WiFi in the Sky
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Work and travel may be even easier in the days to come. Working on flights has been difficult in the past because of the lack of internet access. Several domestic airline companies have started offering Wi-Fi access to their passengers and many more are working towards that goal.According to some experts there are around 200 commercial flights that currently are testing internet access. It is also expected that around 1,000 more will have the same capability as early as the end of 2009. The coverage is for North American flights but many internet service providers are scrambling to make global service a reality.
The cost to the airline companies is not cheap. It is projected that equipping just one plane for Wi-Fi access could cost near $100,000. Companies are struggling to justify the expense at a time when revenues are dangerously low and there is no immediate income for the efforts that are made.
Consumers are looking for more convenience, better service and fewer delays in the work day. Providing internet access for flights will make it easier for business travelers to stay on task and even leisure travelers to stay connected.
Not all internet access is created equal. Some of the airlines only offer passengers the ability to check emails and send instant messages. There is no ability to surf the internet. This is not really what many of the passengers are looking for in their internet access.
The airline industry is struggling to maintain the status quo during these tough economic times. Leisure travelers are staying home because of tightening budgets. Business travelers are finding new, high-tech ways to do business with customers and associates away from home. Adding amenities like Wi-Fi access is just one of the ways that airlines are looking to hang on to existing customers and to draw new travelers as well.
Image of Southwest Airlines' Wifi Page