Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/490723
Events 26 maltatoday, Sunday, 5 april 2015 Emirates now offers free* Wi-Fi on 106 of its aircraft, with two to three more aircraft being installed with Wi-Fi connectivity every month. After updating the service in early February with a simpler sign-on process on top of other software updates, Emirates has seen a fur- ther 25% increase in uptake. Emirates continues to invest over US$20 million annually on installing and operating inflight connectivity systems which enable onboard Wi-Fi services. On Emir- ates' ultra long-haul flights (over 14 hours), over 30% of passengers typically use Wi-Fi services, and on a recent flight to New York, 66% of passengers used onboard Wi-Fi. Currently, Wi-Fi service is avail- able on all of Emirates' 59 Airbus A380 aircraft and 47 of its Boeing 777 aircraft. On over 60% of the installed fleet, *the first 10MB data is free – sufficient for an update on social media accounts or texting via instant messaging apps. There- after, and for the rest of the fleet, users can enjoy 500MB of data for a token $US 1 charge. By giv- ing either free access or charging a token amount since last October, Emirates has seen a near fivefold increase in usage. Besides offering Wi-Fi connec- tivity on all A380 flights, Emirates is in the process of converting all of its Boeing 777-300ERs and 777- 200LRs to become Wi-Fi ready at the rate of two-to-three aircraft per month. "As a global connector of people and places, Emirates is committed to making our entire fleet Wi-Fi enabled. Customers seek free Wi- Fi on-the-go, especially while trav- elling, and it is becoming the norm for most people who want to stay connected through online social networks and instant messaging. Emirates is subsidising or waiv- ing the high cost of buying data to serve our passengers on routes across six continents. We foresee that free Wi-Fi onboard is the fu- ture standard for all our custom- ers, something that will require no charge or limitations," says Patrick Brannelly, Divisional Vice President for Customer Experience (Inflight Entertainment & Con- nectivity). Due to current industrial techni- cal limitations such as speed and bandwidth availability and the lack of advanced hardware and software support, the small token charge for additional data usage is required to keep the Wi-Fi service operational. Emirates currently operates daily scheduled flights between Malta and Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus. *The first 10MB data is free. Us- ers can enjoy additional 500MB of data for a token $US 1 charge. Another milestone for the Barracuda Restaurant KTM Adventure range 2015 springs into action! Stay connected on over 100 Emirates aircraft The Barracuda Restaurant, a well- known family-run establishment, today celebrates another milestone in its 36 year success story, as Chef Andrew Pace joins the team, intro- ducing a new menu and style that promises to continue to delight and surprise the restaurant's regulars and new patrons. "We are delighted to have Andrew on board and are excited about the new direction the kitchen at the Barracuda will be taking." said Wal- ter Cassar, Chairman of the WGC Group. "Lavish food, good wine and great company. That's what the Bar- racuda has always been about." "I fell in love with the Barracuda, its position on the local market, the history of the restaurant." said Chef Andrew Pace. Under Andrew's direction, the kitchen at the Barra- cuda has remained true to its Medi- terranean roots with an emphasis on locally sourced, incredibly fresh ingredients, however the new menu he has recently introduced bears a marked difference in style. The new menu is a take on Andrew's best sig- nature dishes, rethought and elevat- ed to complement the restaurant's setting and ambiance "I like to be different and experi- ment with flavours. The menu I have designed for the Barracuda is all about simplicity," said Andrew. "It is all about respecting the in- gredients and knowing how to pair different flavours to expose their strengths without overdoing it. I like to walk the restaurant floor and speak with patrons and am happi- est when the clients do not choose something from the menu and leave the choice of food and wine pairing to me" he added. Andrew has previously worked in other leading restaurants in Malta and also had a number of great ex- periences in Italy and France. Hav- ing cooked for Roberta Corradin from Gambero Rosso as well as Michelin director for Italy, Fausto Arrighi and receiving full marks is one of his greatest satisfactions. KTM unleashes an Adventure range stronger than ever with the arrival of the KTM 1290 SUPER Adventure and KTM 1050 Adventure to bol- ster the dynamic and newly refined KTM 1190 Adventure and 1190 Ad- venture R for 2015. With over a decade of experi- ence and development, the current Adventure range deploys some of the most sophisticated automotive technology combined with KTM's 'Ready to Race' philosophy to make these bikes more dynamic, safer and exciting than ever. The KTM 1290 Super Adventure lives up to its name by redefining the standard for luxury touring on a motorcycle. Boasting features in- cluding 160hp, 140Nm, semi-active suspension, cornering lights, cruise control, optional hill hold control, KTM powers into its new segment with a bike that embodies superla- tive technology in every respect as far as its power, comfort and equip- ment goes – but of course with an explicitly dynamic touch. The KTM 1050 Adventure em- ploys neither excessive power nor equipment for those who demand a travel enduro that delivers pure riding enjoyment in comfort over long distances but with a chassis that can exploit the twisty routes or simply out manoeuvre traffic when escaping. With its V-twin engine be- ginning its life from the KTM 1190 Adventure, the reduction in capacity comes without a decrease in fun – matching its bigger brother for power and torque up to its 95hp. For riders on an A2 licence, the 1050 can be re- stricted to meet these requirements. For such a dedicated range of bikes, KTM has launched a devoted mi- crosite to these machines - www. ktmadventure.com. This is where riders can find out further details on the line-up, comparing the models to work out which Adventure is for them. The huge array of PowerParts enhancements and personalization for these bikes can be investigated and riders can also share photos of their own adventures to help inspire others. Fapi Motors Ltd. Mdina Road, At- tard, is the official authorised KTM dealership in Malta - for more infor- mation call on 2339 2241 or send an email on info@fapimotors.com. Walter Cassar, Chairman of WGC Group and Chef Andrew Pace Banif Bank grows its ATM network Banif Bank's ATM network contin- ues to grow in parallel with its client base with a new machine installed at the Bank's Branch in St. Julian's. Each of the Bank's branches, stra- tegically positioned throughout the islands, are fully equipped to provide the best possible service to customers whilst keeping abreast of today's constantly evolving trends and technology. Offering a range of features includ- ing withdrawals, cash and cheque deposits, inter-account transfers, ordering of cheque books and state- ment printing, Banif 's ATMs ac- cept all Visa cards and are available 24/7. The ATMs' cash recycling technology means that deposited bank notes are authenticated and instantly made available in the cli- ent's account, making waiting times a thing of the past. The ATM network is supported by the Bank's free Banif@st personal and business internet banking por- tals –- a range of debit and credit cards and a friendly, dynamic, cus- tomer care team. All underpinned by rigorous security mechanisms to ensure customers access their funds and make transactions with com- plete peace of mind. The focus on improving its infra- structural framework and connec- tivity is just one facet of the Bank's commitment to constantly adapt, update and revamp in order to meet the needs of its growing client port- folio. With such a diverse array of synergised e-channel services, Ban- if Bank is never further than a call, tap or click away.