Qantas was an early adopter in the long-haul inflight internet world. The carrier offered connectivity on its A380 fleet more than a decade ago, but pulled the service off after a trial, citing low take rates and relatively poor network performance. Now the company is ready to try again, with fast and free Wi-Fi to be activated on the international fleet from the end of 2024.
We know that staying connected is important to customers on international flights, and we’ve deliberately waited for the same high-speed connection we use domestically to be available on our overseas routes.
– Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Group CEO
Getting the right satellites in service
The carrier notes that the service will provide “enough bandwidth for every passenger to enjoy a fast and consistent connection.” This includes the ability to stream content on board, from movies to live sports.
Qantas will begin installations of the necessary hardware on its A330-200LR fleet beginning next month as part of regular maintenance cycles. It will not be activated, however, until Viasat launches the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite which will provide the necessary satellite coverage and capacity to serve the carrier’s routes out of Australia.
Installation on the other long-haul aircraft (787s, A380s, A330-300s) will begin in 2025. Qantas also notes that future A350 and 787s deliveries will arrive in the fleet with the systems on board and ready to serve passengers.
The company also shared that its Jetstar operations will see Wi-Fi installed on its 787 fleet. That work is expected to begin in 2026.
With the retirement of the 717s and arrival of the A220s, also fitted with the inflight internet solution, the bulk of the Qantas fleet should be online – free to passengers – by the end of next year.
“Fast and free” Wi-Fi key to passenger satisfaction
Qantas sees the reliable, high-speed service to passenger for free on its domestic routes as a significant component of its passenger experience play. The carrier notes its average take rate on equipped domestic today flights is 75%, with some routes regularly hitting 100%. These numbers are similar to those of other airlines offering fast and free Wi-Fi service on board. And while several other airlines are making messaging level services free, it is not clear that’s enough to deliver the dopamine hit passengers are really looking for.
Speaking to that value proposition, Don Buchman, vice president and general manager for Commercial Aviation at Viasat added, “A significantly higher parentage of Qantas customers connect to in-flight Wi-Fi than the industry average, so we recognize what an important step it is to partner with Qantas to bring the same exceptional connectivity experience to its international fleet. We applaud Qantas’ commitment to prioritizing Wi-Fi and the digital experiences it can provide – from live TV and Sports to social media and streaming – not just today, but looking to the future.”
For airlines who believe the value comes from having passengers using the service, coming up with a budget that delivers it without additional cost on board is key. That one of its major competitors just across the Tasman Sea also offers free service also likely impacted the decision process.
More free Wi-Fi rolling out internationally:
- Breeze boosts free Wi-Fi on board
- Hawaiian activates Starlink with “surprise and delight” availability
- Air New Zealand to trial Starlink on domestic fleet
- Lufthansa joins the free inflight messaging bandwagon
- Vistara makes inflight messaging free
- Malaysia Airlines makes Wi-Fi free on board
- Fast and free: Updated Wi-Fi part of Air Canada’s A321 refresh
- Swiss introduces free messaging, cheaper inflight connectivity packages
- Singapore Airlines to make Wi-Fi free on board
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