Libya's Afriqiyah Airways is to equip its long- and short-haul Airbus aircraft with the OnAir in-flight connectivity and communication system.

It will initially fit the system to its Airbus A330s and, at a later point, install it on its A320-family jets.

The carrier's decision follows an agreement by Libyan Airlines last year to fit A320s with OnAir equipment.

"Offering inflight connectivity is part of our ongoing drive to continuously improve our customer travel experience, while helping to differentiate us from the competition," says Tripoli-based Afriqiyah's chief, Rammah Ettir.

Afriqiyah started introducing A330s last year, having conducted operations with single-aisle Airbus types. It has also agreed to acquire the new A350.

OnAir says Afriqiyah becomes the first customer to fit both long- and short-haul aircraft with the equipment, which enables passengers to use mobile phones, access the Internet and transmit or receive email.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news