Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Wi-Fi connectivity key in passengers' airline choice

Aerospace

Wi-Fi connectivity key in passengers' airline choice

Inflight broadband is changing the airline industry and revolutionising passengers' expectations of the onboard experience, according to the third annual global Inflight Connectivity Survey, published today by Inmarsat, in association with market research company GfK.


Click here to access surve y

Overwhelmingly, passengers now expect the same levels of connectivity and access to online services whilst they are at 30,000 feet as they receive on the ground. As such, 60% of all passengers say that inflight Wi-Fi is now a necessity rather than a luxury. The majority (61%) of global passengers who have experienced high-quality inflight Wi-Fi rate it higher on their list of priorities than inflight entertainment when choosing an airline.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2

With airlines in every market racing to install or upgrade their Wi-Fi offering, passengers will have a choice to opt for an airline that offers high-quality broadband, and will soon turn their back on airlines not offering this. Nearly half of respondents (44%) said they would stop using their preferred airline within the next year if it did not offer connectivity enabling them to stream or browse online without interruption.  

The ability to connect to personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets now sits within the top three considerations when choosing an airline, behind ticket price (53%) and flight slots (44%) for 40% of passengers who have experienced high-quality Wi-Fi.

Also, the ability to remain online and work during a flight is greatly improving passenger experience, according to more than half (56%) of business travellers who have previously used inflight Wi-Fi.

The survey reflects the responses of 9,000 airline passengers from 18 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and North and Latin America, and is the largest global passenger survey of its kind.

Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, said: “High-quality inflight Wi-Fi is changing the way people think about flying and how they spend their time in the air. Whether using the time to work, to connect with friends and family, or to pass time shopping or viewing entertainment, the availability of inflight broadband has become a major factor when choosing an airline.”

He continued: “The annual Inflight Connectivity Survey has become a barometer for passenger sentiment. This year’s survey reveals that 60% of passengers believe that inflight Wi-Fi is a necessity and no longer a luxury. This will only increase as more people experience inflight connectivity. It is clear the opportunity that connectivity presents to airlines cannot be underestimated.”

Advertisement
Marshall RT

Global survey highlights
•         Two thirds (66%) of parents travelling with children said inflight Wi-Fi is a “life saver” when helping to keep children occupied during flights
•         Of passengers who have experienced high-quality inflight Wi-Fi:
o   61% say it is more important to them than onboard entertainment
o   45% would rather pay for Wi-Fi than use free onboard entertainment
•         56% of passengers say a lack of reliable inflight Wi-Fi is a major cause of frustration with plane journeys
•         61% agree that inflight Wi-Fi takes the anxiety out of flying because they can stay in contact with people on the ground
•         77% of passengers would pay for inflight connectivity on short haul leisure flights, an increase from 64% in 2016. Those happiest to pay are passengers aged 25-34, parents travelling with children and passengers travelling in Asia Pacific and the United States
•         89% of passengers are willing to pay for inflight connectivity on long haul leisure flights
•         Passengers have the highest expectations of connectivity in the Asia Pacific region, where 91% of passengers are willing to pay for Wi-Fi on a long haul flight
•         52% of passengers would take advantage of the ability to purchase items during a flight and collect them upon arrival at the airport, providing huge opportunities for inflight e-commerce

Inmarsat is helping to transform the global aviation industry by bringing complete connectivity to every aircraft and flight path in the world. It is the first and only provider with a complete next-generation High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) network spanning the world.

Inmarsat is also the only aviation broadband provider capable of connecting the complete aircraft from cabin to cockpit, together with passenger solutions complemented by its industry-standard certified safety and operations services. Passengers can browse the internet, stream videos, check social media and more during flights, with an on-board connectivity experience on par with broadband services available on the ground.

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

Aerospace

Airframe Designs helps to lead additive manufacturing industry body

27 March 2024

Airframe Designs has joined a national industry body to help lead the development of additive manufacturing and 3D printing in the UK.

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

Aerospace Defence Events

Leonardo secures presence at Bahrain International Airshow

26 March 2024

Italian aerospace, defence and security firm, Leonardo has secured its presence at the Bahrain International Airshow for the seventh year.

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

Aerospace

Made Smarter and tech institutes to demystify digital transformation

26 March 2024

Made Smarter and leading technology demonstrators have joined forces to demystify digital transformation with a new white paper.

Britten-Norman secures new investment

Aerospace

Britten-Norman secures new investment

25 March 2024

Britten Norman has secured new investment from a group of investors led by 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”) The new investors are making funds available to Britten-Norman to fund working capital and to drive successful long-term growth.

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation RT
First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

Aerospace

First disability flying lessons to be launched at Kent airport

25 March 2024

The UK’s disabled flying charity Aerobility has partnered with Lydd Aero Club in Kent to provide opportunities for lessons and experience flights for people living with disabilities, at Kent airport.

Birmingham Airport supports local employment

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport supports local employment

21 March 2024

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has developed an employability programme aimed at helping local people learn more about the range of careers available in the aviation sector.

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain