Yes please! Free inflight wifi for all passengers

Many of us rely heavily on being connected all the time so that we can keep up with what is going on around us as well as in our own lives. So much can happen in the time that it takes to take a long-distance flight.

Cellphones and digital devices have become essential “appendages” for many people. The problem comes when one has a functional device but no wifi connectivity.

EMIRATES AIRLINES

Emirates Airlines has announced that it now offers free inflight connectivity to all passengers on board its flights.

However, there is one requirement that must be met.  In order to qualify for the free inflight internet connectivity passengers must be members of the airline’s loyalty programme, Skywards.

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RISING WIFI USAGE 

Emirates says almost 10% of its passengers take advantage of the complimentary onboard wifi. 

The airline reports that it has an average of 450 000 free wifi users per month, which is 30% more than last year.

“In March we delivered about 55% more data per customer session compared with early 2022, despite the number of sessions increasing by 68% in the same period.” says Patrick Brannelly, Senior Vice President Retail, In-flight Entertainment & Connectivity, Emirates per Travelnews.

WIFI FOR MEMBERS

All Skywards members (whether Blue, Silver, Gold or Platinum), whether travelling in economy, premium economy, business or first class may connect inflight. 

These passengers will be able to make use of free app messaging, on WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line and Viber.

Economy-class passengers will be able to send text messages while onboard – as long as they have signed up as Skywards members. Passengers can even sign up while onboard flights, according to Travelnews.

First-class passengers have unlimited free Internet if they are Skywards members, as do Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members travelling in business class.

Platinum Skywards members have complimentary Internet access in all classes.

RAMPING UP WIFI

Emirates said it would offer new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, on 50 of its new Airbus A350 aircraft which are set to enter service next year.

“We will continue to work to invest in upgrades and enhancements, and our A350 aircraft will arrive with the next generation of satellite connectivity already equipped.” Brannelly said.

Emirates Airlines has invested over $300 million (R5,78 billion) in onboard connectivity to date. 

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