Air Astana Selects Rockwell Collins To Provide Onboard Broadband Conectivity

Tuesday 5th April 2016

Air Astana passengers will soon become among the first in the world to experience broadband in-flight connectivity following an agreement recently signed with air transport IT provider, Rockwell Collins.

Internet access will be available using personal computers, tablets and smartphones.

Air Astana will install the associated Inmarsat Global Xpress (GX) high speed connectivity system on its fleet of Boeing 767 airliners commencing in September 2016. This will make Air Astana one of the world's first airlines in the world to go operational with the GX system.

"As a customer oriented airline, Air Astana is always looking to improve the passenger experience on the ground and in the air. We're very excited about the new in-flight connectivity opportunities that GX reliably provides to Air Astana passengers," said Andrey Gulev, Commercial Engineer Manager at Air Astana. "After carefully reviewing a number of competing offers, Air Astana's decision came down to Rockwell Collins' ability to provide a cost-effective solution that was tailored to meet all our needs."

"This GX Aviation service opens up new possibilities for Air Astana and its customers," said Jeff Standerski, senior vice president, Information Management Services (IMS) for Rockwell Collins. "Air Astana's passengers will soon experience what only a handful of others around the world will--the fastest and most reliable inflight connectivity available.  For Air Astana, this service offers the opportunity to develop new offerings that go far beyond what's possible today."

The new service will be available to Business and Economy class passengers on all three of Air Astana's Boeing 767s. Using their own devices passengers will be able to surf the internet, use various instant messenger applications and check e-mails. First aircraft installation will commence in September 2016 and will be followed by system installation on the other two aircraft in March and September 2017.

About Air Astana

Air Astana commenced regular flight operations on 15 May 2002 and currently operates a network of over 60 international and domestic routes from hubs in Almaty and Astana. Air Astana operates of 30 all-western fleet of Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 757-200, Airbus A320 family aircraft and Embraer E-190. Air Astana became the first carrier from Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe to be awarded the prestigious 4-Star rating by Skytrax in its World Airline Awards 2012 and was named The Best Airline in Central Asia and India. Both accolades were repeated in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In February 2015, Air Astana received the prestigious Air Transport World Market Leader Award.

Air Astana is a joint venture between Kazakhstan's national wealth fund, Samruk Kazyna, and BAE Systems, with respective shares of 51% and 49%.

About Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative aviation and high-integrity solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses more than 150 countries. To find out more, please visit:  www.rockwellcollins.com