Cathay Pacific Airways and leading global Internet Service Provider Tenzing Communications have agreed upon a firm schedule for Cathay Pacific to become the first airline in the world to offer passengers inflight email and Intranet services across its entire fleet. The new service is targeted to begin operation in the second quarter of 2001.

Tenzing will provide Cathay Pacific with a suite of services targeted towards the frequent business traveller including inflight transmission and receipt of email and attachments, an inflight Intranet providing select "Best of the Web" surfing, and e-commerce.

To support the Tenzing technology, Cathay Pacific will install an inseat data system and an inseat power system in its aircraft starting in 2001. The inseat data system "EMPORT" will allow passengers to use their notebook computers to access onboard Intranet and email using a standard USB connection. The inseat power system "EMPOWER" will provide safe, reliable DC-power outlets allowing all passengers to plug-in and recharge their laptop and notebook computers.

"At Cathay Pacific we are strongly committed to giving our passengers the most advanced technology innovations and best inflight product," said Sarah Blomfield, Cathay Pacific's Manager, Product. "Our research shows that most travellers want global connectivity. Since email has become an essential part of modern life, we are delighted to be the launch customer for inflight email and Intranet services."

Tenzing's Chief Operating Officer Alan Pellegrini said: "It is our mission to enhance the quality of the travellers' inflight experience. Our growing relationship with Cathay Pacific brings us closer to that mission and gives our users a new sense of control while airborne."

Cathay Pacific provides its passengers with a wide range of inflight entertainment including movies, news programmes, documentaries, comedy, music, newspapers, and magazines. By the middle of this year it will have installed personal television sets in every seat in its long-haul fleet.

Headquartered just outside Seattle, Tenzing Communications is a global Internet Service Provider dedicated to the ease of communications for the frequent business traveller. This includes inflight email, extensive Web content, a business-focused Web portal, e-commerce services and real-time content updates inflight. More information is available at http://www.tenzing.com.

Cathay Pacific Airways
Corporate Communication Department