UPDATE (14/08, 1230am): We have updated the article with several new information regarding the upcoming AirAsia inflight Wi-Fi service. Read more for details.
Original article (13/08, 614pm):
Even though inflight Internet connectivity is nothing new, local air carriers have yet to offer such services to their customers. That will soon change though as AirAsia has publicly revealed that it is now testing inflight Wi-Fi connectivity in order to allow passengers to connect to Internet during their flight.
According to a series of tweets, the test was done earlier today and involves several instant messaging apps which include LINE, WeChat, and WhatsApp. However, the date of public availability for the service is not known at the moment as AirAsia didn’t mention any launch date in those tweets.
Why is everyone onboard on their phones? Today, we are conducting Wi-Fi testing onboard our flights! Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/2SM3d9wjBS
— AirAsia (@airasia) August 13, 2014
This is certainly a great news for AirAsia passengers out there especially if you are one of those that were bored out of your mind without Internet during your flights. Do note that passengers most probably need to pay extra for the AirAsia in-flight Wi-Fi service but then again, it is the same with most airlines out there that are already offering such service.
Not to forget, this is AirAsia we talking about. Now, let’s wait and see how much the airline will charge passengers for its inflight Wi-Fi service.
[Source: AirAsia @ Twitter – 1, 2, 3. AirAsia aircraft image: xfwspot via Planespotters]
UPDATE (14/08, 1230am): We have received a number of new information regarding the upcoming AirAsia’s inflight Wi-Fi service:
– The service is scheduled to go live by year end.
– Will be made available in phases starting with AK flight code before the service is expanded other flight codes within AirAsia family.
– The project is already five years in the making.
– The Wi-Fi equipment was apparently developed in-house after third-party equipment that was introduced to the airline was deemed too expensive.
– The fee that customers need to pay to use the inflight Wi-Fi service is said to be “affordable”.
Last but not least, AirAsia will be offering free access to 60 passengers on flights that are equipped with the service for the next two months. Details will announced by the airline through its website and social channels very soon though, so we’ll keep you posted once the time comes.
[Source: ABN News]
