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SIA to start `cyber cabin' trials in Nov

Ashwini Phadnis

BIN TAN (Indonesia), Sept. 6

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) has committed Singapore $200 millions to install `Cyber cabins' -- a new generation inflight entertainment and communication system providing services such as electronic shopping, e-mail and Internet access -- during the fl ight.

``Trial for this service will start in November this year. Initially, it will be available only for first and business class passengers to send and receive e-mails. The e-mail messages will not be batched and transmitted. This will be a real time service ,'' the airlines Vice-President, E-Commerce, Mr. Walter Lee, said.

Officials indicated that the airline will be investing more than Singapore $700 millions over the next three years to e-enable its customer service, management system, and supply chain, to provide customers with seamless service on the ground and in the air.

Senior airline officials were, however, tightlipped about which sectors the service will be introduced initially. ``On what routes the service will be available and other details will become available as the date approaches,'' the Vice-President, Public Affairs, Mr. Rick Clements, said.

Officials indicated that several factors like the travelling habit of the passenger and where the service is required the most will be looked at before taking a decision on where to introduce the service in the beginning.

Further, from October, the airline is to offer online services throughout its entire network which will enable passengers to book tickets online. ``The airline will offer competitive rates through this service. We are looking at trends to see how the air line can work with travel agents despite having such a facility,'' Mr. Lee said.

Besides, the corporate Web site will be revamped to offer simplified booking services and personalised home pages for the customer. ``New online services will also help the airline gather information about the customer so that we can offer them relevant information and services,'' Mr. Lee said.