ANA, JAL to provide in-flight Wi-Fi on international routes

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ANA said Monday that from summer 2013, Wi-Fi will be available on its international routes. The service will initially be made available on ANA B777-300ER and B767-300ER fleets serving ANA’s international network. The OnAir Wi-Fi service, Internet OnAir, will work in the same way as a Wi-Fi hotspot on the ground.

Tetsuo FUKUDA, Senior Vice President of CS & Products Services and Innovations, said: “The service will offer passengers a new inflight experience, giving them the flexibility and choice they deserve. We look forward to working with OnAir on this project. OnAir has a wealth of experience in handling large scale fleet programs and delivering end-to-end connectivity solutions for multiple aircraft types.”

Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir commented: “ANA’s decision to choose OnAir’s SBB-based Wi-Fi product demonstrates that the combination of OnAir and SBB is the best solution for passenger connectivity and cements OnAir’s position as the benchmark for global inflight connectivity solutions.”

Internet OnAir provides consistent global coverage, with a combination of over 80 regulatory authorizations, as well as its use of Inmarsat’s I4 SBB network.

OnAir’s products enable passengers to use their own mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and laptops in exactly the same way as they do on the ground, either through the onboard GSM network or the onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The products are available as linefit or retrofit for all commercial aircraft, as well as government, VIP and business jets, and ships.

OnAir was incorporated in February 2005 and is owned by SITA, the leading IT solutions provider to the air transport world and Airbus, the leading aircraft manufacturer. OnAir is a member of the GSM Association and an Inmarsat Distribution Partner for both SBB and Global Xpress services.

Meanwhile, Japan Airlines is to begin offering JAL Sky Wi-Fi this summer.

The high-speed, wireless Internet service will gradually be introduced onboard JAL’s international flights as the airline progressively equips aircraft across its international fleet with the broadband Ku connectivity solution eXConnect by Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic).

With JAL Sky Wi-Fi, customers in every cabin class will be able to send and receive emails, update and navigate their social media networks and browse the internet utilizing their personal electronic devices such as laptops and other Wi-Fi enabled gadgets.

As an alternative inflight entertainment option, or for getting some work done, customers will be able to enjoy the convenience of an onboard Wi-Fi environment that is comparable to ground-level broadband internet access in terms of connection and data-transfer speed.

Connected Routes

Starting with the installation on a Boeing 777-300ER, JAL Sky Wi-Fi will first become available on flights between Tokyo (Narita) and New York (John F. Kennedy) on alternate days from July , and daily from early August. Soon after, JAL expects to deliver its latest service on flights to and from Chicago, Los Angeles and Jakarta by the end of October this year, and London, Paris and Frankfurt by next spring.

Charges

The usage fee for JAL Sky Wi-Fi is $11.95 for the first hour, or $21.95 for 24 hours upon activation. Customers who purchase 24 hours of usage can continue to enjoy the service within the time limit, on a connecting JAL international flight that has the JAL Sky Wi-Fi system. Fees are payable by credit card only. Payments made by JAL CARD, JAL USA CARD, or the JAL Shanghai Pudong Development Bank credit card are entitled to the special rates of $10.75 for the first hour and $19.75 for 24 hours of usage.

Free Trial

From Jul 15 to Sept 30, customers in First and Executive Class on applicable flights will be able to experience JAL Sky Wi-Fi with a complimentary one-hour trial of the new service. Customers interested in the trial should contact their cabin attendant for more information on how to access it.