CONSISTENT, speedy inflight internet connection will become increasingly important for airlines as consumers become ever more dependent on the service, according to a recent study conducted by conglomerate Honeywell.
Nearly three out of four polled in the study indicated that having a connection in the air is so crucial that they are willing to switch airlines in order to get a more reliable service. Roughly 21 per cent have already abandoned their preferred airline for an option with better in-flight Wi-Fi, up from 17 per cent in 2014.
The research stated that passengers want to stay connected so that they can remain in contact with their friends and family, get work done, or be entertained.
“The biggest challenge airlines face in providing quality Wi-Fi coverage is adopting a service that is reliable and global. What makes ‘the best’ in-flight connectivity is a combination of speed and reliability, no matter where passengers travel to,” said Brian Davis, vice president, Airlines, Asia-Pacific at Honeywell Aerospace.
He explained that airlines have a choice of air-to-ground, ku-band satellite and ka-band satellite connectivity options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, but that ka-band global providers such as GX Aviation currently offers one of the best options in the market.
Within Asia-Pacific, Singapore Airlines has chosen the service provider for its B777-300ER and A380-800s aircraft while Vietnam Airlines is utilising it aboard its A350 fleet. Air China is in the midst of offering it on their A330 flights.
“Consumers are (fed up with) dealing with slow, inconsistent connections and global coverage that is made up of a patchwork of various networks rather than getting access to one truly consistent service,” he added.
“We expect airlines (in the Asia-Pacific region) to continue to use in-flight Wi-Fi as a way to appeal to the region’s internet-hungry travellers.”
