Up in the Air: Connectivity

India has lifted the restrictions on the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) onboard, enabling passengers to use smartphones and tablets from gate-to-gate.

Onboard connectivity is now available on some of Delta’s long-haul routes following the launch of Gogo’s service on B747-400 services to Tokyo.

Japan Airlines will install Panasonic Avionics’ onboard Wi-Fi solution on its Boeing 787s, 777-200ERs and 767-300ERs following the success of the service on its 777s.

FTE explores MI Airline’s new in-flight Wi-Fi solution and assesses whether the likes of KLM and Mezzo think it could redefine the onboard connectivity market.

Israeli airline EL AL will introduce in-flight Wi-Fi on its Boeing 737s, becoming the first airline to offer ViaSat’s ‘Exede in the Air’ service on flights within Europe. 

FTE spoke to Virgin America, Here On Biz and Gogo about the benefits of the first ever in-flight social network, and the challenges that had to be overcome to make it a reality.

Boeing has delivered the first B747-8 line-fitted with the AeroMobile inflight connectivity service, removing the need for the aircraft to be retrofitted after delivery. 

In-flight Wi-Fi is fast becoming a must-have, but the debate continues as to who should fund it. Read what JetBlue, Emirates, OnAir and Inmarsat had to say about funding connectivity.