Qantas has announced a delay in the rollout of high-speed Wi-Fi on its international flights, pushing the launch to late January 2025. This marks a setback for the airline, which had previously planned to introduce Wi-Fi connectivity on long-haul routes by the end of 2024. The delay stems from technical issues related to the satellite provider Viasat.
The Plan and the Delay
Qantas has offered free high-speed Wi-Fi on domestic flights since 2017, and the airline had been preparing to extend this service to international routes. The international rollout is a response to increasing passenger demand for inflight connectivity, particularly on long-haul flights.
However, challenges with Viasat’s satellite technology have forced the airline to delay the launch. Qantas is now targeting January 2025 for the service’s debut, though this timeline remains contingent on resolving the outstanding technical issues.
Current Wi-Fi Availability
Domestic Flights: Qantas currently provides free high-speed Wi-Fi on domestic Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 flights.
International Flights: No Wi-Fi service is available yet on Qantas’ long-haul international fleet, which includes the Airbus A380, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and Airbus A330-300.
Passenger Expectations
Passengers on long-haul routes have expressed growing frustration over the lack of Wi-Fi, especially as competitors like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines offer inflight connectivity on their international services.
Qantas has acknowledged these expectations and remains committed to delivering a robust and reliable Wi-Fi service once the technical issues are resolved.
Why the Delay?
The delay is attributed to:
Viasat Technology Issues: Problems related to the Viasat-3 satellite network, which was intended to provide coverage for Qantas’ international fleet.
Testing and Reliability: Ensuring that the system performs reliably on long-haul flights before full-scale implementation.
Andrew David, Qantas Domestic and International CEO, commented on the delay:
“We know our customers want to stay connected during their flights, and we’re committed to delivering a service that meets their expectations. While we’re disappointed by this delay, it’s essential that we get it right and offer a reliable service.”
What’s Next?
Launch Target: Late January 2025
Initial Rollout: The service will likely begin on routes operated by the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A330-300, before expanding to the Airbus A380 fleet.
Free Service: Qantas has indicated that, similar to domestic flights, the international Wi-Fi service will be free of charge for passengers.
Bottom Line
Qantas’ delay in the rollout of international Wi-Fi underscores the challenges of implementing reliable inflight connectivity on long-haul routes. While passengers will need to wait a little longer, the airline’s commitment to quality ensures that once launched, the service will meet the expectations of modern travelers.
