In-flight Wifi

In-flight Wifi is now a major factor when choosing an airline, a report has claimed.

10:02 17 August 2017

According to the report released by Inmarsat, a London-based leading provider of global satellite communication services, airline passengers now consider in-flight WiFi broadband a necessity and a major factor when choosing an airline.

 

The report also found that three Asia Pacific Airlines with the highest customer expectations are all from China – China Eastern Airlines, Air China and China Southern Airlines.

 

Otto Gergye, vice-president of Inmarsat Aviation Asia-Pacific, said: "In fact, those three airlines have already offered free in-flight Wi-Fi for some of their flights. The in-flight connectivity sector in China is expected to pick up given the demand from Chinese passengers."

 

"In order for Chinese airlines to edge out the competition and lead the connectivity market in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring the availability of high quality onboard WiFi is imperative. This would differentiate customer experience and foster loyal customer relationships."

 

The report also found that more than half of the respondents from China said they are willing to give up their preferred airline in the next year unless they provide reliable inflight broadband access.

 

Gergye added: "Good quality WiFi in the air is changing the way people think about flying. Whether using the time to work, to connect with friends and family, or to pass the time shopping or viewing entertainment, the availability of in-flight broadband has become a major factor when choosing an airline. It's clear the opportunity that connectivity presents to airlines cannot be underestimated."