Up in the Air: Connectivity

Passengers flying short-haul with Virgin Australia can now stream entertainment via their own mobile devices thanks to the launch of a new wireless IFE system.

Domestic air passengers in the UK could soon have access to superfast in-flight Wi-Fi under plans being explored by Ofcom, the communications watchdog. 

Passengers on Etihad Airways daily flights between New York and Abu Dhabi can now text, browse and call onboard, thanks to inflight data services from AeroMobile.

Following this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Callum Tennent takes a look at some of the key in-flight trends to look out for in the coming months.

The airline experienced significant growth in passenger uptake of in-flight mobile and WiFi services, with a +130% increase in internet package sales and a +180% rise in connectivity revenues in the last year.

In total 150 of Qatar Airways’ aircraft, including its new generation A350s and A380s, will offer onboard mobile phone and WiFi signal.

A poll of British travellers has revealed that more than 70% would like to make texts and calls at 30,000 feet. It also suggests that the majority of passengers expect inflight mobile services to become a standard feature of flying in the next few years.