Etihad Airways adds live sport channels to in-flight entertainment

HIGH-FLYING sports nuts don't have to miss a game while in the air, with Etihad Airways launching live channels on its flights.

Etihad flights will be showing live sport while in the air from this weekend.

ETIHAD Airways passengers will be able to watch live news and sports in-flight - including this weekend's Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix - after the UAE flag carrier announced the introduction of eight new television channels on-board its services.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said passengers will be able to access live BBC World News, BBC Arabic, euronews and Sport 24 programming from tomorrow.

CNBC, Japanese service NHK World Premium and CNN services will follow throughout November, with Sky News Arabia to come in the coming months.

The final three races of the Formula 1 season will also be broadcast live on-board Etihad Airways services, beginning with Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from the futuristic Yas Marina Circuit.

"We are delighted to broadcast this weekend's Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on many of our aircraft, ensuring that passengers who are flying on race day won't miss any of the action," Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer Peter Baumgartner said.

The Formula 1 action will be followed by other live sports coverage, including the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Grand Slam tennis, Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup and US Masters golf.

The service will be available on 21 widebody aircraft by November 7 and will increase to 37 widebody aircraft by the end of 2014.

"In-flight entertainment is a key part of the guest travel experience and the introduction of the eight live channels ... will be a fantastic addition to Etihad Airways' flights," Mr Baumgartner said.

One of the largest airlines in the Middle East, Etihad Airways flies to 95 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas, using a fleet of 82 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.