Qantas puts inflight wifi back on agenda

Qantas puts inflight wifi back on agenda

Qantas is working towards introducing wifi across its fleet, despite its unsuccessful trial of inflight internet connectivity back in 2012.

The eight-month trial was carried out on selected services to Los Angeles and London operated by Qantas’ Airbus A380 aircraft. However, poor take-up of the service saw Qantas abandon the use of the technology.

However, chief executive Alan Joyce told media that implementing onboard wifi is definitely on the cards – an enhancement that will bring it in line with strategic partner American Airlines which already offers the service.

“Our issue was that Australia didn’t have the satellite coverage that America has,” Joyce said. “But that is changing.

“We’re very keen on doing it.”

He underlined the importance of being able to introduce the feature network-wide in order to avoid confusion among passengers, but stressed that the capability to do that is not there yet.

Qantas International chief executive Gareth Evans reiterated the commitment, confirming that the airline is investing heavily in technology as it continues to rapidly evolve. Although he could not predict when it would be possible, he was confident it would happen.

“It’s about when and at what level,” he said.

Meanwhile, American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker said providing wifi was a necessity.

“It’s a consumer product that customers care about,” he said.

“As much as some of us might like the possibility of being out of touch for 10 or 12 hours, there are a lot of people that just can’t do that and don’t want to do it.

“We think it gives us a competitive edge. We’re happy to be out there at the leading edge of it.”

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