Singapore Airlines to offer text messaging service on flights

Airline Industry Information, April 24, 2002

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Singapore Airlines will allow its passengers to send a text message to an e-mail address or a mobile phone during flights.

Passengers will be able to send a message of up to 160 characters via their personal in-seat monitor screens and handsets. The integrated in-seat messaging service - developed by Matsushita Avionics Systems Corp - will be offered free to passengers during a three-month promotional period, following its launch on selected flights in July.

The system - Inflight Communicator - will be introduced progressively on the airline's Megatop Boeing 747 and Jubilee Boeing 777 fleet and will be available in all three classes of travel, reported United Press International.

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