Skift Take
Both Qantas and Virgin Australia should have Wi-Fi available on all domestic flights by the end of 2018. While travelers want to stay connected, they probably won’t pay for Wi-Fi, but might choose flights on the basis of internet coverage, especially on longer routes.
The race for in-flight Wi-Fi in Australia is heating up, with Qantas claiming an early win in the domestic stakes, while Virgin Australia has its nose in front on international services.
Both airlines are rolling out in-flight internet access, using different systems.
Having successfully trialled Wi-Fi on a Boeing 737, Virgin is first upgrading its 737 fleet before turning to its Boeing 777 aircraft.
“Domestically, three of our Boeing 737 aircraft are equipped with the technology and our guests are enjoying using the service free of charge. From (January), one aircraft every eight days will be fitted with in-flight Wi-Fi at our hangar in Brisbane, with the majority of the 737 fleet scheduled for completion by the end of this year,” a Virgin spokesperson said.
“Internationally, in-flight Wi-Fi is currently being tested on one o
