for Inflight Calls, Texting and Mobile Internet with OnAir
28 March 2012
OnAir and THAI Connect Passengers during Flights
27 March 2012
OnAir Connectivity Expands on Emirates A380 Fleet
27 March 2012
TAP's Americas Routes to Enjoy Inflight Connectivity
26 March 2012
OnAir Helps Attendees Navigate 'Aircraft Interiors Show' - and Win an iPad
26 March 2012
First Deployment of the OnAir / TriaGnosys Inflight Connectivity Solution through Scandinavia Avionics
6 March 2012
Qantas Commences Inflight Connectivity Trial across the Pacific
13 February 2012
Hong Kong Airlines Launches World's First All-Business Class A330-200 with Roadshows in Hong-Kong, Shanghai and Beijing
18 January 2012
Inflight Connectivity Takes to the skies with Erihad Airways
5 January 2012
Azerfon and AZAL will be the first operators in CIS to launch full range of mobile communication services on aircraft.
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