Etihad Airways is enhancing its in-flight entertainment by adding eight live television channels. Passengers will gain access to a mix of live news and sports programming, including coverage of the upcoming Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The new lineup, rolling out on Nov. 1, initially includes BBC World News, BBC Arabic, euronews and Sport 24. Additional channels—CNBC, Japan’s NHK World Premium and CNN—will launch later in November, with Sky News Arabia scheduled to follow in the coming months.
The live sports offering begins in time for the final three races of the Formula 1 season: the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Nov. 3, the U.S. Grand Prix on Nov. 17 and the Brazil Grand Prix on Nov. 24. Beyond Formula 1, November’s schedule also features the ATP World Tour Finals, English Premier League and German Bundesliga matches, and Euroleague Basketball.
Etihad’s expanded sports coverage continues into 2014, with major events planned such as the Australian Open, French Open and U.S. Open tennis championships, the Winter Olympics, the Masters Tournament, the Ryder Cup and the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
“In-flight entertainment is a key part of the guest travel experience,” said Peter Baumgartner, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Airways. “Introducing eight live channels from respected brands like Sky News Arabia, CNN and the BBC, alongside action on Sport 24, will be a significant enhancement for our guests.”
By Nov. 7, all eight news and sports channels will be available on 21 of Etihad’s wide-body aircraft, with the service expanding to 37 wide-body aircraft by the end of 2014.
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