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.”

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]