Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways has unveiled new Wi-Fi packages for its guests, allowing them to stay connected while flying on its wide-body fleet. The airline’s complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging feature enables all Etihad travellers to access popular messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat, by signing in with their Etihad Guest membership or by enrolling online before their flight.

For those who want to surf the internet and work while flying, ‘Surf’ Wi-Fi plans are available for a flat fee with unlimited data during the flight. Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive tier members, as well as guests travelling in Etihad’s First Class cabins, will enjoy complimentary Surf Wi-Fi access throughout their journey, while Etihad Guest Gold members will receive a 25 per cent discount on the Surf package.

The Chat package is free for Etihad Guest members for flights under 7 hours and costs $2.99 otherwise, while the Surf package costs $9.99 for flights under 7 hours and $19.99 for flights over 7 hours. The CEO of Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, said, “We know how important it is for our guests to stay connected, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce an added complimentary benefit for Etihad Guest members and welcome everyone to sign up before they fly to take advantage of this benefit immediately.”

In addition to mobile and internet connectivity,, guests flying on Etihad can enjoy inflight entertainment service, E-BOX. It is available on-demand through the seat-back screens on the wide-body fleet or by streaming E-BOX wirelessly to guests’ own devices on the narrow-body fleet.