Mile High Surfing

Indian carriers have lagged behind their global peers when it comes to in-flight connectivity. However, carriers like Vistara have been finding out ways to offer entertainment on board.

- C Santhosh

The Indian civil aviation market is currently going through an important period as Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) such as IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir are battling for market share and Full Service Carriers (FSCs) such as Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara are seeking to find a sustainable business model in a market fighting overcapacity and rising costs. Over the past few years, airlines from India made the news frequently with record orders for new generation airplanes from Airbus and Boeing and these aircraft are now entering service in growing numbers. In many ways, Indian carriers lead their Asian peers in the region when it comes to introduction of new technology, but one area that we are lagging behind is when it comes to In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) which is the buzzword amongst global airlines today.

According to the third annual Inflight Connectivity Survey, published by Inmarsat and market research company GfK, 60 per cent of all passengers believe inflight Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury, and instead consider it a necessity. “Highquality inflight Wi-Fi is changing the way people think about flying and how they spend their time in the air. Whether using the time to work, to connect with friends and family, or to pass time shopping or viewing entertainment, the availability of inflight broadband has become a major factor when choosing an airline. The annual Inflight Connectivity Survey has become a barometer for passenger sentiment revealed passengers believe that inflight Wi-Fi is a necessity and no longer a luxury. This will only increase as more people experience inflight connectivity. It is clear the opportunity that connectivity presents to airlines cannot be underestimated,” said Leo Mondale, President of Inmarsat Aviation, following the release of the survey.