ABU DHABI, Nov 1 — This Sunday, Nov 3, passengers on several Etihad Airways flights will be able to follow the international racing event live from above the clouds. The airline is also adding a number of live news channels to its in-flight entertainment system.
As one of the main sponsors for the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, the UAE’s national airline wanted to bring the event to its passengers in real time. From November, in addition to the movies and games available on demand, passengers will be able to choose between eight live TV channels for up-to-date news and sports broadcasts.
Among the channels that will be available on Etihad flights from Nov 1 are BBC World News, BBC Arabic, Euronews and Sport 24. The airline will then add CNBC, NHK World Premium Japan and CNN, followed by Sky News Arabia. All in all, Etihad Airways aims to equip 37 large planes with the live TV service by the end of next year.
Passengers traveling during other Formula 1 races will also be able to follow the events from the sky: Etihad Airways will broadcast the US Grand Prix race live on Nov 17and the Brazil Grand Prix on Nov 24.
Among other sports events that will be broadcast live on Etihad Airways flights in November are the ATP World Tour Finals (tennis), English League One and German Bundesliga matches (football), and the Euroleague games (basketball). In 2014, the airline will air events from the Winter Olympic Games, major golf and tennis tournaments, and of course, the FIA World Cup next June and July. — AFP-Relaxnews
