Kuwait-based luxury airline Wataniya Airways’ guests will enjoy attractive entertainment options in addition to a new level of comfort when the airline begins operation in January 2009, a statement said.

The airline said it will be the first in the region to install cutting edge technology on board its new luxury aeroplanes that will provide travellers with unparalleled choice for in-flight entertainment and special facilities that will appeal to both leisure and business guests.

“It’s quite revolutionary,” said George Cooper, CEO of Wataniya Airways. “Our aim is to provide our guests with a pre-eminent luxury travel experience. The arrival of the new A320 aircraft provides the perfect opportunity to pioneer a new era in cabin design and services. People spend a lot of time travelling so it’s important they have entertainment options that are similar or superior to that which they have at home. We are proud to be one of the first airlines in the region to provide such comfort, style and service.”

First Class travellers will enjoy access to video on demand where they can watch, rewind and pause a full array of programmes and TV shows from around the world, at their leisure. The very latest news, weather forecasts and key destination information will also be available to them, all at the touch of a button. Their own personal entertainment selection can then be viewed on an in-seat 10.6 inch high resolution monitor, which is far larger than screens found on a typical A320 aircraft, creating an outstanding personal home theatre experience, said the statement.

The new aircraft’s technology will allow guests sitting in First Class to enjoy additional features by allowing them to plug their iPods (or similar MP3 devices) directly into sockets located in their seat. And for the first time ever in the region, busy travellers can send and receive SMSs and emails on their mobile phones and Blackberries using OnAir innovative technology. The ability to use and recharge personal communications devices, including laptops, on Wataniya Airways planes will be an added value to business and leisure travellers, it said. 

“We are extremely proud to be one of the first airlines in the region to feature the technology that allows passengers to stay connected via text messages and emails whilst in the air. This is a significant milestone which will ensure our valued guests can continue with their busy lives, all from the comfort of our aircraft,” said Cooper.

Wataniya Airways new fleet will also be fitted with ergonomically crafted Recaro leather seating in the First and Premium Economy classes.  German-based Recaro provides the ultimate in comfort, and is generally reserved for high-end luxury sports cars lines like Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The airline has previously announced that leg room on its planes will far exceed that found on other carriers and the luxurious design of the seating will augment the overall level of in-flight comfort.

“We wanted to put our passengers in the front seat of luxury and comfort and now we are doing that quite literally with Recaro and our in-flight entertainment system,” Cooper added. –TradeArabia News Service