Leading Indian carriers in talks with AeroMobile for air mobile services
By Krupa Vora | Mumbai
AeroMobile, a UK-based air mobile operator is in talks with Indian carriers like National Aviation Company of India Ltd. (NACIL), Jet Airways and Kingfisher to provide mobile technology aboard an aircraft. AeroMobile is also holding dialogues with regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to get necessary approvals so that airlines can service end customers with the mobile service.
Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor about this development on the sidelines of the ongoing Aviation Outlook India Summit in Mumbai Jags Burhm, Senior Commercial Manager, AeroMobile said, "We have been in talks with airlines and they are quite positive for adding this service. We had our meetings with DGCA and they have in-principal agreed, as long as there is appropriate documentation and air worthiness certificates to use the mobile application. MoCA is willing to give the necessary approvals to go ahead." He further added, "We first need to tie up with a service provider and MoCA suggested that we work closely with BSNL. AeroMobile is also considering tie-ups with Airtel and Vodafone for the same."
An airline will have to invest USD two lakh per aircraft to avail the mobile service. The target audience for this service will be primarily business class travellers travelling abroad who will be charged in local currency through bills. A passenger will be able to email, sms, as well as make phone calls when onboard. AeroMobile will provide this service on any GSM device. Burhm also informed that airlines will get commissions on monthly revenue generated on the entire route network. The commissions will, however, vary from one airline to the other. AeroMobile will not engage in any marketing activity and all steps to promote the service on board will be conducted by the airline.
|
